Portland Harbor Common Lot

This park is part of the City’s waterfront master plan to develop an interconnected linear open space resiliency system along the waterfront, expanding its storm mitigation strategies. Sebago worked collaboratively with the City’s Planning, Parks, Engineering, and Waterfront Development staff and led the permitting efforts with the City and Maine Department of Environmental Protection.

Some features of the project will include an open lawn, landscaping, seating, pathways, and areas to support events, vendors, food trucks, and restrooms. A promenade and new railing will be installed along the water’s edge, allowing people to safely enjoy the active waterfront and appreciate the tug boats, Casco Bay ferries, cruise ships, and other vessels. The site plan also provides opportunities to reflect on historical references through signage and artistic interpretation. The park will be a waterfront asset for the neighborhood and City residents, as well as a place to welcome tourists coming off cruise ships and other visitors to downtown Portland and the Old Port.

Engineering services provided by Sebago Technics included preparing an existing conditions survey, documenting subsurface conditions and utilities, collaborating with structural engineers on existing retaining wall and railing design, and developing grading and utility plans and stormwater management plans. Potential impacts from sea level rise and wave action were incorporated into the site design through reduction in pavement, grading and infiltration considerations, and use of cost effective and durable materials.

Landscape architecture services provided by Sebago Technics included leading a design charrette and multiple engagement meetings with the Working Group, which consisted of City staff, the Portland Parks Conservancy, and stakeholders, to develop multiple concepts, finalizing the site plan and landscape amenities, lighting design, and selection of urban and salt-tolerant native plant species. Structural soil and irrigation detailing was developed to establish plant material and flush salt from soil after king tide/flooding inundation. The park design is based on green infrastructure adaptation to ‘living with water’.

Sebago Technics created 3D visualization renderings and video simulations of the various concepts to demonstrate the scale of the design to the Working Group and the general public to help guide design decisions and gain support of the stakeholders.