Cities around the world have famous squares that function as either the literal or figurative hearts of those cities to the benefit of the region and country. Events and activities taking place in them have been able to attract both residents and visitors in a powerful manner. These squares have become destinations unto themselves due to this activity but the history, artwork and commerce that are often associated with these places have also proven to be important features.
While many of these features are present in Monument Square in Portland, Maine to one degree or another, the limitations around each of these elements have prevented the space from fulfilling on the potential it contains to become an essential element of the city and region. That is despite the identity that it has already enabled for the entire area which can be seen in buildings like One Monument Square.
Monument Square contains what could easily become another icon of Portland. The Portland Soldiers and Sailors Monument is in the center of Monument Square and depicts an allegorical representation of Victory. The bronze statue is mounted on a granite base and depicts a female figure, clad in armor covered by flowing robes, with a furled flag in one hand and a mace and shield in the other. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places on April 1, 1998.
This figure could be featured in numerous items for sale in shops across Monument Square, but many of the businesses do not appeal to residents and visitors that might be passing by. While the space is present in maps of the city, the limited ways to interact with Monument Square prevent it from being listed with any sort of prominence.
Additionally, events like the Monument Square Tree Lighting aren’t as frequent they could be, which limits the engagement for both residents and tourists. The shops and stores in Monument Square also provide both types of visitors with very limited options.
With Monument Square also being lit up at night, there’s also an opportunity in the space to create distinct day and night experiences that can attract wholly distinct crowd and of people. However, the limited number of stores and activities in the area prevents much from taking place at night.
Monument Square is one of the many obscure and outstanding monuments in the city, but it has the potential to become iconic. Like other squares that have evolved to become much more than what they were, similar changes to Monument Square would transform the space into an essential attraction that would enable numerous benefits to Portland and for the entire region.
