When the retail market was really struggling in the first quarter of 2009, approximately 60,000 square feet of retail space was available for lease in Portland’s Old Port (the area from Franklin Street to Temple, and Middle Street to Commercial).
One year later, vacancies in the Old Port dropped by almost 20 percent to less than 48,000 square feet of available space. The good news has continued throughout the first half of 2010. Currently, there is less then 40,000 square feet available for lease in this area. And of that total, more than 25 percent comprises only one vacancy: the former Pavilion space at 188 Middle St.
Of note are the new restaurants that have opened since the start of 2009: Havana South, Pat’s Pizza, Shima, Joe’s New York Pizza, and Linda Bean’s Perfect Maine Lobster Roll. Walter’s moved to a location within the Old Port, and Siano’s Pizzeria, Sonny’s, Salt Exchange, and The Corner Room opened on its immediate periphery. Additionally, Canelli’s and G’Vanni’s are under construction and will be opening soon on Exchange Street. (Continued on PDF)