The place where it is located was originally part of the city of Westbrook, was later split off as Deering, and was then later annexed to Portland.

[2] In 1996 the school merged with the University of New England in Biddeford, and began operating, under its 1831 charter, with the UNE name at both campuses.

Ludcke Auditorium is a wood frame Gothic Revival building, constructed in 1867 as a Universalist church to a design by Portland architect Francis H. Fassett.

Just to its north is the former MacArthur Gymnasium, a 1900 Colonial Revival building designed by Fassett and his son Edward.

[2] MacArthur was adapted as part of UNE's Abplanalp Library, which includes a modern wing to the rear, by which it is joined to Alumni Hall.