This thesis explores how a community oriented multi-cultural arts facility on the Portland, Maine waterfront can serve as a meaningful link between both the city and the waterfront, and city residents and an increasing flow of tourist traffic. Involving community members in its performances and audience, the facility and its programs would serve to communicate the multifaceted identity of Portland to waterfront visitors. The location of the facility in a newly developing waterfront area also ensures that Portland's residents will maintain access to and maintain a presence in this historic area, which was the original city center. Without well intentioned development, this area might become strictly a tourist and high-end retail district.