COMMERCIAL

BRICK HILL: THE CASTLE

In 2003, The Castle, a former reform school near the center of the old Maine Youth Center site, was in bad shape. As impressive as the building is, the state officials in charge of selling the former Maine Youth Center were convinced that the building was in too poor shape to save, and they were prepared to tear it down.

Lead developer Richard Berman of the Developers Collaborative asked the state to give him five years to find a use for the building - and if he was still unsuccessful after that period, he agreed that he would pay to tear down the building himself. After a wide search and several different plans, the Developers Collaborative struck a deal with Portland Urology Associates, a firm that demanded high-end medical offices and was struck by the opportunity to house their business in such a distinctive building. This partnership allowed the Developers Collaborative to restore the structure and transform the interior for contemporary uses.

The Castle stands as a focal point in the Brick Hill neighborhood, and is renowned by its tenants for its unique architectural features - such as corner offices with turrets. It also enjoys views of and access to the Brick Hill neighborhood's extensive open spaces and views.

FAST FACTS

Location:
Brick Hill, South Portland

Completion Date:
2008; leasing ongoing

Project Scope:
52,000 SF medical offices and historic renovation

Lead Developers:
Richard Berman and Dirk Thomas

Total cost:
$9 million