August 29, 2024
Contributing Mike Lyne, Developers Collaborative; Chris Beard, Essex Preservation
The building at 509 Forest Avenue was constructed in 1928 near the center of a row of six adjoining automobile dealerships. Each building was located on a separate lot, and all were part of the same project by Dartmouth Real Estate Company organized in 1916.
Dartmouth Real Estate Company’s treasurer, Earle H. Rumery, was the son of well-known Portland contractor and lumber dealer, Frank A. Rumery (1867-1948), who received the contract to build the six adjoining automobile showrooms at 495-533 Forest Avenue for the Dartmouth Real Estate Company.
Frank Rumery was responsible for construction of several buildings along Forest Avenue in the first half of the 20th century and maintained an office at 533 Forest Avenue for many years, as did the Dartmouth Real Estate Company.
Having been designed and built as six distinct buildings joined by brick party walls, the row of automobile dealerships was unusual construction for the early 20th century automobile showroom building type. Unlike the more typical free-standing showroom buildings that were commonly constructed in Portland and in cities and towns throughout the country, the buildings were constructed for lease to various dealerships representing Packard Motor Company, Chryslers, Plymouths, Continentals and Studebakers. The dealerships were typically set up with a large showroom at the front, offices at the rear of the showroom, and large service areas in underground garages at the rear of the buildings.
The Great Depression hit the automobile sales industry hard, and some dealerships did not make it through the 1930’s. Despite the sluggish economy at that time, one business that did thrive was the Ricker Gardens dance hall located on the second floor above the auto showroom of 509 Forest Avenue from 1932 until 1944. Ricker Gardens was a major entertainment venue in Portland attracting the biggest names of the American music scene, including Frank Sinatra, Duke Ellington, Artie Shaw, Tommy Dorsey, Glen Miller, and Ella Fitzgerald.
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, call Developers Collaborative at 207-772-7673.
For commercial space information, call The Boulos Company at 207-772-1333.
Reviving History: Rumery Lofts at 509 Forest Avenue, Portland Maine (Part Two)
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