Time and Temperature Building

Time and Temperature Building, located in downtown Portland, Maine, represents a significant urban paranormal location distinguished by its modern construction date and the intense concentration of paranormal phenomena within its elevator systems. The building was constructed in 1924 as a commercial office structure in Portland's downtown central business district, designed to serve the administrative and business functions of Portland's economic community during the prosperous 1920s era. The architectural design reflects the commercial modernism characteristic of early twentieth-century urban development, with the structure incorporating the most contemporary building technologies and materials available during its construction period. The building's most distinctive feature is the time-and-temperature sign that was added to the building's exterior in 1964, becoming a recognizable landmark visible throughout downtown Portland and transforming the building's nickname into the more descriptive Time and Temperature Building. The sign added to the structure's visual prominence and made it a reference point for residents and visitors navigating downtown Portland. The combination of commercial purpose, downtown location, and the building's status as a visible community landmark contributed to its significance in Portland's urban identity.

The paranormal phenomena associated with Time and Temperature Building are concentrated primarily within the elevator systems that serve the various floors of the multi-story structure. Elevators represent unusual locations for supernatural activity compared to most paranormal sites, as they embody liminal spaces defined by transition between floors and levels of the building. The confined space of an elevator cab, combined with the mechanical systems that operate the elevators, creates an environment distinct from typical haunted locations. The paranormal activity occurring within the elevators suggests either strong spiritual attachment to the building's transportation infrastructure or the manifestation of entities whose deaths or traumatic experiences occurred in proximity to the elevators. Multiple investigations and extensive documentation by paranormal researchers have focused specifically on the elevator phenomena, creating substantial evidentiary records of the supernatural activity.

Two distinct female entities are associated with the Time and Temperature Building, each manifesting distinctive characteristics and paranormal behaviors. The first entity is a female ghost characterized as mysterious and powerful in presence, with red hair being the most consistently noted physical characteristic. This red-haired specter has been described as creating a chilling effect in observers, with multiple contractors and building occupants reporting feelings of extreme discomfort and unease in her presence. The intensity of her paranormal presence and the quality of "chills" she generates suggest a powerful and potentially unpleasant spiritual entity, though no accounts suggest overtly aggressive behavior. The second female entity demonstrates different characteristics, showing apparent interest in operating the building's elevator systems independent of physical operation. This second ghost "likes to ride the elevators" according to documented accounts, deliberately sending the elevator cars to different floors without being summoned by occupants.

The elevator phenomena documented at Time and Temperature Building demonstrate intelligent and intentional manipulation of mechanical systems by non-physical entities, suggesting conscious spiritual entities rather than residual hauntings. The female ghost's apparent enjoyment of elevator operation and her repeated sending of cars to various floors suggests playful or mischievous behavior rather than malevolent intent. The specific targeting of elevator systems creates unusual opportunities for investigation and documentation, as elevator operation can be objectively measured and recorded through building maintenance systems. Electrical interference represents an additional category of paranormal phenomena, with lights in the building flickering inexplicably and electronic systems malfunctioning during periods of elevated paranormal activity. Disembodied voices have been recorded within elevator cabs, with audio phenomena being documented by paranormal investigation equipment and sometimes heard directly by occupants.

Time and Temperature Building has become a recognized stop on Portland's paranormal ghost tours, with tour operators including the location in their standard routes and highlighting the unique elevator-centered paranormal phenomena.