The Baxter Building, located at 619 Congress Street, originally served as Portland’s Public Library from its opening in 1888 until 1978. After a period of inactivity, it was purchased by the Maine College of Art in 1983 and used for studios, dark rooms, a computer lab, and their library. In 2010, MECA sold the building to Northland Enterprises, which leased it to the Via Agency.
Designed by local architect Francis H. Fassett, the building stands as a testament to his prolific career, during which he built around 400 homes in Maine. Fassett is also renowned for constructing the original Maine General Hospital Building at Maine Med and for his significant role in rebuilding Portland following the Great Fire of 1866.
