Scaffolding Removed From Portland Trelawny Building

Crews have begun clearing the exterior of the historic 1907 property following years of structural repair disputes.

Updated on Sept. 30, 2026 in Remote Work

Bold flat-color editorial illustration of geometric construction scaffolding against a brick wall, symbolizing the resolution of a structural repair project. — Crews have begun removing scaffolding from the historic Trelawny Building in Portland, marking a milestone in a long-standing structural repair project. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Crews have removed about one-third of the scaffolding surrounding the Trelawny Building at 655 Congress St. in Portland. This marks a milestone in a long-standing repair project initiated by the city due to crumbling masonry.

Why it matters

The removal follows a prolonged legal battle between the city and landlord Geoffrey Rice over safety violations. A Superior Court judge previously ordered the landlord to pay $170,500 in fines and refund tenants for past overcharges.

The landlord faces total fines of $170,500, following daily penalties of at least $100 that began accumulating in October 2025. Approximately one-third of the scaffolding at the 655 Congress St. site was removed as of September 29, 2026.

The players

Geoffrey Rice

He is the landlord of the Trelawny Building who has been embroiled in legal disputes with the city over code compliance.

Trelawny Building

Located at 655 Congress St., this historic 1907 structure is currently undergoing court-mandated facade repairs.

The details

The city ordered the facade restoration in 2023 after pieces of the historic masonry began falling into the street. Workers are currently using a lift to finish the first two floors, with the remaining scaffolding expected to be gone within ten days.

The Trelawny Building was originally constructed in 1907.
The city ordered facade restoration in 2023.
Daily fines of $100 for repair delays began October 14, 2025.
A judge affirmed a ruling for fines and refunds in March 2026.
A status conference for the city and landlord is set for November 6, 2026.

Market Landscape

The ongoing maintenance of the Trelawny Building reflects broader challenges in managing aging commercial properties within the Congress Street Historic District. Developers are increasingly held to strict compliance standards as cities prioritize pedestrian safety near historic sites.

Residents and business owners in the area can expect improved pedestrian access as the scaffolding is cleared from the sidewalk. The progress suggests a path toward resolving the long-standing safety hazards that have impacted the downtown corridor.

The takeaway

Property owners in historic districts must prioritize structural integrity to avoid significant financial penalties and legal intervention. Routine facade inspections can prevent the type of crumbling masonry that forced this long-term closure.

What happens next

The city and landlord Geoffrey Rice are scheduled to meet for a status conference on November 6, 2026, to discuss the ongoing compliance with court-ordered building repairs.