Why is commercial architecture from the second half of the 19th century so perfect? This structure in Downtown Portland is known as the Printer’s Exchange Building and was built in 1866, amongst the ashes of the buildings lost in the Great Fire of 1866. Charles Quincy Clapp is credited as the designer of the structure, which is Italianate in style with the paired round arched windows set into larger openings. The rounded corners are a really subtle but splendid touch in the design. The building got its name as it was home to the Eastern Argus and the Portland Daily Press, among other newspapers who rented the space from owner, Horatio Nelson Jose. I really like this one!
Buildings of New England 
The Clapp family lost 14 buildings in the Great Fire. Charles had 8, including the Printers Exchange, under construction by years end. The family also owned the Mariner’s Church, having foreclosed on the notes taken for construction.
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Oh wow! great addition to this story. I need to find a good book documenting life before and just after the 1866 fire!
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