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V O L . X X X I I N O. X I I § 2 J U N E 1 , 2 0 2 6 26 MEREDA 2025 NOTABLE PROJECTS Boyd Block, 178 Middle St. PORTLAND L ocated at the prominent intersection of Middle and Exchange streets in Portland's Old Port, the Boyd Block is a five-story Italianate commercial building originally constructed in 1866-67 following the Great Fire of Portland. Designed by architect George M. Harding, the building has long served as a cornerstone of the city's financial and professional district. Over time, the building underwent signifi- cant alterations, most notably in the 1920s when a fifth floor was added, original roof elements were removed, storefronts were reconfigured, and win- dows replaced. Additional mid-20th-century inter- ventions further compromised the building's archi- tectural integrity, reflecting a broader period of downtown disinvestment. In the 1990s, the Boyd Block began to reclaim its status as an epicenter of the Old Port as Starbucks, the biggest national retail brand in the Old Port at the time, opened in the building's iconic corner retail space. From 2021 through 2025, East Brown Cow undertook a comprehensive, $22 million renova- tion and rehabilitation of the Boyd Block, return- ing the building to Harding's original vision while upgrading it to meet modern building perfor- mance standards. e project involved full struc- tural stabilization, excavation and lowering of the basement, complete replacement of build- ing systems, restoration of masonry and facades, and the recreation of historically accurate win- dows and finishes. e building was quite liter- ally taken apart — at one point, you could stand in the basement and see the roof rafters — and reconstructed to meticulous detail. A defining aspect of the rehabilitation was the restoration of original interior millwork. Previ- ously concealed architectural elements (including window casings, baseboards, trim, chair rails, and picture rails dating to 1867) were uncovered and restored. Where materials were missing, they were replicated to match the original profiles, ensuring continuity with Harding's design. Today, the ground floor is home to Bangor Savings Bank and Rough & Tumble, a Maine- based maker and retailer. e upper floors have been transformed into the Docent's Collection, an award-winning hospitality offering. Its private lofts blend historic architectural detail with con- temporary furnishings, welcoming visitors from around the world into the historic heart of down- town Portland. is project has helped to preserve and uplift the urban fabric and architectural his- tory of Portland's Old Port. P H O T O S / C O U R T E S Y O F E A S T B ROW N C OW CLIENT: East Brown Cow GENERAL CONTRACTOR: Consigli Construction ARCHITECTURAL TEAM: Simons Architects (architect of record), Ryan Kanteres, partner and principal; Amelia Golini, staff architect; Steve Hoffman, associate. ENGINEERING TEAM: Thornton Tomasetti (structural engineer), Chris Williams, associate principal; Woodard & Curran (civil engineer), Lauren Swett, senior technical manager ADDITIONAL PARTNERS: Ealain Studio, Lam Partners, Hanson Historic Consulting, Saco & Biddeford Savings, M.R. Brewer, Green Mountain Window, Knowles Industrial Services Corporation, Heritage Co. Coppersmiths, Vintage Glass Works