Monday, May 31, 2010

When the Walls Come Tumbling Down

Demolition continues at the former Jordans Meat Factory. I'll keep you updated on the project, whether you like it or not.

I wonder if the observatory will still be visible when the Hampton Inn project is built here? It looks like from this exact angle it will be hidden.


Here is a little homemade before and after action, this is a photo of the back entrance that I took last summer, it was posted on my flickr:

And here is that entrance this past weekend:


Here's the new view down Middle Street. This side of the former Jordan's will be a parking lot with some landscaping. There is hope that eventually it will be developed. I look forward to that day. It would be great to have a nice streetwall on both sides of this street.


Saturday, May 29, 2010

Dynamic Portland

This first photo is of the John J. Brown house on Spring Street. It is one of many architectural gems recognized by Greater Portland Landmarks. Maine Memory Network has some good information on the building here, along with various photographs if you click around the site. This building was constructed in 1845 at 86 Spring Street, which is somewhere near where the Holiday Inn by the Bay stands now. In 1971 the house was moved to its current location at 387 Spring Street.


And this of course is city hall. Portland had a few city halls previous to this building's construction, but this actual building has not moved any considerable distance.


Friday, May 28, 2010

Our house, in the middle of our street

This house is on Pearl Street, just off of Cumberland Avenue. It looks like a cool place. Plus I am jealous of anyone with a deck.

This is a rather flattering picture of one of the city's ugliest houses:



Tuesday, May 25, 2010

Walk This Way

A couple black & white views today. I think I will soon have to change the labels for my posts from spring to summer.


Monday, May 24, 2010

Port City Music Hall

The new facade of Port City Music Hall is up, looks nice! It features a sharp new paint scheme, digital displays, and it even lights up at night. A big improvement.


Sunday, May 23, 2010

There's Joy on Munjoy Hill

Here are the last two photos from April that I have to share, now that it's almost the end of May. I have been posting a mix of April and May photos recently and I seem to be caught up to present time now. Have a good Sunday.


Saturday, May 22, 2010

Streetcar Suburbs

As documented by wikipedia, a streetcar suburb is a neighborhood whose growth and development was influenced streetcar lines as a means of transportation. These are the best type of suburbs in my book. I've never gotten my hands on a map of Portland's former streetcar lines (if anyone wants to dig that up for me, it would be appreciated!) but there are some neighborhoods right outside of the peninsula that have a streetcar suburb feel, with dense housing, tree-lined streets, sidewalks, and close proximity to urban amenities.


Friday, May 21, 2010

Skinny Cart BBQ

I was completely unaware that the Skinny Cart BBQ was on wheels and traveled beyond its Washington Avenue location. Here is the cart's website, which includes a menu, pictures, contact info, an about page, and the skinny on where the cart will be next.

Non-touristy

These images probably wouldn't appear in an advertisement aimed at attracting tourists to Portland. Though I do find them charming in their own way.


Thursday, May 20, 2010

Clouds Above


It is currently 71 degrees Fahrenheit in Portland. it is the perfect temperature.

Wednesday, May 19, 2010

Maine Governor

Apparently we will be electing a new governor this year, based on the amount of signs around town. I think that the governor's office is awarded to the candidate with the most signs.

Tuesday, May 18, 2010

Blessing of the Bicycles 2010

Here are a few photos from the 2nd annual Portland Blessing of the Bicycles, held at the Cathedral of St. Luke on State Street. As state in the Portland Bicycle Commuting event description: "The brief service includes a multi-faith blessing, a sprinkling of bikes with holy water, and a moment of remembrance for riders who have passed away this past year."A few other cities have similar events every spring, including the original blessing of the bikes in NYC.




Saturday, May 15, 2010

Better Know a Trail: Capisic Pond Park

Welcome to the first of thirty installments of Better Know a Trail. The number thirty is based on the 30 trails that Portland Trails has listed on their website. The first stop is Capisic Pond Park, also known as Capisic Brook Trail. I didn't take any photos of the pond itself, you can check it out in person to get the whole picture. The trail is located between Capisic Street and Brighton Avenue and the trail is a leisurely 0.5 miles long. It's a nice place for bird watching or just getting out for a quick walk.




Friday, May 14, 2010

Flashback: May 2009

Here are some shots from May 2009, you can visit the archives anytime by scrolling down the right side of the page until you reach the "blog archive" section.

This first one, of the Farmers Market in Deering Oaks, was featured on a National Geographic blog last month.


This is the church in Evergreen Ceremony.


And this is from the Memorial Day Parade downtown.


Thursday, May 13, 2010

Portland Hotels

Here are unflattering shots of the Eastland Park a Holiday Inn Hotels.


Tuesday, May 11, 2010

I'm stuck in a city, but I belong in a field.


I only wish this were typical foot traffic in downtown Portland. At least every First Friday it is typical.

These folks were singing a Strokes song when I passed them, which I appreciated.

Monday, May 10, 2010

First Friday Peoples

Us flickr folk in the Maine Photography Meetup group had a get together to take pictures around town during the recent First Friday festivities. If you are interested in that type of stuff check out the flickr page and bring your camera to the next event. Here's some people shots I got... stay tuned for more.




Sunday, May 9, 2010

Mr. Sandwich & Mrs. Muffin

Located at Bramhall Square. Here is the Portland Food Map entry for this establishment. Check it out if you like sandwiches and/or muffins.

Saturday, May 8, 2010

Friday, May 7, 2010

Sidewalk Weather




Also, if you are looking for photos of the (former) Jordan's Meats Plant/Factory fire, my flickr contacts Bryan Bruchman (from Hillytown) and epmorski have some good close-ups. Check out this cool shot of the smoke from Spring Point, too.

Interesting side-note, I had a few hundred (I lost count after 100 something) visits to this site yesterday from people looking for information about the Jordan's fire on google. Not bad considering I didn't post yesterday.