Views from 75 State Street
by Lauren Webster, Marketing and Admissions Director
From almost every window of Seventy-Five State Street, located on a full city block in the heart of Portland’s West End, pleasant cityscapes and historic buildings beckon the urban explorer.
Winter is not usually the most pleasant time to go for a walk, but sometimes inclement weather slows the city down just enough so that bundling up and going out for a stroll is the perfect thing to do.
Let’s Take A Historic Stroll…
St. Dominic’s Church, home of the Irish Heritage Center.
Step out of the main entrance, you’ll find yourself on Gray Street. If you turn left, the hustle and bustle of State Street quickly comes into view. Carefully cross the street, and you’ll arrive at the Maine Irish Heritage Center in the old Saint Dominic’s Church.
This lovely structure, known as the Irish Cathedral, was once home to the largest Irish Catholic parish north of Boston. Many residents of 75 State Street have fond memories of attending services at St. Dominic’s.
A quick hop back across State Street, and you’ll find yourself on Danforth Street. Meander east toward Portland’s Business District and the Old Port.
Longtime residents and first-time visitors are equally struck by the beautiful Italianate architecture at Morse-Libby House, better known as Victoria Mansion. This historic nineteenth-century brownstone was the first home in Portland to have indoor plumbing and still has many of its original furnishings.
Eastward facing apartments at Seventy-Five State Street, overlooking the Morse-Libby House and (for some) the harbor beyond, may have the very best views in Portland.
Portland Museum of Art
Continue your stroll down Danforth, and you’ll come to High Street. Take care crossing here too, and then make your way two blocks north to the Portland Museum of Art.
The PMA is the largest and oldest public art institution in the state. Come back to view the 2018 Biennial (January 26—June 3), which features artists from around the state.
As you walk back down High Street, take note of the home of Greater Portland Landmarks. This organization works to preserve and revitalize our city’s historic buildings, neighborhoods, landscapes and parks. It also operates the unique Portland Observatory, perched high on Munjoy Hill.
Hang a right onto Spring Street, and take a gander at the Portland Fire Museum. Open the first Friday of each month, the museum is located in the historic “Engine 4” firehouse. This all-volunteer museum is run by current and retired fireman and contains an eclectic collection of artifacts pertaining to the colorful history of fires in Portland.
Take a left down Park Street, and you’ll once again find yourself on Gray Street. You have returned to the block occupied by Seventy-Five State Street.
75 State Street
Established in 1854 as the “Association for the Relief of Aged Indigent Women”, we remain true to our beginnings as a non-profit senior living community.
As your West End neighbor, we’d love to share our history too. Please drop by for a tour–in any season!
