U.S. Custom House

The U.S. Custom House, located in Portland, Maine, is a three-story building that is on the National Register of Historic Places.  Constructed between 1867 and 1872, the building combines elements of the Second Empire and Renaissance Revival styles. The need for the new U.S. Custom House was exacerbated by the Great Fire of July 4, 1866 that destroyed the Exchange Building, which had previously housed the customs office, post office and courts.

The architect was commissioned over a fifteen year period to undertake several historic restoration projects at the 18,300sf building, including exterior masonry repair, roof repair, interior plaster repair, and window restoration, as well as code compliance and energy efficiency upgrades.  The goal of the projects was to improve energy efficiency and perform necessary repairs and alterations that would provide the GSA with leasable commercial office space.  All of the projects have been conducted with the review and approval of the Maine Historic Preservation Commission.

Historic Restoration – The building façade consists of cut granite stonework with masonry backup. The stonework is highly decorative with carved capital pediments, an entablature with engaged columns and pilasters and a decorative parapet and balustrade surrounding the perimeter of the roof. Two large stone cupolas are set into the slate-shingled, hipped roof.

The exterior masonry repair project included re-pointing and restoration of the entire façade. The new mortar composition and color were matched as closely as possible to the original.

The roof repair project included the installation of a self-flashing roof membrane to maintain the architectural integrity of the building while maintaining its historic appearance.

The interior plaster repair project required that the existing, degraded, decorative plaster work either be repaired or replaced.

The window restoration project involved off-site restoration of every window on the exterior of the building, and replacement of the glass with laminated, single-pane glazing (to fit within the original window sections).

Accessibility Upgrades – The building underwent accessibility upgrades, including a new elevator and lobby to provide improved access to upper levels. The elevator was carefully placed within the interior volume, to respect the historic context to the greatest extent possible.

Mechanical and Electrical Upgrades – Anew electrical distribution system, an 80-ton geothermal system with three 1,500 foot wells beneath city sidewalks, and a ventilation system with energy recovery were designed and installed. These improvements have reduced yearly energy costs by 30 percent.