The Telling Room, a literary arts nonprofit focused on empowering youth through writing, will move to a larger home at 55 Washington Ave. in Portland this fall.
At 6,161 square feet, the new location will give the organization more space for students, programs and community events, along with its first dedicated entrance. An additional bonus is a courtyard, filled with natural light.
“We’ve always believed our students do their best work when they feel they belong; somewhere bright, cozy and welcoming to share their writing, where they feel seen and heard,” said Telling Room Executive Director Kristina Powell.
“That’s what we found at 55 Washington Ave.,” Powell said, “and we can’t wait to watch our students grow into it.”
The space was formerly occupied by Onpoint Health Data, now located at 121 Mountfort St. in Portland.
Chris Paszyc, managing partner at the Boulos Co., represented the Telling Room in the transaction, along with Boulos associate broker Tripp Clark.
Brice O’Connor of the Boulos Co. represented the landlord, Dayton 59 LLC.
“Our first consideration was to understand the Telling Room’s long-term needs — their budget constraints and their need for a creative environment in an accessible setting convenient to their members throughout greater Portland,” Paszyc said.
“Washington Avenue checks all those boxes, he added. “It has all the elements they need to grow while still remaining deeply connected to the community they serve.”
The 20-year-old nonprofit has earned national recognition for its programs, published award-winning collections of student work and welcomed visits from former U.S. presidents.
It’s the only organization of its kind in Maine and serves young people both in school and after, online and through summer camps.
The Telling Room plans to continue its summer programming at its current home at 225 Commercial St. through Aug. 31, before opening after-school programs at 55 Washington Ave. this fall.
