Located at the prominent intersection of Middle and Exchange streets in Portland’s Old Port, the Boyd Block is a five-story Italianate commercial building originally constructed in 1866-67 following the Great Fire of Portland. Designed by architect George M. Harding, the building has long served as a cornerstone of the city’s financial and professional district.
Over time, the building underwent significant alterations, most notably in the 1920s when a fifth floor was added, original roof elements were removed, storefronts were reconfigured, and windows replaced. Additional mid-20th-century interventions further compromised the building’s architectural integrity, reflecting a broader period of downtown disinvestment. In the 1990s, the Boyd Block began to reclaim its status as an epicenter of the Old Port as Starbucks, the biggest national retail brand in the Old Port at the time, opened in the building’s iconic corner retail space.
From 2021 through 2025, East Brown Cow undertook a comprehensive, $22 million renovation and rehabilitation of the Boyd Block, returning the building to Harding’s original vision while upgrading it to meet modern building performance standards. The project involved full structural stabilization, excavation and lowering of the basement, complete replacement of building systems, restoration of masonry and facades, and the recreation of historically accurate windows and finishes. The building was quite literally taken apart — at one point, you could stand in the basement and see the roof rafters — and reconstructed to meticulous detail.
A defining aspect of the rehabilitation was the restoration of original interior millwork. Previously concealed architectural elements (including window casings, baseboards, trim, chair rails, and picture rails dating to 1867) were uncovered and restored. Where materials were missing, they were replicated to match the original profiles, ensuring continuity with Harding’s design.
Today, the ground floor is home to Bangor Savings Bank and Rough & Tumble, a Maine-based maker and retailer. The upper floors have been transformed into the Docent’s Collection, an award-winning hospitality offering. Its private lofts blend historic architectural detail with contemporary furnishings, welcoming visitors from around the world into the historic heart of downtown Portland. This project has helped to preserve and uplift the urban fabric and architectural history of Portland’s Old Port.
