The city of Portland is looking for businesses to rent small waterfront gazebos and set up shop there, selling food, souvenirs and other goods to passersby.
Once an ice cream stand, the wooden octagonal building had been vacant for years. But the city is trying to revive it, ideally with food vendors, local artists and retailers as tenants.
The space is small at 77 square feet. Also, electricity is available, but water is not connected. This means food vendors must do the preparation off-premises.
The gazebo is located on Commercial Street between the Main State Pier and the Ocean Gateway cruise ship terminal and event venue, adjacent to the Eastern Trail.
In official promotional materials for the gazebo, the city says its location is “on a popular stretch of city-owned land that cruise ship passengers, local residents, and tourists pass through on their way to area restaurants, shops, and recreational trails.” Emphasized.
For potential interested parties, the recommended annual rent is a minimum of $1,000 per month, and the city requires expressions of interest by March 1.
Jen Delais, the city's assistant parks director, told MainBiz that the terms of the agreement will depend on the type and number of proposals received.
“While there is no minimum amount for the initial agreement, the goal is to begin a long-term relationship to activate this space,” she explained.
On Monday, Delais said she had received one serious inquiry so far.
“I'm sure it would be a great place for someone, so we'll see how much interest there is,” she said.
The city also owns the castle-like building in Deering Oaks Park, which in the past housed a restaurant. It is now home to the city's park wardens, Delais said.
For more information
Expressions of interest should be sent to Jen DeRice, 212 Canco Road, Portland, ME 04103, or by email at jderice@portlandmaine.gov, by March 1 at 2 p.m.
