Mainestay-Portland

Youth Home-MaineStay Portland, Maine
1996

When a project comes with the restraints like this one did it takes the will and determination of both the client and the architect to make it the success this one became. After looking at many potential building sites throughout the near downtown area of Portland this location with its vacant and highly deteriorated building on it right in the center of the agencies “catchment area” became the logical choice and a real challenge, a challenge in that the structure had to be renovated exactly on the existing “footprint” due to numerous setback infringements plus other issues.

The resulting residential home for homeless youth with duel diagnosed mental health disorders allows for dorm like living for 13 persons and with facilities for living, meeting and counseling. The existing structure was systematically renovated to provide a safe and secure living environment as they strive to get their lives back on track.