Freimann Restaurant Building Case Study

Preservation in Action Award Recipient

John Russell, Russell Fellows Properties - owner
Robert S. Leeb Architects
Bremik Construction - contractor

The Freimann renovation consisted of the re-creation of the exterior façade and shell of the building to its historic 1885 appearance, including removal of a brick veneer which had been added in the 1960’s, and the re-establishment of its angled corner entry.

The existing brick parapet was dismantled and reconstructed using reinforced masonry to meet building codes; seismic bracing and structural upgrades were made; original timbers and brick were reused wherever possible; and the interior was adapted for use as office space.

Today Portland’s Skidmore Historic District is blessed by this rare resurrection of a Victorian era commercial building. It took tremendous sleuthing and determination to identify original features and it stands as an example of what could be done elsewhere in Old Town to rehabilitate the entire district.

More Photos of the Freimann Restaurant Building

Click to enlarge the images below.