Bean exodus to leave big hole on Congress
Shoppers and business neighbors are saddened at the news that L.L Bean will close its Portland store.
By BETH QUIMBY, Staff Writer
November 5, 2009
PORTLAND — Helen McCain of Portland is a frequent shopper at the L.L. Bean Outlet Store at 542 Congress St.
She said she is not fond of malls and finds herself hunting for bargains at the store, just a short walk from work, about once a week.
"I really buy the majority of my clothes here," she said.
McCain was among the shoppers and area business owners dismayed Wednesday at the Freeport retailer's announcement that the 20,000-square-foot store would close in September, ending a 14-year presence in downtown Portland. L.L. Bean spokeswoman Carolyn Beem said the company plans to concentrate on its new outlet store in Freeport.
City officials said Bean has been an anchor for the area and its departure will affect nearby businesses. Congress Street retailers say they will feel the loss at their own businesses, which benefited from spillover shoppers who often came in toting L.L. Bean bags.
"It is definitely a draw and brings people into the area," said Dorinda Putnam, 20-year owner of Queen of Hats at 560 Congress St.
The owner of the property where Bean is located, Craig Foster, said he learned of the company's decision this week along with everyone else. He said he was stunned.
Foster bought the property in 2001 from the Libra Foundation. The foundation, created by the late philanthropist Elizabeth Noyce, bought and redeveloped a number of properties on downtown Congress Street in the 1990s, which helped revitalize the area.
City economic development officials said the loss of L.L. Bean in Portland, a destination location for tourists, comes at a time when investment in the area is increasing.
"There are a number of good news stories as of late," said Greg Mitchell, the city's economic development director.
Three projects are getting under way in the coming year, including a $7 million renovation of Portland Hall, a former University of Southern Maine dorm at 614 Congress St., into 56 residential units. A $4.6 million renovation of the old Baxter Library at 619 Congress St. will convert it into office space for the 70-employee VIA Group LLC marketing company, now on Danforth Street.
And philanthropist and preservationist Roxanne Quimby is planning a $1.3 million conversion of 660 Congress St. into artists' studios and galleries.
Mitchell said he intends to work with Foster, retailers and other downtown businesses to put together a short list of ideas for new tenants for the Bean outlet space. He encouraged anyone with ideas to call his office.
"We are already starting to brainstorm," he said, but declined to give specifics.
Other neighborhood retailers appeared to have no shortage of ideas for a new tenant.
Ralph Pride, owner of Cross Jewelers, which has been at 570 Congress St. for 101 years, said the next tenant should have something to do with the creative economy in order to build on the area's growing identity as the city's arts district.
"I have a feeling there will be some sort of arts venue that could do something really wonderful in space like that," said Pride.
Putnam, at Queen of Hats, said she would like to see another retail establishment.
"It would be nice if it was something related to fashion," she said.
Foster said he is thinking right now of possibly subdividing.
"I would like to bring some top quality smaller tenants," he said.
Staff Writer Beth Quimby can be contacted at 791-6363 or at:
bquimby@pressherald.com