Luxury Homes

$3m glass penthouse in the heart of Portland, Maine, is the most expensive condo in the city

The roof terrace has real, irrigated grass that is mowed once a week.

547 Congress St's penthouse was built in 2007 on top of the historic building from 1875. PETER MORNEAU OF MORNEAU STUDIOS

By Sam Shipman

February 24, 2026

3 minutes to read

This luxury penthouse with panoramic views of Casco Bay is built atop five stories of history.

The penthouse has a rooftop terrace on its seventh floor and a roof deck on the eighth floor. *– PETER MORNEAU OF MORNEAU STUDIOS*

The building at 547 Congress St. was built in 1875, per the city of Portland records; the building’s architect was Charles Albert Alexander, born in Charlestown, Massachusetts. It was first owned by John Bundy Brown, owner of Portland Sugar Company. Brown’s sons, Philip Henry and John Marshal, founded J.B Brown and Sons, in 1903 — one of the largest property owners in Greater Portland — 22 years after their father’s death.

By 1924, the building was owned by W.H. Clifford Company, which later merged with J.B and Sons in 1972. A grainy photo of the building taken in 1924 (hosted by the Maine Historical Society) shows the then-five-story building. Decades later in 2006, the building was restored, and sixth, seventh, and eighth floors were added in 2007 under the guidance of Thomas Moulton, a Maine-based commercial real estate broker and developer.

The penthouse living area is located on the sixth floor, with a roof terrace located on the seventh floor, and a roof deck on the eighth floor.

The spiral staircase and kitchen area on the sixth floor in the main living space. *– PETER MORNEAU OF MORNEAU STUDIOS*

Located in the heart of Portland’s Art District, a foyer at the base of the building has an elevator for residents, with a special key required to access the penthouse. The elevator empties into a 2,370-square-foot penthouse — a two-bed, three-bath (two full and one half) secluded space with a vast view set on the top of the historical building. It‘s listed for $2,950,000.

Towering ceilings and floor-to-ceiling windows draw in the surroundings, showcasing panoramic views of Casco Bay to the mountains in the distance. A grand dining room table that seats 10 and a sleek gas fireplace act as anchors in the expansive open space.

The dining room table can seat ten people, but more chairs can be added easily to the large table. *– PETER MORNEAU OF MORNEAU STUDIOS*

The centerpiece of the penthouse is a grand spiral staircase sprouting from the ground like a metallic bonsai that was built by Rusted Puffin Metal Works.

“It was very labor-intensive…but we were really happy with the outcome; it’s a lovely piece,” said Carey Anderson, one of the two people who worked on the staircase from Rusted Puffin Metal Works.

The penthouse’s main living area. – PETER MORNEAU OF MORNEAU STUDIOS

The kitchen’s island has a long custom concrete countertop. – PETER MORNEAU OF MORNEAU STUDIOS

The kitchen has a long island with a wet bar and LED lights embedded in the concrete surface of the countertop. The unique island’s radiating low light is a perfect guide to a late-night snack.

“I’ve never seen this before in any residence I’ve represented,” said Will Fuller, the property’s real estate agent.

The kitchen’s island also features a wet bar. *– PETER MORNEAU OF MORNEAU STUDIOS*

Through two large double doors, the primary suite is its own sanctuary above the city. The room offers water views over Black Cove, a large walk-in closet, a second gas fireplace, and a private balcony. The primary suite’s spa-like bathroom is built around a large concrete bathtub with radiant heat. The corner of the tub features a custom copper spout, and the floor surrounding the tub and shower is a smooth riverstone, adding to the earthy aesthetic of the bathroom.

The primary suite overlooks the city. – PETER MORNEAU OF MORNEAU STUDIOS

The primary suite’s spa-like bathroom is built around a large concrete bathtub. – PETER MORNEAU OF MORNEAU STUDIOS

Finally, the staircase leads to the seventh floor and the first level of the rooftop terrace, with views in every direction. The terrace has a large seating area with a fire pit. The space also has real, irrigated grass that is mowed once a week. On the eighth floor — the second level of the rooftop terrace — is a smaller space even higher up.