Rumery Lofts Convert Former Offices to Housing

Before becoming 38 new apartments, 509 Forest Avenue was a car dealership (a legacy that lives on in the massive first-floor windows used to display automobiles). During and after the Great Depression, people gathered on the second floor at Ricker Gardens Dance Hall, which hosted American greats like Ella Fitzgerald, Duke Ellington, and Frank Sinatra. In more recent history, the building housed various offices of MaineHealth. And now, thanks to recent work by Developers Collaborative, it houses people.

The space has been converted into Rumery Lofts, a mix of market rate and workforce housing, with studio, 1-bedroom, and 2-bedroom units available to lease. There is retail space on the first floor, and parking and bike storage for tenants. Developers Collaborative took a preservation-oriented approach to the project, rehabilitating both indoor and exterior spaces to return the building to its historic appearance. The facade was altered with concrete arches in 1963, which have since been demolished so that the underlying brick- and stonework could be restored to its former glory.

The Friends of Woodfords Corner snuck a peek at the new units. All were bright and airy, with modern amenities. If you are interested in learning more about pricing, leasing, and the history of the space, you can do so here.

Rumery Lofts is a vibrant multi-use space and adds much-needed housing units to Woodfords Corner. Local businesses in Woodfords Corner will benefit from new units within easy walking distance, and the increased foot traffic to retail locations. We welcome our new neighbors at Rumery Lofts and celebrate additional housing units within our village hub. Many thanks to Developers Collaborative for the tour! 

If you are interested in being part of the FWC Housing team contact Lily Sage, FWC Board Member and Housing Team Lead at lily.elizabeth.sage@gmail.com