COME FOR THE HISTORY, STAY FOR THE FUTURE
COME FOR THE HISTORY, STAY FOR THE FUTURE
ABOUT PORTLAND
Welcome to Historic Portland - a Louisville neighborhood with a vibrant history and an exciting future.
Founded in 1811 by William Lytle, Portland was once a separate little town in 1835, only to be annexed by Louisville in the 1850's. In the early days it was connected to Louisville by stage coach and the first Louisville trolley car Line.
Now Portland is Louisville’s largest neighborhood with approximately 13,000 people. Our boundaries lay along the Ohio River on the North, 10th Street on the East, and Market Street on the South. Our Western boundary zig-zags from Bank Street near the Ohio River at our Northwestern corner, along down and just to the west of the I-264 Shawnee Expressway, to Market near 32nd at our Southwestern corner.
In the 1800s, Portland experienced many waves of immigrants, first the French, then the Irish, and finally the Germans. Many Louisville Catholics today can trace their roots back to Portland. Today the neighborhood, although among the lowest income levels in Louisville, is experiencing a rebirth and a revitalization. Many young families are moving back to our city and are attracted by the historic architecture and inexpensive starter homes in the Portland Neighborhood. Louisville artists are attracted to the new Art Gallery Warehouse District bordering 15th Street -- home to Tim Faulkner Gallery, Louisville Visual Art, and the forthcoming Portland location of the University of Louisville Hite Art Institute.
Recently, new restaurants have opened up, including The Table Cafe, McQuixote Books and Coffee, and Cup of Joy Cafe. Many long time businesses serve the neighborhood, such as Shaheen's, Ace Hardware, Janes Brothers Hardware, Sandy's Florist and Bridal, and Victor Mathis Florist.
With its river connections, multi-cultural history, and immigrant spirit, Portland's close-knit community of extended families is centered around parks, churches, and locally-owned businesses.
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Community
Community
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PORTLAND ATTRACTIONS
Historic Portland is home to many unique attractions. Come visit our neighborhood and discover it for yourself.
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Portland Resources
This list includes non-profit organizations based in the Portland neighborhood. Contact us if you wish to have your organization listed, and check out our Facebook Page.
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Portland Churches
A listing of churches in the Portland neighborhood. Contact us if you wish to have your place of worship linked on our site.
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Portland Businesses
See our alphabetical list of businesses in the Portland neighborhood. Become a PNI member to have your business linked and featured on our site!
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EAT & DRINK Together
EAT & DRINK Together
McQuixote
1512 Portland avenue
McQuixote Books & Coffee is a start-up used bookstore and specialty coffee and tea retail business operating inside the Tim Faulkner Art Gallery. McQuixote Books & Coffee will be a haven for the community to display their art, speak their minds, and express themselves.
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THE TABLE
1800 PORTLAND AVENUE
The Table is a non-profit, social entrepreneurship that serves locally grown, fresh food and operates under a pay-what-you-can model.
We value a place where everyone is welcome, and we provide creative payment solutions for all.