Life is returning to the Old Port Square district at the heart of historic Portland after decades of underutilization.

Architects, developers, and city officials have been working together for years to develop the square thoughtfully, from removing physical barriers to thoughtfully planning to bring people to the site in meaningful ways that also respects area history. Larger projects—including a design for what will be Portland’s tallest building, the 30-story 45 Union Street tower—are an exciting opportunity that is also challenging.

Construction on the 45 Union Street tower is expected to begin in 2028. Also on the site, Safdie previously completed the Old Port Square Garage, one of the first solar-powered garages in Maine, and local architects completed two adaptive reuse projects of 19th century historic buildings, converting them into ground level retail and The Docent’s Collection.