The 'Old Port' (sometimes known as the 'Old Port Exchange') is a district of
Portland,
Maine, known for its
cobblestone streets,
19th century brick buildings and fishing piers. The district is filled with boutiques, restaurants and bars. Because of its reputation for nightlife, the Old Port overflows each weekend with revelers.
The Old Port transformed in the
1970s when real estate developers purchased derelict buildings and refurbished them into apartments, condos, offices and retail space. During that same decade, the Old Port Association formed and helped halt the city's demolition of historic buildings and lobbied for streetscape improvements. The
Cumberland County Civic Center was built at the top of the Old Port in
1977. In the early
1980s,
Congress passed the
Economic Recovery Act, which provided tax incentives for redevelopment projects, and spurred further development in the district.
[1]
In
2006, construction began on the Ocean Gateway project. When complete, Ocean Gateway will serve as the city's cruise ship terminal.
References
1. "Creating Portland: History and Place in Northern New England," Joseph A. Conforti, ed., 2005, University of New Hampshire Press
External links
★
Portland Downtown District