Issue link: https://nebusinessmedia.uberflip.com/i/1537848
W W W. M A I N E B I Z . B I Z 15 J U LY 2 8 , 2 0 2 5 F O C U S R E A L E S TAT E / C O N S T R U C T I O N / E N G I N E E R I N G "We have weathered this storm," he says. "It's not going to be our best year, but it's not going to be our worst." Real estate's rough ride Safety concerns are taking their toll on the real estate market. In the absence of an authoritative database on commercial properties, on- the-ground observations on the stretch of Congress Street between Monument Square and the Portland Museum of Art show close to a dozen empty storefronts. While some windows include "For lease" signs with broker contacts, oth- ers have warnings — including a "No trespassing" sign on which someone scribbled "MAKE ME." Some have sat vacant for longer, like the Public Market House that has gone from two floors of food vendors before the pandemic to a single ground-floor tenant, or a large corner space across from the art museum that's been unoc- cupied for decades. e situation poses challenges for local agencies like Portland's Dunham Group, which has seven listings on Congress Street that have been vacant between four months and two years. One is a former computer repair shop listed C O N T I N U E D O N F O L L OW I N G PA G E » In-Town Three Unit Property Boothbay Harbor, Maine Unit A: 2BR, 1BA | Unit B: 2BR, 2BA | Unit C: 1BR, 1BA On a quiet, one-way street at the head of Boothbay Harbor, this three unit property is tucked away, yet close to all of the action of this quintessen- tial coastal Maine town. Built around 1830, it has charming character and style, and offers many possibilities for future use, including short-term and year-round rentals, owner occupancy with rental income, staff hous- ing, and more. All of this is situated on a mostly cleared lot, with a brick patio, lawn and garden areas, and a detached garage. $595,000 TindalandCallahan.com | 32 Oak Street, Boothbay Harbor | 207-633-6711 INCOME PROPERTY IN BOOTHBAY HARBOR Waterf ront Three Unit Property Southport Island, Maine Unit A: 2BR, 2BA | Unit B: 2BR, 2BA | Unit C: 1BR, 1BA Welcome to Coveside – a classic New England-style multi-unit property on beautiful Southport Island. This versatile property offers a unique op- portunity for investment or owner-occupied living with the added ben- efit of rental income. Enjoy deeded waterf ront directly across the street on Decker Cove, complete with a dock and float providing direct access to Townsend Gut—perfect for boating enthusiasts. The building includes three year-round units. All units offer nicely landscaped outdoor spaces. $1,150,000 1 Ground-level retail 4 8 2 C ONGR ES S S T. 2 Former cannabis store 4 8 6 C ONGR ES S S T. 3 Former salon 4 9 0 C ONGR ES S S T. 4 Former Golden Lotus Restaurant attached to Soakology, grating and litter in entryway 5 1 1 C ONGR ES S S T. 5 Current occupant Reny's is on the market 5 4 0 C ONGR ES S S T. 6 Former Dunkin' Donuts 5 5 4 C ONGR ES S S T. 7 Former cannabis store 5 5 5 C ONGR ES S S T. 8 Sign on door shows building permit for hair salon/Strand Building 5 6 9 C ONGR ES S S T. 9 Former Cross jewelry shop 5 7 0 C ONGR ES S S T. 10 Sign on the door indicates new tenant is affiliated with Nuesto Food Truck 5 8 1 C ONGR ES S S T. 11 Former Harmon's flower shop 5 8 2 –5 8 4 C ONGR ES S S T. S O U R C E S : Mainebiz research, Portland Police Department CONGRESS STREET STOREFRONT VACANCIES, JULY 2025 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 CALLS FOR POLICE SERVICE, CONGRESS ST 2019 2024 2025 CRIMINAL MISCHIEF THEFT TOTAL CALLS 2025: 2,502 2024: 1,583 2019: 863 1 17 8 49 17 42 Go to mainebiz.biz/Vacancies2025 to view an interactive version of this map @