East Brown Cow and Safdie Architects honored for Old Port Square

Portland, ME East Brown Cow, in collaboration with Safdie Architects, shared that the comprehensive plan for Old Port Square was honored with an Architizer Vision Award and was named an Editor’s Choice Winner for its approach to retail and hospitality use.

Old Port Square was recognized for architectural concept, vision for retail & hospitality. As an Editor’s Choice Winner, the project stood out among hundreds of entries from across the globe and was a top selection by Architizer’s editorial team, alongside a jury of architects, artists, and educators. Old Port Square was joined in the category by one other winner, three finalists, and three special mentions – spanning a range of locations and project sizes, from a historic hotel in Bridgeport, Conn., to pilgrimage accommodations in Mina, Saudi Arabia.

Old Port Square is an integrated design vision that reimagines the legacy Canal Plaza city block into a new urban center. Designed by Safdie Architects, the four-acre site combines both new construction with the revitalization and rehabilitation of existing historic and mid-century structures, blending hospitality, retail, office, residential, and public spaces.

Anchored by a residential and hotel tower inspired by Maine’s iconic lighthouses, the project introduces a striking yet contextual addition to Portland’s skyline, drawing from the maritime character of the larger neighborhood. The mixed-use tower will offer space for visitors and guests alike — including 88 hotel rooms, a mass timber-and-glass sky lobby, a public viewing area offering panoramic views of Casco Bay and the White Mountains, a wellness level, café and restaurant space, outdoor space, and a motor court. Nearby, a mass timber retail pavilion creates a welcoming, prominent gateway to the district, while a series of adaptive reuse interventions breathe new energy into 19^th and 20^th-century buildings.

“We’re honored to be recognized on an international stage for Old Port Square’s retail and hospitality vision,” said Jacob Soley, director of development at East Brown Cow. “This award would not have been possible without the dynamic urban fabric that already exists in and around Old Port Square – including the area’s local retailers, restaurants, hotels, and partners – that make this district such a vibrant community destination.”

Boutique, award-winning hospitality product, The Docent’s Collection, is located within Old Port Square, alongside the Hyatt Place Portland Downtown-Old Port Square. The site has curated an intentional mix of local retailers, including Rough & Tumble and Baske, alongside national fashion brands like Warby Parker and Urban Outfitters. Restaurants round out the experience, including Evo and Gross Confection Bar.

Hosted by Architizer, a leading global platform for architecture and design, the Architizer Vision Awards span over 50 categories – recognizing innovative and groundbreaking urban solutions, housing models, and public architecture. The program is aimed at empowering designers to push their own creative boundaries and explore the impact of architectural storytelling through bold, new ideas, with entries incorporating initial sketches to fully realized models, photographs, video, and renderings.