Reveler Development has signed leases with two beloved Portland businesses at 511 Congress Street, adding new momentum to the revitalization of the arts district.
Bad Neighbors and Portland Kung Fu will occupy prominent ground-floor spaces in the nine-story building, bringing with them loyal followings, established brands, and a shared commitment to creating places where people want to gather and connect.
Bad Neighbors, founded by hospitality veterans Nicole Costas and Dave Aceto and sound engineer Dennis Gaines, is a listening bar and restaurant designed around great music, conversation, and community. It takes over a 4,500± square foot space at 511 Congress Street (Suite 105). The concept expands on the pair’s success with Arcadia—which lies directly opposite—and will feature curated music programming, elevated comfort food, and an atmosphere that encourages guests to linger.
Portland Kung Fu, founded by Dave Bearce in 2014, will relocate from its longtime home on the second floor of the State Theater to a 2,875± square foot plaza level unit—and a highly visible street-level location. The school teaches traditional Ving Tsun (pronounced Wing Chun) Kung Fu and has spent more than a decade building a dedicated community of students focused on this practical form of fitness.
“These are exactly the kinds of entrepreneurs we hope to attract to Congress Street,” said John Laliberte, President and CEO of Reveler Development. “What’s exciting is these aren’t new concepts looking for an audience; both businesses have spent years building trust, community, and loyal followings in Portland. Their decision to grow at 511 Congress Street is a vote of confidence in the future of downtown.”
“We’ve always believed in creating spaces where people can unplug and connect,” said Nicole Costas, co-owner of Bad Neighbors. “Whether that’s over music, food, conversation, or a game of pool, we’re excited to create a place where people can become regulars, build community, and spend time together on Congress Street.”
Bad Neighbors is expected to open in late July. The space will offer a music-driven experience with a full-service bar, dining areas, and a restored pool table. The programming has been designed to feel “like a community radio station,” with nights devoted to genres and individual artists.
Portland Kung Fu is targeting an October opening. The new location will provide significantly more room for classes while making the school’s work visible to pedestrians through large storefront windows. The school offers a welcoming, growth-focused environment where students can build their fitness, self-defense skills, and resilience. Founder David Bearce is a respected “sifu” (teacher) and member of the Moy Tung Athletic Association, an international kung fu organization founded in 1986.
“We’ve spent more than a decade building our community in Portland, but we’ve been a bit of a hidden gem” said Bearce. “Moving to a street-level location gives us the opportunity to introduce more people to what we do and show that kung fu is something that can benefit anyone looking to get stronger, healthier, and more confident.”
511 Congress Street is a historical property in the heart of Portland’s Historic District. It has 130,000 square feet of Class A office and retail space with onsite parking. The nine-story office tower features recent upgrades to the interior and exterior that has brought the property a fresh and edgy new look, while staying true to its classic 1970’s look and theme.
Bad Neighbors and Portland Kung Fu will join first floor tenants Workout Anytime, Gardner Real Estate, Embrace Home Loans, and Pure Tattoo—and many businesses in the office spaces above. These new tenants will bring hundreds of students, diners, music lovers, and regular visitors back to one of Portland’s most creative corridors, contributing to a growing ecosystem of locally owned destinations that is reshaping downtown Portland.
