UMaine System Approves $20M Purchase of Downtown Portland Building

The university system has leased the building since 2023 and plans to continue housing the University of Maine School of Law and Maine Law Center there.

Jan. 27, 2026 at 3:07pm

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The University of Maine System Board of Trustees has approved a $20 million purchase of a downtown Portland building located at 7 Custom House Street. The building has been leased by the UMaine System since 2023 and currently houses the University of Maine School of Law and Maine Law Center.

Why it matters

The purchase of this downtown Portland building represents a significant investment by the UMaine System in expanding its presence and educational offerings in the state's largest city. The building has provided a centralized location for the University of Maine School of Law and Maine Law Center, which are important parts of the state's higher education landscape.

The details

The UMaine System Board of Trustees voted to approve the $20 million purchase of the 7 Custom House Street building in downtown Portland. The system has been leasing the building with an option to purchase since 2023, and it currently houses the University of Maine School of Law and Maine Law Center.

  • The UMaine System Board of Trustees approved the $20 million purchase on Monday, January 27, 2026.
  • The UMaine System has been leasing the building with an option to purchase since 2023.

The players

University of Maine System Board of Trustees

The governing body of the University of Maine System, which oversees the state's public university campuses and programs.

University of Maine School of Law

Maine's only law school, located in Portland and part of the University of Maine System.

Maine Law Center

An academic and research center affiliated with the University of Maine School of Law.

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What’s next

The University of Maine System plans to continue housing the University of Maine School of Law and Maine Law Center at the 7 Custom House Street building following the $20 million purchase.

The takeaway

This purchase represents a strategic investment by the University of Maine System in expanding its educational offerings and presence in Maine's largest city, Portland, through the continued operation of the University of Maine School of Law and Maine Law Center at this centralized downtown location.