522 Congress Street Storefront Alterations
Description
MECA&D proposes to remove the 1940s red granite storefront and heavily altered canopy on the former Porteous, Mitchell & Braun department store and install a new storefront closely modeled on the original 1904 design, with classical piers, large display windows, transoms and a smaller entrance canopy. This was set as a first workshop — plans are preliminary and no vote was scheduled.
Impact summary
If approved down the line, the change would restore the building's original Beaux-Arts-era ground floor and brighten the sidewalk — but erase one of the last intact midcentury storefronts on Congress Street.
Applicant
- Name
- Maine College of Art & Design
- Address
- 522 Congress Street, Portland, MaineSee this on the map
At a glance
- Hearings
- 2
- Public comments
- 0
- Total mentions
- 2
Recorded in the meeting · Historic Preservation Board
Last discussed Aug 5, 2026.
Meeting timeline (2)
Historic Preservation Board - Aug 5, 2026
New wood shingle roof, re-siding with structural sheathing, and removal of the rectory porch knee wall in favor of full-height columns, conditionally approved.
Historic Preservation Board - Jul 15, 2026
MECA&D proposes to remove the 1940s red granite storefront and heavily altered canopy on the former Porteous, Mitchell & Braun department store and install a new storefront closely modeled on the original 1904 design, with classical piers, large display windows, transoms and a smaller entrance canopy. This was set as a first workshop — plans are preliminary and no vote was scheduled.
Related issues (2)
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