Vibing Masonry #3 - The Enduring Role of Masonry in Urban Development: A Case Study of Portland, Maine

Words: Steve BlyeMasonry has greatly influenced urban planning and development for centuries, shaping the architecture and resilience of cities worldwide. Comprising brick, stone, and concrete (out of scope material) masonry units (CMUs), masonry materials have not only provided the durability and structural integrity necessary for long-lasting buildings but have also contributed to the aesthetic appeal and cultural identity of urban landscapes. With its durability, energy efficiency, fire resistance, and protective properties, masonry has been and continues to be a preferred material in modern urban planning.

Masonry materials offer natural resistance to weathering, erosion, and physical impacts, ensuring that buildings maintain their structural integrity over time. Notably, masonry’s ability to resist water penetration makes it especially effective in flood-prone areas, where its moisture-absorbing properties help prevent material degradation. The inherent resilience of masonry structures not only promotes longevity but also reduces the need for frequent repairs or replacements, contributing to the sustainability of urban environments.

 

                                               Portland Maine cut stone cobblestones                                                                                          Labyrinth at Cathedral Church of St. Luke                     

In addition to weathering the elements, masonry materials provide significant thermal mass. This helps regulate indoor temperatures by absorbing and releasing heat, reducing the reliance on artificial heating and cooling systems. As cities face growing concerns about energy consumption and environmental impact, buildings constructed with masonry help reduce carbon footprints, aligning with contemporary goals for reducing energy usage and mitigating climate change.

 

                                                                 19th century clay brick and cut stone masonry mixed-use buildings in downtown Portland Maine

Beyond their functional benefits, masonry materials add significant aesthetic value to urban environments. Whether used in historical landmarks or contemporary designs, masonry allows for aesthetic versatility in architectural expression. The ability to blend modern construction with historical preservation makes masonry particularly valuable in urban rejuvenation projects, where new constructions seamlessly integrate with existing structures. Many cities, including Portland, Maine, utilize masonry to maintain historical character while embracing modern architectural styles. Masonry buildings often become city landmarks, contributing to the visual identity and character of a city.
 
 

                                              Downtown Portland Maine at night                                                                                                         Portland street view to City Hall

One of the most crucial advantages of masonry is its fire resistance. Non-combustible masonry materials provide substantial protection against fire, minimizing damage to properties and safeguarding public safety, especially important in densely populated urban centers where fire hazards are a significant concern. CMUs are known for their impressive fire resistance, with CMU-backed masonry walls offering fire ratings of up to four hours. With fire safety a growing priority, the use of masonry helps ensure resilience and building reuse, protecting both structures and the people inside.

 

                                     Cathedral Church of St. Luke campus building                                                                                                          619 Congress Street

The masonry industry has contributed to the growth of jobs and communities throughout the country. Following the Chicago Fire in 1871, the region about 20 miles west was found to have good clay for brickmaking, so William Gregg built the Excelsior Brick Company factory in today’s Westmont, Illinois. Located on the highest point of the railroad (748’ elevation above sea level), after bricks were loaded onto a railcar, they were easily shuttled downhill to the city (597’). Lighter weight provisions to the western outposts were delivered uphill in the returning train cars. In the 1870s, Excelsior employed 120 people and produced 70,000 bricks a day, and two schools and a depot were built for the many European immigrant families who settled there. Gregg invented a triple-pressure brick machine, which manufactured bricks able to withstand 100,000 pounds of pressure without cracking, increasing the resilience of Chicago’s infrastructure. The industry remained active until the brickyard closed after 1900, having reconstructed a massive number of new structures in Chicago.

 

The use of locally sourced masonry materials, such as CMUs, offers additional benefits by supporting regional economies and fostering sustainable building practices, reducing the environmental impact of transporting construction materials over long distances. This approach not only supports local labor and craftsmanship but also strengthens the cultural vernacular of a place. The continued integration of carbon-sequestering CMUs in construction is an example of how masonry materials evolve to address the needs of a changing world, while maintaining strength, durability, and aesthetic appeal.

Masonry materials have continued to evolve in response to contemporary environmental challenges. As climate changes become a concern, masonry has adapted to include advanced insulation, air/moisture barriers, and energy-efficient techniques, future-proofing against the environmental challenges of tomorrow.

Case Study: Portland, Maine – A History of Masonry

Portland, Maine’s historical reliance on masonry materials has played a pivotal role in the city's development, resilience, and architectural identity. Founded in 1632, Portland’s strategic location on the Atlantic coast as a maritime hub remained vulnerable to military threats and natural disasters, which prompted a shift in construction practices.

Portland’s early architecture, like many early American cities, was constructed primarily from wood. While inexpensive and abundant, wood posed significant fire risks (out of scope material), especially in a busy seaport environment. This vulnerability became starkly apparent during the War of 1812, when British naval forces targeted the city’s port infrastructure, causing significant damage. This prompted Portland’s transition from wood primarily to brick and stone masonry. The architecture of this period, influenced by Federal and Greek Revival styles, featured thick brick walls and stone foundations providing structural integrity, fire resistance, and durability in the event of fires or military attacks.

 

                                                Portland before the 1866 fire (Portland Historical Society-- PHS)                                                                    Custom House survived fire
 
In 1866, a devastating fire (from July 4th fireworks) destroyed much of Portland’s downtown area, highlighting the vulnerability of the city’s wooden structures. In response, urban planners turned to locally sourced clay brick, which was abundant and inexpensive, addressing fire safety concerns and contributing to Portland’s distinctive architectural style. Due to the seaport, the existing railway, and abundant natural resources, this period saw the establishment of a brick-making industry in Portland, which would define the city for generations.

  

             Some buildings survived the fire-- PHS                                         Cathedral Church of St. Luke,1830-1888                             Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception

The clay brick used in Portland was mined from nearby banks along the tidal rivers and mixed with sand and water to create a moldable substance ready for molding. Portlanders turned clay bricks into cobblestones for streets and sidewalks, giving the city a rugged yet aesthetic appeal. Crafted from the same material as the buildings, they created a uniform look and a durable surface capable of withstanding traffic and harsh weather. Bricks would be loaded onto flatbed rail cars and horse-drawn wagons and shipped into Portland, boosting the local economy.

 

                                                                     Portland Maine’s clay brick and cut stone masonry cobblestone street paving still maintained today

Portland rose from that fire almost immediately, with over 600 buildings constructed by the end of 1866. Victorian in style, the city had a more distinctive look than almost any other town in America. Functionally, Portland became the first city in America to bring in an outside water source dedicated to fighting fires. A number of national city planning initiatives (fire alert call boxes, firebreaks, firewalls, fire-safe construction methods) also resulted from the Portland fire.

  

                                                                                         Fire protection is at the forefront of Portland’s infrastructure



                                                    Fire truck tour bus

Clay brick masonry's influence on Portland went beyond durability and fire safety. It created a cohesive urban design and aesthetic charm that shaped the character of neighborhoods like the Old Port, known for its narrow, cobblestone streets lined with unique brick facades, becoming a beloved feature of the city.

The early 20th century saw the introduction of CMUs in Portland. CMU’s strength, fire resistance, and cost-effectiveness were particularly beneficial for larger-scale projects such as warehouses and multi-story commercial buildings. Its strategic location during World War II highlighted the importance of masonry’s resilience in the face of modern threats. The thick walls of masonry buildings, including CMUs, provided shelter and protection from potential air raids.

Today, Portland, Maine’s architecture remains a compelling example of how masonry has shaped the resilience, development, and cultural identity of a city. From its early reliance on wood to the eventual embrace of brick, stone, and CMUs, Portland’s architectural evolution reflects a commitment to durability, fire resistance, and sustainable building practices. Landmarks such as Portland City Hall, the Old Port district, and the Victoria Mansion continue to reflect the city’s commitment to durability and aesthetic value for generations to come.

 

                       Portland City Hall, built after the fire destroyed the original                                                                           Abandoned waterfront industrial building

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