Victoria Mansion in Context: Forces of Change and Continuity in a Beautifully-Preserved 19th-Century Neighborhood

with Tim Brosnihan and Ann O’Hagan from Victoria Mansion

Saturday, May 6 at 2:00 PM

Estimated Duration: 90 minutes

Built between 1858 and 1860, Victoria Mansion is widely recognized as one of the best-preserved houses of it period in the nation. Widening the lens a bit, we find that the building sits within one of the most intact and elegant 19th-century neighborhoods in the City of Portland. In this focused, single-block tour of the Mansion’s surroundings, we’ll discuss the forces of both preservation and change that have shaped the streetscapes we see today. We’ll also discuss near misses, from the great fire of 1866 to urban renewal efforts of the mid-20th century, which skirted the neighborhood but ultimately passed it by unscathed. Participants will gather in front of Victoria Mansion, on the corner Park and Danforth Streets. On-street parking includes two handicapped-accessible parking spaces immediately adjacent. The walk will proceed clockwise around the block, from Park to Pleasant to High Streets and then back to Victorian Mansion on Danforth. Time allowing, we’ll wind up on Victoria Mansion’s back lawn for a conversation about four decades of intensive conservation and restoration work on this National Historic Landmark.

Accessibility: The approximately half-mile walking route centers on small residential streets surrounding the Mansion that are primarily comprised of historic brick sidewalks. There is also a considerable incline in one direction as you climb the hill from Danforth Street. Victoria Mansion is about a five-minute walk from the High Street stop on the Metro Route 1 Congress Street bus. Free on-street parking includes two handicapped-accessible parking spaces immediately adjacent to the property at the corner Park and Danforth Streets. A bike rack is available on the property.

Starting and ending point: Victoria Mansion

For questions about this walk, please email janeswalkme@gmail.com.