Union Station’s Demolition And Its Impact On Portland, Maine Today

The destruction of one of Portland, Maine's most beautiful buildings sparked a mission to make sure Portland's historical landmarks don't succumb to the same fate.

Portland's Union Station

Union Station was a train station on St. John Street and was built in 1888 when trains were the best way to get from point A to point B. People could travel to all points north of Portland and as far south as Washington, D.C., with a ticket on the Maine Central or Boston and Maine railroads.

The building itself was a glorious piece of architecture that was one of the most photographed landmarks in the city. However, in 1961, the station was torn down by a wrecking ball as the automobile took over as the primary mode of transportation.

The 188-foot-tall tower came crashing down and was captured in a stunning photo taken by Donald Johnson.

Outrage Fuels Preservation

In 1964, in response to the station's destruction, Greater Portland Landmarks was formed with a mission to preserve landmarks in the Portland area. According to their website, what they do is "preserve Portland's sense of place for all and build vibrant, sustainable neighborhoods and communities for the future."

I can only imagine what it would be like today if that grand station were still standing.

Replaced by a Shopping Plaza

Today, the site is home to Union Station Plaza, a shopping center that is named after the former railroad station that served greater Portland for 72 years.

The property was purchased in 2022 by Maine Health for $17 million. At that time, they had no plans yet for what to do with the property, but it sounds like even Union Station Plaza might see the same fate as its namesake.