The Portland Museum of Art in Maine is expanding! Based on a real-world competition won by LEVER, this two-semester project led by Professor James Tice explores the many possibilities and design alternatives for the exciting new community art galleries. The site is recognized as Portland, Maine’s official historic district. The main question is: how can a 2024 new-build not only respect and respond to the district, but also address climate-driven building needs by utilizing our knowledge and application of sustainable design/technology? The PMA expansion represents a significant investment in cultural development, positioning the museum as a vibrant hub for creativity and learning. The new mass-timber structure will sequester carbon, harken on the rich past of the Native American traditions with timber, and enrich the cultural landscape inspiring generations to come. My design concept focuses on preserving every single existing building on site, and essentially extruding the Payson building (designed by I. M. Pei) while redefining the typology through future-thinking methods and materials. The program includes new art galleries, a large sculpture garden, a pavilion, and an art facility for local artists to take residency and be immersed in the collaborative aspects of Portland’s art community.