South Portland City Council Backs Cheaper Mahoney Option

The recommended design would no longer include a new library.

Published on Feb. 22, 2026

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The South Portland City Council has supported a scaled-back option for a civic center at the old Mahoney Middle School that would include city services on the first and second floor and a renovation of the gym and theater. The estimated cost is $62-$68 million, significantly lower than the original $193.8 million proposal that included a library, theater, and gymnasium.

Why it matters

The original $193.8 million proposal was deemed too expensive for residents to approve, prompting the council to explore more affordable options. This decision reflects the city's efforts to balance the community's needs with fiscal responsibility.

The details

The new plan no longer includes a library, and the third floor would remain largely vacant, aside from the mezzanine level of the theater. The council has asked the Mahoney Center Committee to find ways to enhance the design, including exploring the cost of adding geothermal energy, filling more spaces on the second and third floors, and installing an additional elevator.

  • On February 18, 2026, the South Portland City Council supported the scaled-back option for the Mahoney civic center.
  • The Mahoney Center Committee's next meeting will be on February 24, 2026 at 6 p.m.

The players

Elyse Tipton

The mayor of South Portland.

Carter Scott

A South Portland city councilor.

Natalie West

A South Portland city councilor.

Kevin Davis

The director of the South Portland library.

Shara Dee

The spokesperson for the city of South Portland and a member of the city center committee.

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What they’re saying

“Not putting anything in front of the voters feels irresponsible.”

— Elyse Tipton, Mayor (pressherald.com)

“The current Mahoney vision just isn't quite feasible at this point.”

— Carter Scott, City Councilor (pressherald.com)

“The library was 30% undersized, and it's likely even more undersized today.”

— Kevin Davis, Library Director (pressherald.com)

What’s next

The Mahoney Center Committee will meet on February 24, 2026 at 6 p.m. to explore ways to enhance the design option selected by the city council.

The takeaway

South Portland's decision to pursue a more affordable civic center option at the Mahoney Middle School site reflects the city's efforts to balance community needs with fiscal responsibility. While the original $193.8 million proposal that included a library, theater, and gymnasium was deemed too expensive, the council is working to find a solution that can gain voter approval.