1. “Historic modern buildings in Maine”
2. “Determining historic significance of modern architecture in Maine”.
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When the Moonspring Hermitage was added to the National Register of Historic Places, it marked a significant milestone for a list that is predominantly populated by much older homes. The Zen Buddhist retreat, which is associated with the back-to-the-land movement of the 1970s, is the most modern building in Maine to receive this prestigious recognition. Typically, properties are not considered for inclusion until 50 years after their construction.
Traditionally, the sites and buildings added to the register have been historic sites and older structures. For example, a 120-year-old bed and breakfast in Guilford, currently on the market, is among the recent additions. However, the inclusion of the Moonspring Hermitage suggests that experts are now beginning to acknowledge the historical significance of modern buildings.
This shift in perspective means that buildings are now being considered for inclusion in the register based on more than just their architectural style. Historians are examining the role that a building played in Maine’s social history, as well as its connection to prominent movements and alternative ways of living. This broader approach opens the door for mid-century homes, including ranches and log cabins, to be strong contenders for historic designation in the future.
Michael Goebel-Bain, a coordinator with the Maine Historic Preservation Commission, explains that this shift towards inclusivity is in response to recognizing underrepresented areas such as LGBTQ, African American, and Asian American history. The Moonspring Hermitage, built in 1971 and now known as Morgan Bay Zendo, was added to the register due to its Japanese-influenced design and its association with the trend towards alternative lifestyles in the post-World War II era.
While the Moonspring Hermitage may not be an overtly modern or contemporary looking building, its inclusion on the register highlights the evolving definition of “historic.” The properties that make it onto the register often depend on the efforts of their owners to put them forward, making the selection process somewhat unpredictable. A recent example of the state’s diversity effort was the addition of Malaga Island, a 42-acre island that was home to a mixed-race fishing community before being forcibly removed by the state.
As the 50-year window for the register continues to move forward, the list will undergo a dramatic transformation. Rob Anderson, an architecture professor at the University of Maine at Augusta, predicts that the term “historic” will expand to encompass buildings from the 1970s, 80s, and 90s. The materials used and the proportions of homes built during these decades represent a departure from more traditional styles. Anderson anticipates that log cabins, mid-century modern homes, and ranch-style houses will be among the properties considered for inclusion in the coming years.
Currently, there are a few buildings from the late 1960s and early 1970s on the market in Maine that could meet the criteria for contemporary construction and eligibility for the register. One such example is a ranch-style home in West Gardiner, built in 1968, which features colorful cedar siding and embodies the contemporary style popular at the time. Another potential candidate is a log cabin in the Franklin County town of Avon, which saw a resurgence in popularity during the 70s as people sought to reconnect with nature.
However, assessing these 1970s buildings for inclusion on the register presents a challenge for historians like Goebel-Bain. Unlike older architectural styles, which have prescribed proportions and features that must be present for listing, many homes built in the 1970s defy such classifications.
“We’re in the ‘see-as-you-go’ period,” says Anderson. “It’s not as standardized as before.”
As the Maine Historic Preservation Commission continues to explore and redefine what qualifies as “historic,” the register will continue to reflect the evolving understanding of the state’s architectural and social history.
[Source: Bangor Daily News].
1. “Historic value of modern-era buildings in Maine”
2. “Determining the significance of modern-era buildings in Maine’s history”.
