Answer extracted from The Boulos Beat: A Commercial Real Estate Podcast — listen to the full episode below.
How is the U.S. Custom House in Portland being preserved?
Greater Portland Landmarks is being proactive by developing a feasibility study and preservation strategy to prepare for a potential transition out of federal ownership. The U.S. Custom House currently faces the possibility of federal disposal, and the organization is collaborating with the city and Friends of the U.S. Custom House to ensure a preservation plan is ready if that scenario occurs. The building remains closed to the public but contains remarkable historic architecture.
Preparing for an uncertain future
The U.S. Custom House presents a unique challenge in Portland's preservation landscape. As Julie Gondzar explains in The Boulos Beat episode, Greater Portland Landmarks recognized that waiting for a crisis is not an effective strategy when federal buildings are at risk. Rather than react only if the government announces disposal of the property, the organization is taking initiative now to build a preservation roadmap.
This proactive approach involves coordinating with multiple stakeholders — the city of Portland, a dedicated community group called Friends of the U.S. Custom House, and other preservation partners. The feasibility study will examine potential future uses for the building, ensuring that when ownership transitions occur, the preservation community has a clear vision and actionable plan in place. This kind of preparedness is critical in historic preservation, where windows of opportunity can close quickly if no alternative vision exists.
The building's current state and its hidden value
Though currently not accessible to the public, the U.S. Custom House contains incredible historic architecture that reflects Portland's maritime heritage and the city's commercial importance in the 18th and 19th centuries. The building is a tangible link to the port's working past and the business that defined Portland's early economy.
The challenge ahead will be determining how to adaptively reuse this structure in a way that honors its historic fabric while meeting modern needs. As Greater Portland Landmarks continues to develop this preservation strategy, the organization is laying groundwork for successful future stewardship, whether that role falls to a nonprofit, private developer, or public entity.
"Success ultimately comes from collaboration. I believe that if you want a good result at the end of the day, collaboration is key."
Julie Gondzar — Director of Development, Greater Portland Landmarks. Julie joined Greater Portland Landmarks in January 2025 after relocating from Wyoming, where she co-founded the award-winning Snowy Elk Coffee Company with her husband. Originally from New England with deep roots in Scarborough and Portland, she holds a master's degree from Plymouth State University and brings extensive experience in both public and private sectors, with a background in science, water management, and business development.
To learn more about how Greater Portland Landmarks is tackling other preservation challenges across the city, including approaches to downtown revitalization and community engagement in heritage conservation, listen to the full episode on Listenly.
See also
What are examples of successful adaptive reuse projects that balance historic preservation with modern development in Portland?
The Monument Hotel, developed by Jim Brady, is restoring a former bank building using historic tax credits and combining preserved elements like marble with modern amenities.
What misconceptions do developers hold about the barriers to historic preservation projects?
One of the biggest misconceptions is that there are heavy barriers that cannot be passed. Preservation should not be as scary as developers often assume.
How does historic preservation contribute to a city's economic development and quality of life?
Preservation brings in people, keeps the economy strong, and attracts businesses and residents. People want to visit and live in Portland because of its historic character and architecture.