In Portland, Maine, a 2024 ruling declassified the 19th-century building at 142 Free Street as a historic building, removing its protection as part of the Congress Square Historic District. As of late, the building has been the subject of a preservation debate in the small East Coast city, where the Portland Museum of Art (PMA), which owns the historic building, is expanding its footprint.When AN first reported on PMAs plans for expansion, we noted the growing displeasure from local groups surrounding the possible demolition of 142 Free Street. Now, despite opposition, a path has cleared for the demolition to take place. In response to the declassification, Greater Portland Landmarks (GPL)a preservation nonprofit founded in 1964appealed the decision in Cumberland County Superior Court. A judge has now rejected the appeal, siding with the museum.It doesnt need to come down to a choice between new and old. Theres room for both. And historic districts are created to allow change in that way, not to stop change, Kate Lemos McHale, executive director of GPL, shared in Back in 2024, the Historic Preservation Board, Portland Planning Board, and GPL were among those who recommended against stripping 142 Free Street of its landmarked status. However, on May 20, the city council settled the buildings fate with a 6-3 vote. Those recommending reclassification noted significant alterations to the buildings interiors. However, those who oppose the declassification and subsequent demolition noted that the columned facade, renovated by John Calvin Stevens in the 1920s, plays an important role in maintaining the integrity of nearby contributing structures. PMA acquired the property in 2019 after its previous occupant, the Childrens Museum & Theatre of Maine, decamped to a more spacious location at Portlands waterfront Thompson Point Development. Previously, the building served as the home to Portlands former Chamber of Commerce, the Free Street Baptist Church, and a theater. The demolition is part of PMAs $100 million museum expansion, which will expand its physical footprint for the first time since Henry Cobbs Payson Building opened in 1983.In 2022, the 140-year-old museum began a capital campaign (initially for $85 million) to fund its PMA Blueprint: Building A Landmark For The Future project. The plan was sparked by an exponential rise in museum attendance alongside the growth and diversification of the collection. Through this initiative, the original campus, spanning about 40,000 square feet, will double in size. Following a design competition, a jury ultimately selected a scheme led by LEVER Architecture to realize the plan.A proposed vision for the expansion at 142 Free Street includes accessible open space on the ground floor, classrooms, galleries, and a new auditorium. The space would also play into LEVERs greater Free Street concept, utilizing the facades facing Free Street as a unifier, forming a connection point between new timber additions and the four existing historical structures. In light of the rejected appeal, LEVER and PMA now have the ability to raze the current structure to make room for the new plan.