Portland board approves alterations at 67 India Street, finds rear concrete addition non‑contributing

The Portland Historic Preservation Board on Feb. 19 approved a Certificate of Appropriateness for alterations at 67 India Street, voting unanimously to allow a new large opening with two operable roll‑up windows and a pedestrian door in the building’s rear concrete‑block addition while finding that addition is not character‑defining for the contributing property.

The decision affects a long, narrow commercial building at the southeast corner of Newbury and India streets in the India Street Historic District. The board found the concrete masonry unit (CMU) rear addition — constructed in 1962 according to the application materials — does not contribute to the historic character of the brick‑clad storefront facing India Street and therefore may be altered under the board’s standards. The board approved the application with one condition: any exterior light fixtures proposed for the work must be reviewed by staff.

Applicant Heather Gilday, the property owner, told the board she intends to convert the building into a community‑oriented café and “third space.”…