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On November 16, UNE's Westbrook Seminary Building, now known as Alumni Hall, was named as a 2016 Honor Award recipient by Maine Preservation, a statewide nonprofit organization.

Presented to 15 projects nominated earlier this year, the awards recognize excellence in historic preservation throughout the state; highlight the importance of preservation, restoration, rehabilitation; and honor adaptive use of important historic Maine landmarks and the owners, professionals and workers who make them happen.

Alumni Hall, a Federal style structure built in 1833, reopened in June of 2016 following a full renovation. As described by Maine Preservation, this building is “the centerpiece of the University of 51С�Ƴ�’s Portland campus. After sitting vacant for over a decade, the building and its historic green have now been restored to their original grandeur.”

Other winners include Thompson’s Point in Portland for its innovative rehabilitation and St. Andre’s Convent in Biddeford, which addresses Maine’s affordable housing needs.

“These projects provide entrepreneurs, artists, and residents compelling places to grow their work or live while in restored historically significant landmarks are made available to the public. We’re proud to commend our honorees for 2016, bringing attention to the diverse ways significant places important to our shared history can contribute to our future,” Greg Paxton, Executive Director of Maine Preservation stated. “With creative approaches and innovative financing, more historic buildings in Maine can be preserved and utilized to their full potential.”