The Center for Architecture and Preservation

FAIN: CH-50633-09

Greater Portland Landmarks, Inc. (Portland, ME 04101)
Hilary Bassett (Project Director: May 2008 to March 2014)

Purchase and renovation of the Safford House (1858) to serve as a Center for Architecture and Preservation.

GPL proposes a $400,000 NEH Challenge Grant to establish the Center for Architecture and Preservation (CENTER), a place to bring together our library collections and educational programs, and provide the physical space and resources to reach out to broader audiences and to foster wide public participation and dialogue, using greater Portland's architecture and built environment as a text to explore a range of topics in the humanities. Of the total $1.6 million proposal, $1.5 million will support the purchase of the Safford House (1858), an historic building in the cultural district, to serve as the CENTER. An additional $100,000 will be used for renovation costs. GPL has started a $3 million capital campaign, through which it will raise the $1.2 million match. NEH support will be a powerful endorsement and essential motivating force to transform the organization.