New VIDEO! Legacy and Vision: Rumery Lofts Historic Preservation Project by Developers Collaborative
- Developers Collaborative
- Oct 21
- 2 min read
Projects like Rumery Lofts reflect a growing movement in Portland—one that values historic preservation and adaptive reuse. By transforming existing buildings, Developers Collaborative helps meet today’s housing needs while honoring the character, identity, and history that make our neighborhoods unique.
At 509 Forest Avenue, what was once a 1928 auto showroom and dance hall has been thoughtfully reimagined into 38 modern loft-style apartments—without losing its roots.
🎥 In the video below, Mike Lyne, Developers Collaborative’s Director of Commercial Real Estate, shares how the building’s original character was preserved while adapting it for modern use. Scott Rumery, great-grandson of the building’s namesake, reflects on his great-grandfather’s legacy, the unexpected ways history connects to today, and his heartfelt appreciation for Developers Collaborative’s care and vision.
Mike also notes how Kevin Bunker, Founder & Principal, and Frank Rumery are both considered visionaries, nearly a century apart, who helped reinvigorate Forest Avenue.
It’s more than a development; it’s a story of connection, care, and community, and a reminder of what makes Developers Collaborative more than a developer.
Builder Behind the Avenue
In the late 1920s, as Portland’s auto industry expanded, Forest Avenue became a hub for car dealerships and service centers. Local developer Frank A. Rumery, working with the Dartmouth Real Estate Company, helped construct a cohesive row of showroom buildings between 495 and 533 Forest Avenue.
With repeating façades, tall display windows, and detailed brick and cast-stone work, these buildings created a unified streetscape that combined craftsmanship with the optimism of Portland’s early automotive era.
The Story of 509 Forest Avenue
Among these structures, 509 Forest Avenue stood out. Its ground-floor showroom and below-grade garage were complemented by Ricker Gardens, a second-floor ballroom and performance space that became a popular entertainment venue in the 1930s and 1940s.
During that era, the hall hosted famous musicians, providing a social outlet during the Great Depression and helping anchor the Forest Avenue corridor as a community gathering place.
Rediscovering the Original
Over time, renovations and tenant changes obscured much of the building’s architectural character. In 2023, Developers Collaborative uncovered hidden original elements—patterned brickwork, arched window openings, and decorative stone.
These features were restored and reintegrated, along with a new canopy entrance and re-exposed façade, highlighting the craftsmanship of the 1920s structure.
Part of a Larger Renewal
The restoration of 509 Forest Avenue aligns with renewed investment in the Woodfords Corner area. New residential construction, mixed-use developments, and reactivated commercial properties are helping create a walkable, vibrant corridor, with local businesses and community groups supporting the neighborhood’s revitalization.
A Model for Portland Development
Rumery Lofts exemplifies a broader trend in Portland development—prioritizing historic preservation and adaptive reuse. By transforming existing buildings, developers address housing demand while maintaining neighborhood identity, architectural character, and cultural memory.
509 Forest Avenue stands as a prime example of how historic properties can be thoughtfully adapted to meet contemporary needs without losing their roots.
For more information about Rumery Lofts visit: www.dcmaine.com/rumery-lofts
Now leasing! Contact our leasing team at leasing@dcmaine.com or 207-772-3225 x312