Built on top of old piers and fill, Commercial Street in Portland is now one of 10 great streets in the country, according to the American Planning Association.

The designation reflects the street's character, sense of place and mix of uses, said the association, which offers the awards to promote good physical, economic and social planning.

Portland was praised by the APA for how it has balanced the needs of the city's working waterfront on Commercial Street with other uses, including offices, hotels and tourist uses.

Other streets on the top 10 list include Washington Street in Boston, South Broad Street in Philadelphia and Main Street in Annapolis, Md.

In addition to an annual list of the country's top 10 streets, the APA also releases a list of its top 10 neighborhoods and public spaces.