Liz Bell, Manager of Marketing, Development and Events forf Ketcha Outdoors.

The Gear Hub, 155 Washington Avenue, Now Owned by Ketcha Outdoors, of Scarborough. The Property was Formerly Owned by John Ritzio, a Hill Resident, and Investor and Real Estate Developer. Grand Plans for a Restaaurant and/or Condominiums fell Through Beause it Was Rumored that Following Soil Tests it was Discovered the Property Would not Support Those Structures.

Ketcha Outdoors has announced that it has purchased Portland Gear Hub located at 155 Washington Avenue on the east end of Portland. The sale price was $1.65 million according to Liz Bell, Manager of Marketing, Developent and Events for Ketcha Outdoors, a year round non-profit dedicated to youth development headquartered in Scarborough..

This change in ownership permits Gear Hub to expand its programs, deepen community impact and secure its role as a community leader of outdoor accessibility and mobility in Portland for future generations.

Ownership of this space eliminates the burden of rent and provides financial stabililty, enabling the Gear Hub to reinvest in its mission. Programs like Bikes for All Mainers, Kids Bike Parties and hands-on classes will thrive in a dedicated space to meet the community’s needs.

It will serve refugees, asylum seekers, youth, people of color and those eperiencing homelessness orpoverty, face sigificant barriers to getting around.  With limited or unreliable access to cards and public transportation, these individuals often cannot reach job opportunities, schools or healthcare.

Programs that will be empowered by this transition in ownership to Ketchaa Outdoors include:  Bikers for All Mainers, Kids Bike Parties and Expanded ‘Workshops and Classes.

“A bicycle is a simple, affordable and sustainable solution. When paired with educational programs, a bike becomes a tool for transformation” said James O’Donnell, Director, Portland Gear Hub.

For more information about the Portland Gear Hub, please visit portlandgearhub.org

For more information on the history of this property, please visit post March 29, 2017.