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V O L . X X V I I I N O. I I JA N UA R Y 2 4 , 2 0 2 2 20 S O U T H E R N M A I N E Affordability and commercial diversity South Portland is attractive for retail for several reasons, including more affordable lease rates in areas such as Knightville and Mill Creek than just across the bridge on Commercial Street or Portland's Old Port, according to Dunham Group's LeGeyt. Taking a wider view of South Portland's retail and medical office mar- kets he deems to be "very healthy," Mark Malone of Malone Commercial Brokers in Portland says: "South Portland is fir- ing on all cylinders right now." But he and others point to other factors as well. "Outside of Portland, no Maine municipality is as commercially diverse as South Portland," says Justin Lamontagne, a partner and designated broker at the Dunham Group. "e city has neighborhood charm in Mill Creek, Class-A office space next to major retailers in the mall area, several signifi- cant residential apartment complexes, a working waterfront and a thriving industrial park." Giving a lot of credit to the city itself, he says, "officials have always thought reasonably about commercial impact, and I think the business community has reciprocated by seeking to relocate and build there. I'm very bullish on South Portland's future from a commercial real estate standpoint." Curtis Picard, president of the Augusta-based Retail Association of Maine, has a similar view. "I think the Mill Creek area has always been a great location for people who live in SoPo or Cape but work in Portland," offering local as well as chain retail options, he says. "For the Maine Mall area, and even the Maine Mall itself," he says, "you've seen continued popularity of the largest retail section in the state. e Mall has continued to be competitive with the addition of Jordan's, Round1 [Bowling & Amusement] and continued strength of the Best Buy and Apple stores." Noting that all of Greater Portland is a draw for retail, he says the recent addition of the Rock Row mixed-use » C O N T I N U E D F RO M P R E V I O U S PA G E Maine's credit unions are here for you. mainecreditunions.org Better rates. Better future. Better life. Whatever your future looks like, Maine credit unions have the key to your success. Our focus is on improving your financial life. From savings, checking, and loans, to convenient services like digital banking, and remote deposits, we are the financial partners that are committed to you. South Portland is firing on all cylinders right now. — Mark Malone Malone Commercial Brokers F O C U S P H O T O / T I M G R E E N WAY SoPo Seafood obtains oysters from a handful of Maine suppliers. The company has a wholesale and delivery operation based in Biddeford opened at the start of the pandemic, and a retail spot in South Portland that opened in 2021.

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