LOCATION
Portland, Maine
AWARD-WINNER
Elm Terrace is the first and only National Register listed historic property in Maine to secure LEED Platinum certification.
A nationally recognized adaptive reuse project that combines historic preservation, sustainable design, and affordable housing to give a Portland landmark new life.
Located near the heart of downtown Portland, Elm Terrace is an award-winning, LEED Platinum certified affordable housing community that thoughtfully transformed a historic landmark into 38 apartments for individuals and families.
Originally constructed in 1909 as the Children’s Hospital of Portland, the building later served as the Maine School of Law and the University of Southern Maine’s Center for Continuing Education. Its latest chapter reimagines the property as vibrant, sustainable housing while preserving its historic significance. The redevelopment utilized both Federal and State Historic Preservation Tax Credits alongside Federal Low Income Housing Tax Credits, enabling the careful restoration and adaptive reuse of the structure.
As the first and only National Register-listed historic property in Maine to achieve LEED Platinum certification, Elm Terrace represents a unique integration of preservation and sustainability. The project included a significant addition designed to complement the historic urban fabric of the Spring Street Historic District while expanding the building’s residential capacity.
Throughout the renovation, many original common spaces and architectural details were preserved to celebrate the building’s character and history. Residents also benefit from sweeping upper-floor views of Casco Bay, connecting the restored landmark to its surrounding cityscape.