Portland Pilot

Portland Pilot docked at Union Wharf. Wikipedia declares a pilot to be "a mariner who guides ships through dangerous or congested waters, such as harbours or river mouths."

Longfellow Square Lights

Longfellow Square all decked out for the holidays. 

Portland Star Match Company

As mentioned in my post last week, here are some more photos of the Portland Star Match Company building on West Commercial Street. Congrats Ethan V. and RobC for correctly identifying the building based on my photographic hint.

And this photo is of the nearby wilderness. The West End neighborhood is on top of the hill to the left of this photo, the Portland Star Match Building is straight ahead somewhere, and West Commercial Street is to the right. Note the railroad tracks that used to run through this industrial area. The spot this photo was taken from is the site of a proposed new development. Also, along this railroad right-of-way is space for a possible trail connection between the new Veteran's Bridge and downtown by Portland Trails.

Oak Street Lofts

I attended an open house tour of the new Oak Street Lofts last weekend. The building is nearing completion and is looking great. It's located at 72 Oak Street, which is just off of Congress Street. The building consists of 37 efficiency apartments and is geared towards artists. In addition to some shared studio space, there is a gallery on the first floor for resident artists to display their work to the public 

Toward Congress Street from the second floor.

Towards Back Cove from the fourth floor.

The gallery space on the first floor.

I've been documenting this building's construction since before the foundation was poured and will probably put together a post of some photos in chronological order once it's all completed. Here's a photo in the meantime from back in April:

Making Waves

A Casco Bay Lines ferry passing by Fort Gorges in Portland Harbor. From my nautical excursion last month.

Aeroplane

Aeroplane at the former Adams School playground on Munjoy Hill. This is a “bokeh panorama” photo, consisting of 12 photos taken at a wide aperture and stitched together. 

Inaugural Address

Photos from today's inauguration ceremony of Portland’s popularly elected mayor (the first in 88 years), Michael Brennan. Ocean Gateway International Marine Terminal.

Behind the podium.

The crowd.

Overly dramatic black and white photo with fake lens flare. 

Into the Black

Old train tracks across Kennebec Street in Portland's Bayside neighborhood. 

Urban Outfitters

Urban Outfitters is opening soon at 188 Middle Street. It's a good example of how well-designed and beautiful old buildings can have a variety of uses throughout their lives. This building was built in 1926 and is known as the Canal Bank Building, after it's original tenant.

Buy Local Holidays

Here are some Portland-themed shopping ideas for the holidays. Not all of the products are made in Portland, but they relate to it in someway. 

MECA Holiday Sale Support local artists and help them afford tuition. Open today, Saturday, 10-5.

Portland, Maine Map Art  I like maps. This is an artistic map of Portland. Two thumbs up.

Creating Portland, By Joseph Conforti  An educational read about our city. Also available at your local library.

2012 Portland, Maine Calendar, by Corey Templeton Can’t say enough good things about it. 

Portland, Maine Bike Map Makes a great stocking stuffer for the bicyclist in your life.

Rogue’s Gallery Sellers of trendy local fashion. Don’t forget to keep an eye out for their threads at local thrift shops, which sell their apparel used for about 98% off of retail price. 

Feel free to reply with your own ideas!

Victoria Mansion at Night

Portland’s Victoria Mansion lit up in red last night, in observance of World Aids Day. There was a reception and candlelight vigil earlier. The event was put on by Portland’s own Frannie Peabody Center.

Evergreen

Photos from the scenic Evergreen Cemetery on Stevens Avenue:

Striking a pose.

Wilde Memorial Chapel.