The Gorham Academy was founded in 1803, built on land provided by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts (prior to Maine statehood). The private school was intended for boys, ages 10 and up, though girls were permitted to attend a year later. Constructed in 1806, design of the elegant, Federal-style Academy Building is attributed to Charles Vaughan, a noted early Maine architect, and its construction to local builder, Samuel Elder. It is now regarded as one of the finest rural, post-colonial educational buildings in New England.
The Academy could not compete with the rise of public schools and closed in 1878. Gorham’s public grammar school moved in just a few weeks later, using the building until 1905. The Western Normal School, one of many precursors to the University of Southern Maine, made use of the building as a dormitory and home of the Industrial Arts department. The high ceilings and large windows lent themselves for studio space.
Even with regular maintenance, two centuries left its mark. In 2019, Greater Portland Landmarks included the historic school structure on its Places in Peril list, citing repair needs and concerns over a master planning process that didn’t consider historic resources. In response, the university pursued a comprehensive assessment of the building and secured the help of Artifex Architects & Engineers, with back up from historic architects Malcolm Collins and Patrick Guthrie. The resulting Historic Structures Report detailed how the remarkably intact building would only need minor repairs to its side and rear elevations, while clear signs of water damage across the elaborate primary façade would require further examination once work commenced.
With the siding removed, the team discovered extensive rot across the timber frame behind the façade. The scope of work grew to include repair of the timber frame from the foundation to the second floor, in-kind replacement of sheathing and flush board, and complete reconstruction of the portico roof structure using traditional timber framing methods. The remainder of the portico was reconstructed, including its roof, ornamental fascia, cornices, friezes, and moldings. Lee Hoagland of Hoagland Restoration, based in nearby Buxton, balanced the traditional carpentry work with a blend of surgical precision and artful craft. Guided by historic documentation, a new wooden balustrade was fabricated. The doors and grand Doric columns were repaired, using an in-kind replacement approach when needed, while replica quoins were introduced on the corners of the façade.
A new roof ensured a secure building envelope, while a new reinforced concrete foundation under the portico allowed for resetting of the original granite deck. The spire atop the cupola, which was destroyed by a storm during the course of the project, was also replaced.
Amazingly, The Trustees of Gorham Academy, the entity that originally planned and constructed the building, still maintains ownership and lent active support, including access to Academy records.
Using their invaluable experience, in-depth research, and best practices, the stellar project team prepared the Academy Building for its next century–this time backed with a regular maintenance schedule. The preservation of the Academy Building also sets the precedent for a well-planned and sustainable program of preserving the other six National Register-listed buildings on the USM Gorham campus, and historic facilities across the University of Maine System.
Project Participants
University of Southern Maine
Malcolm L. Collins, AIA LEED AP
Artifex Architects & Engineers
Optimum Construction
Hoagland Restoration
The Heritage Company
Design Associations, Inc.
Photo Credits: Dom Lizotte, DLMedia; University of Southern Maine; Hoagland Restoration; Maine Historical Society; Maine Historic Preservation Commission
