68 High Street is an historic colonial revival building in Portland, Maine. Located on the eastern edge of Portland West End, the building was built in 1909 and was designed by architect Frederick A. Tompson. From completion until 1942, the building was used as a children's hospital and was an annex to the Mussey Mansion until that building was demolished in 1961.[1] It may be eligible to be listed on the National Register of Historic Places.[1] It had also been owned and used by the University of Southern Maine as administrative offices. In 2010, Community Housing of Maine sought to develop the property and the adjacent empty lot into 35 units of affordable housing.[1]
In 2011, the Maine State Housing Authority approved the building and the adjacent empty lot, 66 High Street, for 38 low income housing units. The building is set to be renovated to fulfill the Americans with Disabilities Act requirements, including the addition of elevators. The first floor of 66 High Street will include parking units. The plan to redevelop the property became controversial after state treasurer Bruce Poliquin criticized the housing authority for their per-unit cost.[2]