The New Press Hotel; Scheduled to Open by May 1st.

By Carol McCracken  (Post # 2,241)

The Press Hotel Grand Opening is set for mid-May 2015 said Jim Brady, developer, following a city council meeting this evening.  Brady applied to the city for a Class 1A 40+ Rooms License with Entertainment with Dance and Outdoor Dining on Property for the new boutique hotel which formerly housed “The Portland Press Herald.”  The license was granted. The Hotel’s address is 119 Exchange Street.

The Hotel is expected to open by May 1, 2015.  It has 110 rooms and the restaurant will seat 75.  It will serve three meals a day. It has undergone an extensive remodeling. under’s Brady’s supervision and in compliance with historical regulations.

58 Fore Street, another project of Brady’s. will be on the city council agenda for Monday, April 6th.  Under consideration is CPB2’s application for a zone change to B-6 from its current status. This zone change would permit a mixed-use development  rather than the very restrictive zoning which currently rules.  A public workshop will proceed on Monday, March 30th.

Hill resident Nini McManamy, of the SoulsofPortland, attended the meeting but had no comment  She was overheard to tell councilors that she had new information on 58 Fore Street, however.  The SoulsofPortland is an ad hoc group, led by Barbara Vestal,  dedicated to halting the development of 58 Fore Street.  The core of this group was also involved in the unsuccessful attempt to prevent the Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad Co & Museum from the space it currently occupies at 58 Fore Street.