City, State & Federal Officials Break Ground on Thompson’s Point Development Project

Portland, Maine - City, State and Federal officials today joined representatives from the Thompson’s Point Development Company, Inc. to break ground on the $3.8 million off-site public infrastructure improvements for the Thompson’s Point project. The beginning of this work paves the way for the $110 million development project to proceed. The improvements include the widening of the Thompson’s Point Connector Road to three lanes, Fore River Parkway multi-use trail improvements, I-295 Exit 5A ramp improvements, new Sewall Street sidewalk and street lighting, and Congress Street traffic calming, ADA improvements and re-striping. In addition to the $3.8 million improvements, the project also includes up to $1 million for rail crossing improvements.

“It’s great to be here today for this significant milestone,” City Manager Mark Rees said. “We are standing on the site of a major gateway to our city, one that is quite visible from every mode of transportation, and one that has been blighted for too long. But I’m excited to say that because of our public-private partnership,
that will soon change, and we will welcome a thriving transit-oriented development.”

Funding for the off-site public infrastructure improvements represents a city, state, federal and private partnership between the City of Portland, the Maine Department of Transportation, the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration, and the Thompson Point development team. The total funding break down includes $1.5 million in EDA funds, $525,000 in State DOT funds, $90,000 in federal transportation funds, and $1.68 million in private developer matching funds provided to the State and City.

“Collaboration is key to getting things done in the city,” Mayor Michael Brennan said. “In order for us to fulfill our vision for increased economic growth, we must all work together. And I’m proud to say that’s exactly what happened here. Portland continues to attract national attention and private investment like this because of our unique quality of life.”

The mixed-use project recently received its master plan approval from the City. The plan calls for redeveloping roughly 30 acres of former industrial land off Congress Street near I-295 into a thriving transit-oriented commercial and residential complex. Specifically, the project is expected to bring a new outdoor event venue, sports and event center, hotel, restaurants, office building, circus conservatory, an art and cultural center, up to 300 residential condominiums, and walking trails and water access. The project will be built in phases over several years.

With the start of the off-site public infrastructure improvements, the development team is also beginning work on the conversion of an existing brick building into office, café and retail space, followed by the creation of a multipurpose outdoor live event space within the existing 14,000 square-foot structure at the end of the point. This space will host the Beer Camp Across America Festival on August 1 as well as other events to be announced.

Officials on hand for the ceremony today included Portland City Manager Mark Rees; Mayor Michael Brennan; Portland City Councilors; Maine DOT Commissioner David Bernhardt; Maine DEP Commissioner Patricia Aho; US Department of Commerce, EDA Rep. Alan Brigham; and Chris Thompson from Thompson’s Point Development Company, Inc.