Launches public phase of capital campaign to build studios and community engagement space in downtown Portland.
Maine Public, the statewide nonprofit network for public radio and public television, plans to create a new center at the former home of the Portland Public Market. Maine Public bought the building, located at 320 Cumberland Avenue, to replace rented space at 323 Marginal Way, which houses studios for Maine Public Radio, Maine Public Classical, and much of the network’s news operation.
Plans for the new building include interior construction of new studios and production facilities, along with a venue for community engagement. The acquisition is the culmination of a search process that began more than a decade ago.
“Maine Public has needed to replace our temporary, cramped space for a long time,” said Adam Lee, chair of the Board of Trustees. “We’ve had the dream of a highly visible center with modern studios and space for the public. This facility is an exciting solution and will be a transformational leap for our organization.”
The venue will include a place for music performances, speakers, screenings, and partnerships with civic organizations. “We’re very excited about the potential for bringing people together in ways that celebrate the arts, foster community, and advance civil society,” said Rick Schneider, president and CEO. “This center will help us create programming for audiences across all of Maine.”
Maine Public will continue to operate facilities in Bangor, Lewiston, and the State House bureau in Augusta. The rented studios on Marginal Way in Portland will close once the new building is ready, currently planned for late 2025.
Maine Public purchased the building with funds raised in the quiet phase of its capital campaign, Building for the Future. The organization also announced a new $5 million anonymous pledge to launch the public phase and inspire matching donors for the remaining $5 million needed to achieve the goal. The campaign has raised over $26 million in commitments toward a goal of $31 million. The anonymous gift is the largest in the network’s history.
Leading contributors include Susan and Fritz Onion, Phyllis Jalbert, the Estate of Joan Foster Larsen, Mazie Cox and Brink Thorne, Marion Freeman and Corky Ellis, Doree Taylor Charitable Foundation, Vicki and Alan Goldstein, Adam and Diana Lee and Lee Auto Malls, Koo and Patricia Yuen, Anna Marie and John Thron, and other anonymous supporters.
The building was constructed by the Libra Foundation in 1997 as the Portland Public Market, a center for food and community activity. After the Public Market closed in 2006, new owners installed a second floor and leased the space to corporate tenants. Slab Sicilian Street Food restaurant is at one end of the building at 25 Preble Street and will remain at that location.
“This is an iconic building in the city’s modern history. People are very enthusiastic about a new public use for a place that they remember fondly,” Schneider said. “Having Maine Public in the former Public Market will be transformational for the organization, and a positive story for the city and everyone who enjoys and relies on our programming.”
Maine Public expects to move into the building in the fall of 2025.
Maine Public is Maine’s premier, independent media resource, dedicated to creating exceptional opportunities for the communities it serves to engage with critical issues, compelling stories, and quality entertainment. Maine Public is renowned for creating award-winning programs, as well as airing content from PBS, NPR, and other independent producers. Formed in 1992, Maine Public is an independently owned and operated nonprofit organization with office and studio locations in Bangor, Lewiston, and Portland. For more information, visit mainepublic.org.
