The Baxter Building, situated at 619 Congress Street, holds a significant place in Portland history. This architectural gem was designed by Francis H. Fassett, and was donated to the City of Portland by Mayor James P. Baxter. Its original purpose was to serve as the city’s downtown library, and it was constructed in the Romanesque Revival style, which was highly fashionable during the mid-19th century.
The building’s construction was completed in 1888, and it received an update in 1928, thanks to the expertise of Portland architect John Calvin Stevens. From its inception until 1978, the Baxter Building faithfully served as the Portland Public Library. However, in 1978, the library relocated down Congress Street, leaving the building vacant for several years.
In 1983, the Baxter Building found a new purpose when it was acquired by the Maine College of Art. In 1990, this historic structure earned recognition as a local historic landmark, and in 2009, it became a prominent fixture within the Congress Street Historic District.
Under MECA’s ownership, the building underwent transformations, becoming a hub for creative endeavors. It provided studio spaces, darkrooms, a computer lab, and even a library for the college’s community. However, in 2010, MECA made the decision to sell the building, and it changed hands to Northland Enterprises LLC, who subsequently leased it to the VIA Agency. The Baxter Building continues to hold its place as a captivating piece of Portland’s architectural and cultural heritage.
