The Motherhouse at Baxter Woods: Award-winning Historic Preservation
The dome of the Motherhouse at Baxter Woods is visible throughout Portland, Maine
The revitalization of The Motherhouse (nee St. Joseph’s Convent) is the result of over a century of history and a visionary, award-winning preservation effort by Stevens Square creator Kevin Bunker of Developers Collaborative. The former cathedral is now a space where Stevens Square residents can have events.
In addition to gathering space available to Stevens Square at Baxter Woods homeowners, the Motherhouse at Baxter Woods is home to 88 households. The strong sense of community already in place will bolster the growing camaraderie among future Stevens Square homeowners.
Stevens Square at Baxter Woods Creator Kevin Bunker in the Motherhouse at Baxter Woods Gathering Space
The dome of The Motherhouse is visible for miles around Portland and has stood as a prominent local landmark since its construction in 1909. The three-story classical revival style brick building is ornamented with many beautiful features, including quoins, a detailed copper cornice, and the famous central entry tower topped by the copper cupola and Celtic cross.
Home to the Sisters of Mercy until 2005, the order, founded in 1856, has focused on helping people through volunteer work in schools, hospitals, and other community institutions.
In the mid-1990s the Sisters began their search for a new purpose for the Motherhouse, beginning a 20-year odyssey to identify an appropriate reuse plan that was economically feasible, sustainable, and in keeping with their mission. This journey resulted in the $15 million rehabilitation of the Motherhouse into 66 affordable and 22 market-priced apartments.
The Motherhouse was recently added to the National Register of Historic Places, joining a host of Portland, Maine landmarks.
The project received a Maine Preservation Honor Award in 2018.
Kevin was honored in 2019 by the City of Portland Development Council when he receives the Economic Development Achievement Award.Here is a video about the restoration of The Motherhouse: