Craft, Mend, and Reuse: Maine-Based Textile Business Finds New Home at Stockhouse Station

Past + Future Craft Exchange, a creative reuse center focused on textile crafts and community connection, is relocating from the Dana Warp Mill to a larger space at Stockhouse Station in Westbrook.

Past + Future Craft Exchange is a home for “leftover materials” that crafters may use, or others may toss. These materials and supplied that people don’t use or are unwanted can be donated to Past + Future for future use. Their goal is to make crafting affordable, accessible, and sustainable, reducing the environmental impact of crafting.

Owner Jo Bell launched the business after co-directing the now-closed nonprofit Common Threads of Maine. “This project started three years ago as a program of Common Threads of Maine,” she said. “We decided to close the nonprofit last summer due to difficulties,” Bell continued, “I recognized that there was a loyal customer base for the store and the hobby sewing classes we were offering, so I decided to keep it going as a business, independent of Common Threads.”

The new 1,355± SF space at 506 Main Street will allow for expanded hours, a dedicated classroom, and increased inventory. This is due to the fact that the new space is twice the size of hers, is on the street level, and has plenty of off-street parking for customers!

Bell discussed her vision for her new space where she wants to bring together the community without the burden of cost. “Every Wednesday evening we’ll offer a free social event for crafting in community,” she said, “I’m also planning to offer more new merchandise to help folks find what they need now that Joann Fabrics is closing.”

Mike Anderson of Malone Commercial Brokers represented the landlord, Stockhouse Station LLC, in the lease transaction. Joe Atwood of The Dunham Group represented the tenant. “We’re excited to welcome Past + Future and its owner, Johanna, to Stockhouse Station,” said Anderson. “Her business is a perfect complement to our unique mix of office and service retail tenants and anchor restaurant tenant. Past + Future is one of several new additions to the property in recent months, reflecting the continued momentum and appeal of Stockhouse Station and the City of Westbrook as a whole.”

Other tenants that have recently joined Stockhouse Station include a real estate office, a board game bar and a small beauty spa.

Past + Future operates as an L3C—a hybrid between a for-profit business and a nonprofit. An L3C business is a private organization that earns profits, only in order to conduct business to help a certain cause. At Past + Future, the center of their mission is sustainability, creativity, and community, all causes that we all should be embracing, especially in Maine.

The grand opening weekend is scheduled for May 9–10, featuring a ribbon cutting with the City of Westbrook, a scissor sharpening pop-up by Wicked Sharp, and mending services from Two Cat Tailoring. See you there!

Only One Unit Remaining at 160 Presumpscot Street in Portland, Maine!

Just off I-295 in Portland, one final opportunity remains at 160 Presumpscot Street—a 2,616± SF ground-floor unit in a fully rebuilt commercial property designed for flexibility, visibility, and ease of use. With every other space in the building leased, this is your chance to join a thriving tenant mix in a building that's been thoughtfully updated from the ground up.

The building underwent a complete renovation in 2024 and now offers a fresh, modern feel with durable materials and practical features. The remaining unit is ideal for a wide range of uses, from office and showroom space to light industrial operations. Inside, you’ll find high ceilings, wide hallways built to accommodate pallets, and plenty of natural light—making it a functional and inviting space for both employees and clients.

Additional features include ADA accessibility, ample on-site parking, and a freight elevator that connects to over 6,000± SF of basement storage. Zoned IL (Low Impact Industrial), the property offers flexibility for users with unique operational needs. Its prime location provides excellent signage opportunities and sees approximately 17,750± cars per day—delivering strong visibility for any business looking to grow.

This is the last available unit in a building that’s ready to support Portland’s forward-thinking businesses. Whether you’re scaling up or starting fresh, 160 Presumpscot Street offers the space and functionality to make it happen.

For more information or to schedule a tour, contact Mark Malone, CCIM at mark@malonecb.com or 207.233.6000.

Soma Metalwork Forges Ahead with New Studio Space in Portland

Malone Commercial Brokers is excited to welcome Soma Metalwork, a blacksmithing studio, to Portland. Founded by craftsman Kiran Chapman, Soma has officially leased 1,500± SF of space at 1 Industrial Way, in a deal brokered by Mike Anderson of Malone Commercial Brokers on behalf of the landlord, Aim One Industrial Way, LLC.

Kiran has been mastering his skills at the forge for six years, and running Soma Metalwork full-time for nearly four. After developing his craft, teaching classes and growing his brand out of Skyline Farm in North Yarmouth, the time felt right to take the next step.

“When I was introduced to blacksmithing, a lot of things clicked into place,” he said. “From the gratification of physically forging objects to the creative freedom of designing new products, many non-negotiable aspects of what I want my days to look like felt satisfied.”

That clarity led him to search for a space that could support his growth. One Industrial Way, formerly home to one of Austin Street Brewery’s locations, had been on his radar for some time.

“This unit was on my radar for a while and kept popping up when I was doing ‘dream shop’ searches,” Kiran said. “Once I saw it in person, it felt right. The building has great bones, and the fact that it used to be a brewery actually works well—it’s got the hookups I need, concrete floors, and it's zoned for exactly the type of light industrial work I'll be doing.”

Now, as the new home of Soma Metalwork, the space will serve as both a production shop and a teaching studio, where students can try their hand at blacksmithing and knifemaking.

Kiran envisions a hands-on, welcoming environment with designated areas for forging, shaping, welding, and socializing, plus a small showroom. “It’s going to feel like a working shop, but also like a public-facing creative studio: raw, functional, and intentional.”

For Kiran, the move isn’t just about more space. “It’s not just a move—it’s a way to deepen the work I already love and invite more people into it with a level of intentionality I haven't been able to create for my brand yet.”

Reflecting on the leasing experience, he added, “Working with Mike and the team at Malone was honestly great. They were clear and patient as I figured out what I needed from a commercial space and helped me navigate the lease with the landlord. Mike in particular was super responsive and easy to talk to and made the process feel a lot less intimidating than I expected. I’d definitely recommend Malone to other small business owners.”

Joining Soma Metalwork in the building is Powers Media House, who leased the remaining 1,500± SF. More on their move coming soon…

Classes at Soma are expected to begin shortly after a soft opening in May. In the meantime, updates can be found on somametalwork.com or by following @soma.metalwork on Instagram.

At Malone Commercial Brokers, we’re proud to help small businesses like Soma Metalwork find spaces that reflect their vision and give their ideas room to grow. Congratulations to Kiran, we can’t wait to see where this new chapter takes you!

Rock Row Health Campus Is Now Open: A New Era of Care in Southern Maine

The doors are officially open at the Rock Row Health Campus—and with them, a new chapter in collaborative healthcare has begun. This highly anticipated opening represents the culmination of years of thoughtful planning, hard work, and dedication by many hands. We’re honored that Malone Commercial Brokers played a role in bringing this vision to life.

Mark Malone, along with Jennifer Small and their teams, have worked closely with Waterstone Properties and its partners to identify and secure the right tenants for this first-of-its-kind medical campus in Maine. Their collective effort has helped shape a destination where patients can access a wide range of medical services, all on one unified campus.

The grand opening event was more than just a celebration—it was a show of community. Our team had the opportunity to connect with the organizations, providers, and professionals who now call Rock Row home. From oncology and mental health to preventive care and wellness services, the Health Campus is designed to serve the evolving needs of Southern Maine and beyond.

We extend our congratulations to everyone who made this possible: the construction crews who brought the vision into physical form, the leasing teams who thoughtfully curated the campus mix, and of course, the healthcare providers who are already making an impact in the lives of patients. We're equally excited for the future tenants who are preparing to join the community and add to the momentum.

The Rock Row Health Campus is a step forward in how we experience care. We’re proud to have helped make it a reality.

Malone Commercial Brokers Facilitates Sale of 14 Randall Street, Portland

14 Randall Street, Portland

Malone Commercial Brokers is pleased to announce the sale of 14 Randall Street in Portland, Maine. This 4,245± SF multi-family property, previously owned by Ingraham Volunteers, INC, was purchased by Southworth Investments, LLC for $825,000.

Located just off Back Cove and I-295, 14 Randall Street is a 13-room rooming house featuring a first-floor kitchen with a newly installed hood, a handicap-accessible entrance, and ample on-site parking with a large side lot. The property has also benefited from recent life safety upgrades, making it a well-maintained and functional investment.

Jennifer Small of Malone Commercial Brokers represented the Seller, while Cheri Bonawitz of Malone Commercial Brokers represented the Buyer in the transaction, which successfully closed on March 21, 2025.

Chilton Furniture, local retailer, sells Scarborough location

410 Payne Road, Scarborough

Chilton Properties LLC sold the 17,753-square-foot retail building at 410 Payne Road to Pierce Family Properties LLC for $3.5 million. 

Mark Malone of Malone Commercial Brokers worked with both buyer and seller in the off-market transaction.

“The buyer was an entity of Pierce Furniture (local), which has stores in the very near vicinity of this property,” Malone told Mainebiz. “It will be used as another furniture store.”

Read full MaineBiz story HERE.

Camp Pennant Business at 250 Commercial Street Now for Sale

Camp Pennant captures the essence of Maine summers, offering a unique experience with its brewery, distillery, and restaurant. Located on the waterfront, this beloved Maine business combines a relaxed, laid-back atmosphere with an incredible variety of locally crafted beers, spirits, and delicious food.

The sale includes a fully operational brewery and distillery that produces craft beers and spirits, all infused with the flavors of Maine. The restaurant features a full-service kitchen with a wood-fired pizza oven, serving up dishes made with fresh, local ingredients. Inside, there’s seating for 70 guests, and the waterfront deck accommodates 60 more, with breathtaking views of Portland's working harbor. There is also the opportunity to expand seating, making it a versatile location for private events or larger gatherings.

This is a rare chance to take over a well-loved business in a prime Maine location, just in time to take advantage of the busy summer season. If you're ready to step into this iconic Maine business, don’t wait!

For more details, contact Karen Rich at Malone Commercial Brokers.

Maine Public Broadcasting Deal Earns 2025 CoStar Impact Award for Acquisition of the Year

After a decade-long search for a modern facility, Maine Public Broadcasting bought the former Portland Public Market, giving it a new space for studios, production facilities and public engagement.

The $20 million acquisition earned it a 2025 CoStar Impact Award for acquisition of the year for the Portland/South Portland market, as judged by real estate professionals familiar with the market.

Finding its previous location at 323 Marginal Way too cramped, Maine Public Broadcasting’s team considered multiple options, focusing on a new-build project. Rising construction costs shifted its strategy to finding an existing property that could meet its needs. The acquisition was funded in part through Maine Public Broadcasting’s “Building for the Future” capital campaign, raising more than $28 million of its $31 million goal.

The Libra Foundation built the 59,261-square-foot building in 1997, designing it as a unique timber-framed building using sustainable materials. It used Maine lumber in its construction, and its rubber roofing is white instead of black to make it more energy efficient during the summer.

As the Portland Public Market, it was a space for locals to gather, but a difficult economy led to its closure. It reopened as office space but was underused.

Main Public Broadcasting is planning a $15 million renovation of the property that will include adding soundproof studios, collaborative workspace and a venue for public activities. It also wants to host live performances similar to NPR’s “Tiny Desk” concert series.

The investment in the building is a forward-thinking move that ensures Maine Public Broadcasting has the space needed to accommodate both its current needs and future growth, said Joe Malone, president of Malone Commercial Brokers, which assisted the network in its search.

“This is a property that offers incredible value for Maine Public’s mission and its vision for the future,” he said.

About the project: Maine Public Broadcasting bought the former Portland Public Market at 320 Cumberland Ave. for $20 million to use as its new headquarters and recording studio. It’s planning a $15 million renovation of the space. Joe Malone and Luke Malone of Malone Commercial Brokers represented Maine Public Broadcasting, and Joseph Porta of Porta & Co. represented the seller, East End Corp.

What the judges said: The deal “should be transformative for the neighborhood,” said Joe Malone, founder and president of Malone Commercial Brokers.

The sale represents a “local organization cementing its future,” said Justin Lamontagne, partner and designated broker at Dunham Group.

They made it happen: Joseph Malone, president of Malone Commercial Brokers; Luke Malone, associate broker at Malone Commercial Brokers; and Joseph Porta, broker/manager at Porta & Co.

btone fitness Coming to Portland’s Waterfront

btone’s new home - 383 Commercial Street

Portland’s fitness scene is getting a new addition! btone fitness, a boutique studio specializing in low-impact, high-intensity workouts, is set to open at 383 Commercial Street. The 1,690± SF retail condo was recently sold by DPD Lot 3 LLC to 383 Commercial Street, LLC for $597,000. The deal was brokered by Joe Malone and Jennifer Small of Malone Commercial Brokers, representing the seller, and Brice O'Connor of The Boulos Company, representing the buyer.

With multiple locations across New England, btone fitness is known for its custom-designed resistance-based machines that deliver a full-body workout in just 45 minutes. Their method focuses on controlled, muscle-shaking movements that challenge strength and endurance—without the wear and tear of traditional high-impact workouts.

According to Jennifer Small of Malone Commercial Brokers, btone fitness is a perfect fit for the evolving landscape of Commercial Street.

“Portland’s waterfront continues to attract innovative businesses that align with the city’s active and health-conscious lifestyle,” she said. “383 Commercial Street provides the ideal space for btone fitness to thrive, offering visibility and accessibility in a dynamic downtown setting.”

As Portland’s waterfront district grows, more businesses are choosing this vibrant area to set up shop. Whether it’s fitness, retail, or dining, Commercial Street remains a sought-after destination for both entrepreneurs and customers alike.

Stay tuned for updates on btone fitness’s opening, and if you’re looking for commercial space in Portland, Malone Commercial Brokers can help you find the perfect fit.

Maine Real Estate and Development Association's Annual Forecast Conference

MCB gathered with other colleagues from across Maine’s real estate and development industry at MEREDA’s annual Forecast Conference on February 27.

Brandon Mitchell shared his insights on deals done and future projects for York County in the Regional Outlook. Brandon was joined on the panel by Molly Briggs of Epstein Commercial and Kevin Fletcher of Keller Williams, with Roxanne Cole of Roxanne Cole Commercial Real Estate moderating.

Jenn Small moderated the Retail Outlook, featuring Taryn Trefethen from Brookfield Properties and Nick Margitza of WS Development. The informative presentation focused on how Maine’s unique consumer landscape is a complimentary mix of national brands and local tenants.

This annual meeting of the minds of remains a vital and important way to connect professionals working in the industry in order to contribute to the betterment of our Maine communities!

Ps. Brandon and Pete Harrington both got their chowder with no chowder thieves in sight! Chowdah gate remains closed!