Portland Company Complex

History lessons with Steffasaurus: The Portland Company Complex is a nine acre industrial site right on the waterfront of the East End. Apparently it was established in 1846 as a locomotive foundry to build railroad equipment for the Portland to Montréal connection. During it’s prime years, it’s said to have been the building site for 625+ locomotives and 150+ ships. It currently serves as a small marina, offices for local businesses, and an event space.
And let me tell you this: it’s one of my FAVORITE event spaces in the city. I fell in love with it the moment I first stepped inside — the incredibly high ceilings, the tiny windows at the top of the ceiling that let in both yellow sunrise hues and the cotton candy colors of sunset, the vastness of the buildings… it’s perfect in it’s imperfections.
It’s not polished, it’s not pristine, it doesn’t have a single modern feeling about it, and probably won’t win any architectural awards anytime soon.
It’s gritty, rough around the edges, it looks sea-​worn, and it feels weathered by time and history in the absolute best way possible. It is the yin to the Ocean Gateway yang, and feels more like the embodiment of the spirit of Portland than any other place does because of its wherewithal and effortless ability to wind together it’s man-​made walls and the beautiful natural scenery around it. From rustic weddings, to wine tastings, to food events, to charity balls… Portland Company Complex can easily transform into whatever you need it to be for your specific needs. If you ever have the opportunity to attend an event here — do so. Parking can be a little weird, but that’s the way Portland is in general so it’s really a non-​issue!