Architectural Reconnaissance Report Bayside Survey Project

Larry, Julie

Executive Summary: "This survey documents historic resources in the Bayside neighborhood, an area bounded by Forest Avenue, Cumberland Avenue, Washington Avenue, and Marginal Way in Portland. Bayside in approximately 230 acres and encompasses approximately 234 parcels with historic resources. This survey documents approximately 448 primary structures, 16 garages and 1 trail on the neighborhood's 230 total acres. ...Most of the resources in the survey area are in good to fair condition, with some replacement windows, siding or contemporary additions affecting the architectural integrity of the individual resources. The survey area is a blend of residential neighborhoods and commercial/industrial block that illustrate its evolution from a working-class immigrant neighborhood to a major warehouse industrial area and finally to the current mix of low, middle and upper class residents along with the commercial revitalization of the old industrial warehouses. The minor alterations on individual properties do not affect the integrity of the neighborhood or the neighborhood's ability to convey its historic and architectural significance. There are three potential historic districts within the Bayside neighborhood, but boundaries of these potential districts have yet to be fully determined. The potential historic districts within the residential area of the Bayside neighborhood would be significant under National Register Criteria A: Social History and National Register Criteria C: Architecture as locally good examples of neighborhoods that have maintained their early to late 19th century character and are representative of Portland's residential development history. The period of significance for the two proposed residential districts would be from the construction of the earliest known extant structure circa 1824 to the end of the period of growth of the neighborhood and a change of architectural styles and development patterns circa 1920. The potential historic district within the commercial/industrial area of the Bayside neighborhood would be significant under National Register Criterion A: Industry and National Register Criterion C: Architecture as a locally important example of mid-20th century industrial development in an urban setting. The period of significance for the proposed industrial district would be during the height of construction and cohesiveness of architectural style circa 1930-1959. Additionally, there are four potentially individually eligible properties for listing on the National Register, including the Boys and Girls Club at 277 Cumberland Avenue, the Miss Portland Diner at 140 Marginal Way, the U-Haul Center at 411 Marginal Way, and Cushman's Bakery at 185 Lancaster Street." Project funding was provided in part by a Historic Preservation Fund grant to the Maine Historical Preservation Commission administered by the State, Tribal, Local Plans and Grants division, National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior (grant number P18AF00024).

Architectural Reconnaissance Report Bayside Survey Project

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