Reviving History: Rumery Lofts at 509 Forest Avenue, Portland Maine (Part 5)
- Brina Stairs
- Feb 10
- 2 min read
Updated: Feb 13
February 10, 2025
Contributing Mike Lyne, Developers Collaborative
The Neighborhood
Rumery Lofts is just six blocks from Woodfords Corner in Portland, an area rich with history and charm. Woodfords Corner has long been a critical intersection for travelers in Portland, connecting the bustling peninsula with points northwest. The area has seen great changes over time, from horse-drawn trolleys to the electric-powered streetcars that brought vacationers to the casino in Riverton along the Presumpscot River in the late 1800s and early 1900s.
Rumery Lofts will occupy the second and third floors of 509 Forest Ave., a building that once housed the lively Ricker Gardens dance hall. Between 1933 and 1945, Ricker Gardens was one of Portland’s most famous venues, attracting some of the biggest names in American music, including Duke Ellington, Artie Shaw, Tommy Dorsey, Glenn Miller, and Ella Fitzgerald.
However, as the automobile industry boomed, the area experienced a shift in focus, with once-thriving destinations becoming mere traffic routes. Woodfords Corner, like many areas, went through decades of neglect. But today, the neighborhood is a story of revival. As Alexandra Hall wrote in Condé Nast Traveler, “Now, at every turn, you’ll find establishments pouring Maine-made beer, high-octane coffee, cool restaurants, cult-status tattoo artists, cycling shops, and new public art.”
For those lucky enough to call Rumery Lofts home, the surrounding neighborhood offers a wealth of local gems, all within a 1–10-minute walk:
Back Cove Trail – Perfect for a morning jog or evening stroll.
Reve Cycling Studio – For those looking to break a sweat.
Portland Pilates – A peaceful spot to find balance and strength.
Bow Street Beverage – Craft beers, wines, spirits, and non-alcoholic beverages.
Great Lost Bear – A Portland classic for craft beer lovers.
The Proper Cup Coffee Shop – A local favorite for a caffeine fix.
Haven’s Candies – A sweet stop for indulgent treats.
Crown Fried Chicken – For a fast and tasty bite.
Rose Foods – A modern deli with a variety of flavors.
Mister Bagel – The place to go for a satisfying breakfast.
Maiz Colombian Street Food – A vibrant spot for authentic Latin street food.
Bayou Kitchen – Bringing Southern comfort food to Portland.
Veranda Asian Market – For all your Asian grocery needs.
Coveside Coffee – A cozy spot for coffee and relaxation.
Sammy’s Scoops – Delight in a scoop (or two) of homemade ice cream.
Back Cove BBQ & Pizzeria – The best of both worlds: BBQ and pizza.
...and that’s just the beginning. The revitalized Woodford’s Corner is a treasure trove of experiences and an exciting place to explore, all while living in a piece of Portland’s history.
Explore more of Woodford's Corner here: https://www.portlandlandmarks.org/woodfords-corner
Stay tuned for more entries of Reviving History: Rumery Lofts at 509 Forest Avenue, Portland Maine
Rumery Lofts - Coming June of 2025!
Studio, 1BR and 2BR apartments with garage parking
12,000 sf. of first floor commercial space available immediately subject to tenant's buildout needs.
For more information about the project, email info@developerscollaborative.com.
For residential leasing information, please email leasing@dcmaine.com.
For commercial space information, call The Boulos Company at 207-772-1333.
