Skip to content
Our Work/Commercial/Weldon Hotel

Weldon Hotel

A record player and records posted on a white brick wall at the Weldon Hotel
Cozy living space at the Weldon Hotel with a gray sectional sofa, mid-century modern armchair, TV on a wood media console, turntable, coffee table, and album art on a painted brick wall
A modern living room at the Weldon Hotel in Portland, Maine
Several vases and books on a shelf at the Weldon Hotel
Unit 2's kitchen area with shelving and a table at the Weldon Hotel designed by Woodhull
A wood desk and chair in the corner of a room at Weldon Hotel
Unit 13's bedroom at the Weldon Hotel, designed by Woodhull
Modern bathroom at the Weldon Hotel, constructed by Woodhull, featuring a walnut vanity, backlit mirror, glass-enclosed tiled shower, and contemporary artwork.

DESIGN TEAM

Woodhull

LIGHTING

Prism Lighting Design
Historic—Hanson Historic Consulting

LOCATION

Portland, Maine

PHOTOGRAPHY

John Bellenis Photography

SERVICES

The next chapter

The former Baxter Academy building on York Street was revitalized soon after the STEM charter school moved out, leaving behind an intriguing 1920s-era brick structure ready for a new life. Having previously worked with the clients on a multifamily on Munjoy Hill, we were confident in entering another collaboration.

Change of plans

The original intention was to convert the historic structure into luxury apartments, but a 2020 city ordinance requiring 25% affordable housing units made the project financially unfeasible. To maintain the original budget and development goals, the plan shifted to a hotel model offering longer-term stays, an increasingly valuable option as Portland sees an influx of business travelers and remote workers looking for flexible accommodations.

Celebrating the original

Working within the framework of historical tax credits allowed the team to restore and celebrate the building’s existing character. Careful planning was needed to rework the interior flow without losing integrity. Period-appropriate windows were installed throughout, including custom details like original-style muntins in the front-facing windows, and omissions where none originally existed—intentional design choices that speak to the building’s specific story and time.

Designed for progress

Material honesty guided every decision. From stripping moisture-trapping paint off the brick façade to revealing the building’s true red-brick texture, we avoided cosmetic cover-ups in favor of timeless finishes. Inside, warm walnut open shelving, soapstone counters, and white oak flooring create a sense of quiet luxury that acknowledges the potential future use as residential condominiums. Historic references like the rounded exterior corners and Maple Street pilasters were preserved to maintain a tangible connection to the past. The Weldon is a story of economic pragmatism and architectural integrity, showing how thoughtful redevelopment can preserve Maine’s existing building stock while preparing it for future generations.

Open-concept living and dining area at the Weldon Hotel, constructed by Woodhull, featuring a gray sectional, wood dining table, record player, and exposed brick walls with framed album art
Bright, modern bedroom at the Weldon Hotel, constructed by Woodhull, featuring a queen bed with white linens, brass reading lamps, floating nightstands, and abstract artwork
Contemporary kitchen at the Weldon Hotel, constructed by Woodhull, featuring stainless steel appliances, gray and walnut cabinetry, stone countertops, pendant lighting, and a central island with seating
Tranquil bedroom at the Weldon Hotel, constructed by Woodhull, featuring a low-profile upholstered bed with soft blue-gray bedding, abstract wall art, and a sculptural side table with books and flowers
Close-up of bedside detail at the Weldon Hotel, constructed by Woodhull, showing a soft upholstered bed, linen pillow, and a sculptural side table with stacked books and a vase of red flowers
Cozy dining nook at the Weldon Hotel, constructed by Woodhull, featuring a round wood table with two chairs, a potted succulent centerpiece, brick walls, and a round mirror reflecting industrial details
Corner detail at the Weldon Hotel, constructed by Woodhull, featuring a vintage-style turntable, potted snake plant, and album covers mounted on a painted brick wall beside a large window
Styled kitchen corner at the Weldon Hotel, constructed by Woodhull, featuring modern black-and-white wall art, cookbooks held by a sculptural bookend, and ceramic vases with eucalyptus and orange ranunculus flowers
Open-concept kitchen and living area at the Weldon Hotel, constructed by Woodhull, featuring a central island with seating, gray and walnut cabinetry, pendant lighting, stainless steel appliances, and a light-toned sofa
Fitness center at the Weldon Hotel, constructed by Woodhull, featuring treadmills, ellipticals, weight benches, medicine balls, and floor-to-ceiling windows providing natural light

View all Projects
Front view of the Safford House at dusk, with the lights on inside, showcasing the building's brick exterior and historic charm in Portland, Maine.

93 High Street

Seaweed South Portland

Interior of Benny’s Restaurant featuring a long olive green banquette, bistro-style chairs, cherry red bar stools, a fully stocked bar, and checkered flooring

Benny’s Restaurant

50 Exchange Street’s historic brick façade with arched windows and decorative cornices, housing retail shops at street level

50 Exchange Street

Detail view of Mr. Tuna’s interior designed by Woodhull Architects, featuring a curved wood counter, soft pink walls, and warm ambient lighting

Mr. Tuna

Twelve

Ready to start?

 Every project begins with a conversation.

Contact Us

Get the insider perspective

Sign up to receive the Woodhull Digest, a behind the scenes look at our millwork shop, construction process, and the evolution of our designs, sent straight to your inbox.