A Beacon Of Craft

Moshe Safdie and Thos. Moser Bring Artful Design To Portland’s Old Port

Portland’s Canal Plaza is in the midst of a bold transformation—one that blends world-class architecture with Maine-rooted craftsmanship. At the center of the redevelopment will be a striking 380-foot tower inspired by the state’s iconic lighthouses, anchoring a full city block in the heart of the Old Port.

Led by East Brown Cow (EBC) and renowned architect Moshe Safdie, the project has been 15 years in the making. The vision: to create an immersive, modern space that respects the city’s historic fabric.
Safdie’s approach emphasizes belonging—designing spaces that contribute to and reflect their environment. For Canal Plaza, that means a light-filled, layered aesthetic using natural materials and textures. To achieve that, EBC brought together some of the best minds and hands — including Thos. Moser, renowned Maine-based furniture maker known for elevating woodworking to an art form. Moser’s team, rooted in traditional joinery and timeless design — a perfect partner for a building that aspires to be both modern and meaningful

Materials played a central role in rooting the project to place. Maine Freshwater Pearl Granite and native plantings will ground the site in local identity and interior furnishings will draw upon the expertise of local craftsmen. As a nod to Maine’s legacy of fine craftsmanship, EBC partnered with the design engineers at Thos. Moser to create four custom walnut benches that reflect the latticed backdrop with hand-stitched leather cushions to match the granite floors.  Drawing on a long history of collaborating the new benches, built from sustainably harvested walnut, were designed by Safdie and built at the Thos. Moser workshop in Auburn Maine, the benches complement the plaza’s refined architectural details.

This installation is just one piece of EBC’s larger effort to reimagine Canal Plaza—from a pass-through to a public destination. With updated retail, new office spaces, and an emphasis on public-friendly design, developer Tim Soley is creating a space where community and commerce meet.
Canal Plaza is poised to become more than a development—it’s a statement about how thoughtful design, local talent, and a deep respect for place can reshape a city’s future.

If you have a special project or interior, we invite you to view our other installations and schedule a consultation with  Thos. Moser Contract.

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