Portland nonprofit urges art museum to hold off on Free Street building demolition

PHOTO / TINA FISCHER The Portland Museum of Art is planning to demolish the former Children's Museum building at 142 Free St., at left, to make way for a new facility.

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By Tina Fischer

Greater Portland Landmarks is urging the Portland Museum of Art to hold off on demolishing the building at 142 Free St. until all permits and funding for the planned new building have been secured.

The museum owns the building and despite objections and a lawsuit from Greater Portland Landmarks, the city and the Maine Superior Court have ruled the project can go forward.

As of last week, the museum's demolition application had not been issued by the city.

Kate Lemos McHale, executive director of Greater Portland Landmarks, late last week sent a letter to PMA leaders asking them to rethink moving forward until plans are finalized.

McHale cited a number of unknowns still in play for the project, including whether the proposed new building will be approved as designed or might be reworked, whether the Historic Preservation Board's review process will alter the museum’s plans and whether the PMA will raise the necessary funds.

Demolition of the building would remove "the chance that it could be rehabilitated should your current plans not come together as anticipated. Perhaps most significantly, it creates a vacant lot in the midst of a neighborhood in crisis," Greater Portland Landmarks said in its letter.

“We can point to numerous instances in Portland where vacated sites have remained empty for years, with significant negative impacts to the urban environment," the letter continued.

Marcie Parker Griswold, head of communications and audience engagement at the PMA, told Mainebiz on Monday that the museum has applied for a demolition permit and plans to install by summer 2026, a temporary public park, “featuring artist-led programs, cultural events, and community gatherings.”

Erik Hayward, president of the museum board, added: "The Arts District is a vital part of Portland’s economy and identity. At a time when there is genuine concern about the Congress Street corridor, we are activating this space now in a way that will sustain the arts district’s momentum, attract foot traffic, and support nearby businesses."

Griswold confirmed that the museum is continuing to fundraise for the $100 million project and so far has brought in $50 million, adding, "We are deeply humbled by the generosity and continued support we’ve received."