The city of Portland is encouraging residents to weigh in on the potential development of four city-owned properties in the Bayside neighborhood, known as the Midtown properties.
The four parcels are located off of Somerset and Elm streets, between Whole Foods and Trader Joe’s. The total 3.45 acres had been purchased for $2.6 million in 2016 by Florida-based Federated Co. to develop an $85 million residential and retail neighborhood. The project became ensnared in legal disputes and never got off the ground.
In July 2025, the city bought the properties back for $15 million and that fall put out requests for proposals to brokers. The Boulos Co. has been selected to market the properties based on community and City Council guidance.
Located in the B-3 zone, the properties can support housing, commercial and community uses. The sites are adjacent to the Bayside Trail.
Before the parcels can be put up for sale, officials are inviting the public to share their vision through an anonymous online survey and two public meetings, on April 15 and 29.
A summary of community feedback will be presented to the City Council’s Housing and Economic Development Committee at its May 19 meeting.
More details can be found on the city’s website.
