PORTLAND, Maine — The American Red Cross celebrated the completion of a $4.5 million renovation of its Portland facility on Monday, marking the first significant upgrade to the building in 44 years.

Federal, state, and local officials joined hundreds of Red Cross volunteers and employees for the ribbon-cutting ceremony at 524 Forest Avenue. The project expands the center's capacity for blood collection, training, and disaster response across Maine.

The modernization brings all Red Cross services under one roof, including blood donation, disaster relief, training, and support for members of the armed forces. Upgrades include redesigned donor areas, new training and conference rooms, and expanded storage for disaster response supplies.

The Red Cross called the project "a once-in-a-gener

See Full Page