July 15, 2024 at 7:05 am · Shelly Clark · Comments Off on The Maine Real Estate & Development Association Names New President for 2024-2026 & Elects Officers

The Maine Real Estate & Development Association Names New President for 2024-2026 & Elects Officers

PORTLAND, Maine (July 15, 2024) – The Maine Real Estate & Development Association (MEREDA) is pleased to announce the appointment of Shannon Richards of Hay Runner, to President for 2024-2026.

Portland resident, Shannon Richards, has been elected as President of MEREDA for a two-year term. Born and bred in Maine, Shannon has been an artist and entrepreneur since she was young, spending the last 20-plus years in the practice of designing and building, manifesting a life centered around creation. Shannon has produced hundreds of custom homes, commercial spaces, pieces of furniture and fixtures.

Shannon is the founder of Hay Runner, a real estate development company that provides services related to residential and commercial real estate transactions, project management, design, construction, furnishing and produces design centric events. Hay Runner also provides brokerage services through its affiliation with Legacy Properties Sotheby’s International Realty.

An active member of MEREDA, Shannon recently served as a MEREDA Vice President, co-chaired MEREDA’s Conference Committee, and continues to serve on its Executive Committee. Shannon joined the MEREDA board in 2019 and that same year, was selected to receive one of two MEREDA’s Volunteer of the Year Awards. Shannon is also part of the Greater Portland Board of Realtors, the Maine Association of Realtors, and the National Association of Realtors.

“Shannon has been, and will continue to be, an invaluable asset to our volunteer organization. Her dedication and passion for the work she does is truly inspiring, and we are excited to continue working with her in this new capacity”, said Shelly R. Clark, MEREDA’s Executive Director.

In addition, MEREDA’s board of directors elected its 2024 / 2025 slate of officers which include President Shannon Richards of Hay Runner, Vice Presidents Gary Vogel of Drummond Woodsum, Jennifer Small of Malone Commercial Brokers, and Jason Favreau of BerryDunn, Treasurer Mark Stasium of Camden National Bank, and Secretary Shelly R. Clark, who also serves full time as MEREDA’s Executive Director.

For further information, please contact Shelly R. Clark at 207-874-0801 or visit www.mereda.org.

June 7, 2024 at 2:30 am · Shelly Clark · Comments Off on MEREDA’s Annual “Strikes for Scholars” Bowl-a-Thon Fundraiser Raises Scholarship Funds for Maine Students

MEREDA’s Annual “Strikes for Scholars” Bowl-a-Thon Fundraiser Raises Scholarship Funds for Maine Students

MEREDA is thrilled to announce that its Annual Strikes for Scholars Bowl-a-Thon Fundraiser will once again enable the organization to donate a total of $15,000 towards scholarships to Maine students entering the building trades. $5,000 designated towards scholarships will be provided to each of the following: Associated General Contractors of Maine’s Education Foundation, Associated Building and Contractors of Maine, and the ACE Mentor Program of Maine.

MEREDA believes strongly in empowering Maine students on their journey towards careers that resonate with our core values of fostering responsible development and ownership of real estate across the state. The Strikes for Scholars fundraiser not only allows us to contribute towards education but also serves as a beacon of support for students venturing into the building trades industry. Every dollar raised at the event directly benefits students as they pursue their studies and gain valuable experience in the field. Thank you to everyone who participated and supported this important cause – together, we are making a meaningful difference in the lives of aspiring professionals in Maine!

MEREDA began its scholarship program for students in the building trades and professions 12 years ago and has continued to grow and support the program. Since the fundraiser’s inception, MEREDA is proud to have raised and donated over $181,000 to deserving Maine students. This includes this year’s donation of $15,000!

We are deeply appreciative of everyone involved in this event, sharing our goal of supporting Maine’s students pursuing education related to construction, design, engineering, and architecture. Our Sponsors Simpson Gumpertz & Heger, Daigle Commercial Group, and SERVPRO, as well as our bowling teams, and those who purchased raffle tickets!

June 6, 2024 at 12:45 pm · Shelly Clark · Comments Off on MEREDA Releases its 18th edition of the MEREDA Index.

MEREDA Releases its 18th edition of the MEREDA Index.

MEREDA has released its 18th edition of the MEREDA Index. A key economic indicator for the state of Maine, the latest edition of the MEREDA Index showed a decline of 1.5% between 2022 and 2023. The driver of the decline was the residential index, which declined 11.3% as interest rate increases being driven to offset inflation began to seriously bite into real estate markets. The commercial and construction components of the index both increased, by 23.5% in the former case and 2.3% in the latter case. These increases were not sufficient to offset the drops in residential activity.

The MEREDA Index is a measure of real estate activity designed to track changes in Maine’s real estate markets. The Index is a composite of nine seasonally adjusted measures reflecting both new development and transactions involving existing properties and it covers both the commercial and residential markets statewide. This most recent edition covers the year 2023. The MEREDA Index was tabulated by economist Dr. Charles Colgan.

Download the full copy of the report here.

May 28, 2024 at 6:00 am · Shelly Clark · Comments Off on Maine Real Estate & Development Association Recognizes Top 7 Notable Projects of 2023

Maine Real Estate & Development Association Recognizes Top 7 Notable Projects of 2023

The Maine Real Estate & Development Association (MEREDA), the state’s leading organization promoting responsible real estate development, honored projects from Portland to Bangor to Presque Isle, with each receiving special recognition at MEREDA’s 2024 Spring Conference on May 15th.

Each year, MEREDA recognizes some of the state’s most “noteworthy and significant” real estate projects, completed in the previous year. The exemplary projects from across the state, completed in 2023, not only embody MEREDA’s belief in responsible real estate development, but also exemplify best practices in the industry, contributing to Maine’s economic growth by significant investment of resources and job creation statewide.

Each of the seven projects was selected in part based upon criteria including: noteworthy and significant project completed* in 2023 (*Building Occupancy Permit issued by 12 31 23), environmental sustainability, economic impact, energy efficiency, social impact, uniqueness, difficulty of development and job creation.

The recipients of MEREDA’s Top 7 Most Notable Projects of 2023 include:

• University of Southern Maine Portland Commons Residence Hall and McGoldrick Center for Career & Student Success in Portland. These two facilities represent a massive transformation of USM’s Portland campus. The first-ever Portland residence hall will provide affordable housing for students in a market where inventory is low and expensive. The new student center incorporates cross-laminated timber columns to create a signature visual expression across the front facade. These new campus facilities represent the pinnacle of sustainability and embrace renewable low-carbon building technologies. Portland Commons is the second largest Passive House residence hall in the United States and is projected to use 50% less energy than a standard modern building. The McGoldrick Center, with its large-scale 33.3-kW rooftop photovoltaic array and passive solar heating, is pursuing LEED Gold certification. The construction project is the largest in the school’s history.

• Waterfront Concerts, LLC of Old Town enlisted Ervin Architecture and completed their long-standing vision of developing a best-in-class amphitheater, with the Maine Savings Amphitheater being the largest and most modern music venue north of Boston. Bangor is now a premier concert destination for world class talent and amazing community events. Additions include ten corporate suites, five premium clubs, several ADA improvements, improved and expanded concessions, terraced Hussey Fusion seating with wider seats and aisles, two hundred and fifty-two new bathrooms, and a dedicated video screens and audio system for the lawn. The team used Maine-made products, contractors, and environmentally sustainable materials wherever they could to maximize the impact locally and to minimize its impact on the community and environment.

• Phoenix Flats in Portland is the first building in Maine to be constructed with the use of the newly created State Low Income Housing Tax Credit. The project is the result of a unique partnership between the City of Portland, MaineHousing, Portland Housing Authority, WNC, Bangor Savings Bank, and Community Housing of Maine, Inc. (CHOM), and was made possible by a long-term land lease from the City, and an additional land donation from Donald Sussman. Designed by CWS Architects, Thornton-Tomasetti, Bennet Engineering, Terradyn Consultants, and built by AlliedCook Construction, Phoenix Flats is Passive House Certified, and its design is the embodiment of all CHOM has learned about good design, energy efficiency, and thermal comfort. This development combines both affordable residential apartments and first-class commercial space into one building in downtown Portland. Beyond adding critical affordable housing, it is a blended Housing First development, discreetly housing people who are chronically homeless. What was once a city owned parking lot is now a beautiful building contributing to the social and economic goals of the City of Portland and the State of Maine.

• The City of Portland’s Homeless Services Center in Portland, also known as the “HSC” is Maine’s largest homeless shelter and is unparalleled in its provision of dignified living spaces and on-site wraparound support services. The HSC was thoughtfully designed and constructed specifically to serve the unhoused based on input from those experiencing homelessness. It includes 208 beds between separate men’s and women’s dormitories, a commercial kitchen and dining area, bathrooms with private showers, offices for service providers, an on-site health clinic run by Greater Portland Health, and an outdoor recreation area with garden beds. A result of many years of visioning and planning, the City of Portland selected Developers Collaborative to develop the shelter and lease it back to the City. Winton Scott Architects designed the building and Cianbro served as construction manager. The HSC utilized a pre-engineered Murox building system, concrete floors, and minimal finishes. The result is a LEED Gold-certified building that is durable, functional, comfortable, and humane. HSC operations are free of fossil fuels, powered instead by a solar array installed on the building’s roof. Heating, cooling, and hot water are entirely electric, and the building features a highly efficient variable refrigerant flow system.

• The Northeastland Hotel project in Presque Isle is noteworthy for its groundbreaking approach to community development, where a nonprofit partnered with the private sector to drive economic growth and create new opportunities in Presque Isle. Ignite PI reimagined the Northeastland Hotel as a dynamic hub for innovation and economic growth. Haley Ward, served as the Lead Designer and Architect of Record, and played a pivotal role in this endeavor, collaborating with Bowerbird Design Collective as the Interior Designer and Nickerson & O’Day, Inc. as the Construction Manager. The completion of Phase I in March 2023 marked a significant milestone for the renovation of over 8,900 square feet of space within the hotel. The repurposed Northeastland Hotel houses a coworking Innovation Center and revitalized common areas, including the restaurant, lobby, and staff rooms. This multifaceted approach not only modernizes the hotel but also transforms it into a vibrant space that fosters collaboration, entrepreneurship, and community engagement. The project highlights how a collaborative, forward-thinking approach can transform a community and its historical landmarks.

• Johnson Hall Redevelopment, LLC, redeveloped Maine’s oldest Opera Theater. Johnson Hall Opera House in Gardiner, the three-story brick Italianate building is a significant feature of Gardiner’s Historic District with a fascinating history spanning over 150 years. The building received both interior and exterior renovations to all three floors with an installation of a new balcony. It was constructed in conformance with historic standards as set forth by the National Park Service, Maine Historical Preservation Commission standards and Gardiner Historical Society requirements. Today the building features a 400-seat theater with state-of-the-art sound, lighting and projection equipment; a gracious lobby and concession area; and a green room for performers on the second floor; an expanded foyer and full-service box office on the ground floor; a renovated 100-seat theater on the lower level; and ADA compliant access throughout all floors with ramps, an elevator and a stage lift. During pre-construction and construction, over 37 consultants and businesses combined were engaged in the project. Johnson Hall Opera House is now an anchor to downtown hospitality businesses and an engine of economic opportunity. It will promote, create, and inspire artistic excellence through the presentation of world class entertainment and professional performing arts education to the Kennebec Valley.

• Reveler Development’s The Armature at Hanover Works in Portland is Portland’s first and only lifestyle apartment complex. The mixed-use property opened for occupancy in November 2023 and is located in Portland’s rapidly emerging West Bayside neighborhood, featuring 171 residential units, 10% of which is workforce housing, with integrated parking and 6,400 SF of commercial space. The Armature provides much-needed housing while also transforming the building’s ground floor into a retail and dining hub within West Bayside. Once a mechanical garage and surface parking lot for Portland’s fleet of public works vehicles, the industrial history of the site inspired The Armature’s name and branding. A ground-up construction project, The Armature required an intensive construction timeline and was made possible by a collaborative effort with its project partners, including Penobscot General Contractors, Acorn Engineering, and Reveler’s in-house construction team. The space was designed by Boston-based architecture firm Cube3. On the ground floor, The Armature’s four commercial spaces will connect with local businesses along 82 Hanover Street, forming Hanover Works and fostering an indoor-outdoor neighborhood hub.

MEREDA congratulates its 2023 Notable Project Award Recipients and thanks its Membership for their continued commitment to responsible development in Maine. Each project will be recognized in the Maine Real Estate Insider e-newsletter published by Mainebiz, running Summer of 2024.

For more information on these impressive projects, please click here.

May 21, 2024 at 6:00 am · Shelly Clark · Comments Off on Penciling the Future: MEREDA Spring Conference Highlights Opportunities for Developing Projects Aligned with Maine’s Needs

Penciling the Future: MEREDA Spring Conference Highlights Opportunities for Developing Projects Aligned with Maine’s Needs

On Wednesday, May 15th, the Maine Real Estate & Development Association (MEREDA) hosted its annual Spring Conference where close to 300 real estate professionals gathered at the Holiday Inn By the Bay to discuss designing development solutions that align with Maine’s needs for the future. Housing creation is one of Maine’s most significant needs and MEREDA’s event provided an opportunity for industry professionals to hear different perspectives from local, regional, and national experts on this important and complex issue.

“Our Spring Conference is a time to look ahead at Maine’s future. There is a critical need for more housing in our state and we need more developers to be involved in creative housing creation,” shared MEREDA President Craig Young. “It can be difficult to pencil out deals for these types of projects, which is why we organized this conference. There are opportunities, like historic tax credits and smart growth design, that can facilitate more projects coming together that will enrich our communities and meet the needs of our state.”

The event kicked off with a presenter who provided a national perspective, Jonathan Tate, an award-winning architect from New Orleans. Tate’s international practice is centered around housing development and planning in both rural and urban communities. His creative land use opens up opportunities for density, sustainability, and affordability in unique ways. “There are opportunities if you can imagine them,” he said. Tate shared several examples of his innovative work, including developing projects on small, non-conforming lots and working with a non-profit to build a reentry housing project for individuals exiting the incarceration system. Full of creative design and committed to building more housing, Tate’s work demonstrates how a closer relationship between architects and developers can enable more imaginative construction and problem-solving.

Tate’s presentation was followed by a panel discussion on leveraging historic tax credits for real estate growth. Panelists included Jonathan Culley, Principal at Redfern Properties; John Egan, Senior Program Officer for Strategic Initiatives at the Genesis Fund; and Nate Marcet, a CPA from Albin, Randall & Bennet. The panel was moderated by Marieke Thormann, Vice President of Development at Fathom Companies. The group explored the layers of complexity involved in using historic tax credits while also noting how they are an extremely powerful tool for revitalizing communities. Redfern’s recent transformation of the Mercy Hospital campus in Portland, which will add 171 housing units, provided an excellent example of how the historic tax credit can work.

The afternoon continued with an economic presentation from Kenneth J. Entenmann, the Chief Investment Officer and Chief Economist at NBT Bank. His macro economic discussion included in-depth examination of the definition of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) as a way to illustrate the economy’s strong environment, as well as discussions on the housing shortage and the federal debt. Playing with the idea of what “normal” is for the economy, Entenmann urged everyone to manage their expectations around interest rates, arguing that today’s rates are actually normal, while the low rates of the past few years were abnormal. Summing things up, Entenmann said, “The economy is not the greatest. It’s not the worst. But it is a great business environment.”

After a recognition of MEREDA’s 2023 Notable Project recipients, the conference concluded with a panel discussion on smart growth and urban development featuring Kevin Kraft and Nell Donaldson from the City of Portland and Tyler Norod, Development Director at Westbrook Development Corporation. The panel was moderated by Jonathan Tate. Kraft and Donaldson started the discussion by providing an overview of the City of Portland’s ReCode project to update and simplify Portland’s zoning and development ordinances. A large undertaking that came out of Portland’s 2017 comprehensive plan, the ReCode project has been working to get the public involved in the technical work of planning for the future of the city, as well as establishing goals for what future growth in the city should include. Kraft and Donaldson discussed Portland’s focus on developing complete neighborhoods that are walkable and bikeable, and establishing Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) zones to catalyze development along public transit routes. Embedded in the work of ReCode is the concept of smart growth and Norod provided a real-life example of how this approach can revitalize neighborhoods. Built through his work with Avesta, the West End Apartments in South Portland transformed a vacant lot into a mixed-use housing development that improved the neighborhood. With wider sidewalks and first-floor retail spaces, the project illustrates the importance of human-scale design for fostering connection. Norod, an affordable housing advocate, highlighted how affordable housing needs affordable land, which is tied directly to municipal infrastructure. He spoke about the need for more Maine communities to build more housing at a density that is appropriate for each community. “We need to think holistically about development. We need to plan well and design well. The table needs to be set.”

With our dire need for more housing, having creative solutions and a better understanding of the tools and mechanisms for making development deals work is essential for Maine’s future. MEREDA’s Spring Conference brought people together from across industries to learn about the opportunities for smart growth and responsible development so more projects that have goals aligned with the needs of our communities can be built.

May 2, 2024 at 8:00 am · Shelly Clark · Comments Off on MEREDA’s Morning Menu – Wet & Wild: Developing in Maine’s Changing Climate

MEREDA’s Morning Menu – Wet & Wild: Developing in Maine’s Changing Climate

June 5, 2024 – 8:30 – 10:00 AM
Buffet Breakfast: 8:30-9:00 am
Program: 9:00-10:00 am

In-Person – Pre-registration is required.

NEW LOCATION!
McGoldrick Career & Student Success Center
35 Bedford Street, Portland, ME

Seating Capacity: 100 – We will not be able to accommodate walk-ins.

EVENT PARKING: Everyone that parks on the USM Campus in the Bedford Street Garage is required to use the digital parking system. You can pre-register for your parking session or do it upon arrival. To avoid a parking citation, you must begin your digital parking session – and pay- within 10 minutes of parking. You can also pre-schedule your session. Click Here to Download the Event Parking Instructions.

About the Event:

As we all know, the water levels in Maine aren’t the only things rising and we need to take action to build resilience in our communities. Businesses and individuals are all affected and it is becoming increasingly important to take action at the local level and address the impacts of climate change on our water resources, infrastructure, and communities.

During this event, we’ll be discussing the various challenges and opportunities that arise when building in a changing climate. From rising sea levels to extreme weather events, we’ll explore how we can adapt and build resilience in our communities. Join us on June 5th for an engaging and informative discussion on climate resiliency. We can’t wait to see you there!

Refund Policy: Your RSVP is requested by May 29. Payment is expected at the time of registration. No refunds will be granted to anyone who registers, but fails to attend or who cancels after May 29.

Ticket Prices:
Members: $45 each | Non-Members: $55 each
Prices increase by $10 after May 29.

Parking Note:
By purchasing these tickets, you confirm that you have read and understand the Event Parking information provided by the McGoldrick Career & Student Success Center above.

This event is sponsored by Norway Savings Bank.

April 19, 2024 at 5:09 pm · Shelly Clark · Comments Off on MEREDA to Host Spring Conference on Developing Successful Projects That Meet Maine’s Evolving Needs

MEREDA to Host Spring Conference on Developing Successful Projects That Meet Maine’s Evolving Needs

On May 15, 2024, the Maine Real Estate & Development Association (MEREDA) will host a conference that delves into upcoming changes that will impact every developer in Maine. With insightful presentations and multifaceted discussions, MEREDA’s Spring Conference brings together a line-up of national, regional, and local speakers and panelists to discuss how development projects can be feasible and contribute positively to evolving societal needs.

“Maine’s development landscape is changing,” says MEREDA President Craig Young. “We desperately need development projects that will provide solutions to the affordable housing crisis and climate change. It can be very challenging for developers to make the numbers work when penciling out those projects, but it is possible. Our Spring Conference brings together industry experts for a discussion on how to navigate the challenges of aligning development goals with projects that will create a brighter future for Maine. It will be a great opportunity to learn from people who are making responsible development happen in innovative and exciting ways.”

Kicking off the conference, MEREDA will host Jonathan Tate, an award-winning architect from New Orleans, who brings an international perspective on housing development and urban planning. The conference will also include an economic presentation from Kenneth J. Entenmann of NBT Bank. Rounding out the conference will be two engaging panel discussions on topics ranging from Historic Tax Credits to Portland’s ReCode. Panelists include Kevin Kraft and Nell Donaldson from the City of Portland; Nate Marcet, a CPA from Albin, Randall & Bennett; Jonathan Culley, Principal at Redfern Properties; Tyler Norod, Development Director at Westbrook Development Corporation; John Egan, Senior Program Officer for Strategic Initiatives at the Genesis Fund; and Jason Howe, Partner at Preti Flaherty.

MEREDA will also recognize its 2023 Notable Project recipients at the Spring Conference. According to MEREDA’s Executive Director, Shelly Clark, the conference will be held at The Holiday Inn By the Bay from 1pm to 5pm on Wednesday, May 15. An application has been submitted for Continuing Education Credits. This event is sponsored by NBT Bank; Preti Flaherty; Mainebiz; Evernorth; Daigle Commercial Group; Sebago Technics; Albin, Randall & Bennett; Criterium Engineers; Efficiency Maine; SageStone; and Pierce Atwood. Registration details can be found here.

March 28, 2024 at 10:00 am · Shelly Clark · Comments Off on MEREDA’s Morning Menu – Residential Check-In

MEREDA’s Morning Menu – Residential Check-In

April 25, 2024 – 8:30 – 10:00 AM
Buffet Breakfast: 8:30-9:00 am
Program: 9:00-10:00 am

In-Person – Pre-registration is required.

NEW LOCATION!
McGoldrick Career & Student Success Center
35 Bedford Street, Portland, ME

Seating Capacity: 110 – We will not be able to accommodate walk-ins.

About the event: Dive deep into the pulse of today’s residential market at our April 25th breakfast panel discussion, at the McGoldrick Career & Student Success Center at USM in Portland. We welcome experts from across the state to dissect market dynamics, analyze trends, and strategize for success. We will discuss the recent class action law suit, among other important influences on our current marketplace.

Space is limited, so reserve your spot today and elevate your knowledge of the residential real estate market in Maine. Don’t miss this chance to gain a competitive edge, forge valuable connections, and unlock the insights that will drive your success in today’s dynamic market.

Our expert panel include Nova Tower, Partner & Broker at Waypoint Brokers Collective, Julie Dawson Williams, CEO & Broker/Owner of Dawson Inc., and Adam Shub, Partner at Preti Flaherty. Moderating the panel is MEREDA Board Member, Gwen Hulit, Mortgage Loan Officer at US Bank.

Join us!

Refund Policy: Your RSVP is requested by April 18. Payment is expected at the time of registration. No refunds will be granted to anyone who registers, but fails to attend or who cancels after April 18.

Ticket Prices:
Members: $45 each | Non-Members: $55 each
Prices increase by $10 after April 18.

Parking Note:
By purchasing these tickets, you confirm that you have read and understand the Event Parking information provided by the McGoldrick Career & Student Success Center above.

This event is sponsored by Norway Savings Bank.

March 13, 2024 at 1:08 pm · Shelly Clark · Comments Off on MEREDA’s Strikes for Scholars Bowl-a-Thon Fundraiser 2024

MEREDA’s Strikes for Scholars Bowl-a-Thon Fundraiser 2024

MEREDA returns to Bayside Bowl in Portland for it’s Annual Strikes for Scholars Bowl-a-Thon Fundraiser on May 2, 2024!

May 2 @ 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm

Consistent with the tradition of this event, all proceeds will support students pursuing studies and experience in the building trades. Past recipients of the donations have included Maine’s Community College System, the ACE Mentor Program of Maine as well as the AGC Maine Education Foundation.

MEREDA began this event to support students in the building trades and professions 11 years ago and has continued to grow and support the program. Since the fundraiser’s inception, MEREDA is proud to have raised and donated over $166,000 in scholarships helping over 150 Maine students.

We are now accepting applications for Bowling Teams! This event sells out quickly, so download and complete the 2024 Strikes For Scholars Bowl-a-Thon Fundraiser Application and Return with your Payment as soon as Possible!

Want to Increase Your Company’s Credibility and Visibility within Maine’s Commercial Real Estate Sector?

For $1500, sponsors are featured in emails about the event, you can display your company banner at the event, you’ll be mentioned at the event, and we’ll post a number of posts on our social media platforms. The best benefit is that all the net proceeds go directly to deserving Maine students!

We are also looking for a sponsor for our Raffle Drawings of $400.

What you get:

• “Pay it Forward” with 100% of net proceeds funding the scholarship program

• Sponsorships provide high visibility on press releases, publications, social media mentions, the MEREDA website and signage at the event.

• Opportunity to be creative! Best Team Shirts gets a Summer Bowling Party!

• BRING CASH! We’ll be raffling off two $200 Cash Prizes so come prepared to purchase raffle tickets!

March 12, 2024 at 6:00 am · Shelly Clark · Comments Off on MEREDA Recognizes Contributions to Real Estate Development and Policy in Maine in Award Ceremony

MEREDA Recognizes Contributions to Real Estate Development and Policy in Maine in Award Ceremony

On February 29, 2024, the Maine Real Estate and Development Association (MEREDA) recognized three remarkable individuals and a Joint Select Committee for their significant and lasting contributions to real estate development in the state of Maine. The awards were presented at this year’s Forecast Conference at the Holiday Inn By the Bay, which was attended by over 800 real estate professionals.

Left to Right: Shelly R. Clark, MEREDA Executive Director, Craig Young, MEREDA President, Kevin Bunker, Matt Pitzer, Gary Vogel, and Senator Matt Pouliot on behalf of the Joint Select Committee on Housing.

Watch the Awards Ceremony!

Gary Vogel was selected for this year’s Robert B. Patterson Jr. Founder’s Award, for his extraordinary commitment and dedication to MEREDA over the years.

Vogel has been practicing law in Portland for over 30 years and is a shareholder at the law firm of Drummond Woodsum. His practice is concentrated in real estate, real estate development, finance transactions, commercial transactions, mergers and acquisitions, and commercial law. Vogel’s work often involves developments utilizing the Federal Low Income Housing Tax Credit, Federal and State Historic Tax Credits and New Market Tax Credits.

Since joining the MEREDA Board in 2004, Vogel has been an integral part of MEREDA, serving as chair of the legislative committee for over a decade, as well as serving two years as President. MEREDA is grateful for his unwavering dedication to these voluntary leadership roles. Under his leadership, MEREDA achieved many legislative accomplishments that have greatly benefited both Maine and real estate development in the state. Vogel was selected to receive MEREDA’s Public Policy Award in both 2006 and 2011, as well as the Volunteer of the Year Award in 2010, and the President’s Award in 2014. Over the years, Vogel has generously offered his valuable time and expertise, playing a pivotal role in helping MEREDA thrive. His deep understanding of developmental challenges in Maine, along with his extensive institutional knowledge and experience with MEREDA’s legislative history, have made Vogel’s contributions invaluable to all MEREDA members.

The MEREDA Public Policy Award is presented each year to an individual or group whose efforts have made a significant impact on public policy changes that benefit responsible real estate development and ownership in Maine. This year we recognize the Joint Select Committee on Housing for their leadership around creating housing in Maine.

The Joint Select Committee on Housing, or the Housing Committee, comes out of the Second Regular Session of the 131st Legislature. Led by its chairs, Senator Theresa Pierce and Representative Traci Gere, the Housing Committee, has been tasked with prioritizing housing creation in Maine. The group has undertaken its mission with determination and demonstrated exceptional leadership in policy making. The Housing Committee has taken testimony from all sectors of Maine’s housing economy, and has shown repeated bipartisanship support for pragmatic and sensible solutions. They have worked to tackle emergency and subsidized housing assistance, and are turning their attention to land use and its role in housing creation.

MEREDA believes that the concentrated and pragmatic approach to problem-solving demonstrated by the Housing Committee is a model for lawmaking. Their work has made a practical impact in Mainers’ lives and encouraged the development of affordable housing. MEREDA is eager to continue to work with the Housing Committee and its exceptionally committed members.

The Volunteer of the Year Award is awarded to those who generously share their time, talents, and energy with MEREDA. This year we honor the contributions of Matt Pitzer.

Pitzer is an Architect and Senior Project Manager at Simpson, Gumpertz & Heger. He has a background as a designer specializing in preservation and envelope restoration of prominent historic structures and is committed to design that confers broad social benefits.
At MEREDA, Pitzer has been an active and engaged participant, serving on MEREDA’s Board of Directors since 2019. More recently, he has taken on the role of DevelopME Committee Co-Chair. Pitzer’s leadership has made a difference in creating professional development opportunities within MEREDA for the next generation of industry professionals. MEREDA’s DevelopME Committee encourages Maine’s real estate emerging leaders to become more engaged in the State’s commercial real estate industry. The committee meets on a monthly basis and provides educational “Lunch & Learn” seminars, networking opportunities with peers, and access to MEREDA’s Board of Directors, as well as the opportunity to participate in MEREDA’s advocacy efforts. Pitzer’s dedication to his Co-Chair role has been instrumental in the success of the committee, and MEREDA is grateful for his contributions.

The President’s Award is given by MEREDA’s current President, Craig Young of The Boulos Company, in recognition of someone who has made significant contributions on MEREDA’s behalf. This year’s President’s Award goes to Kevin Bunker for his leadership in building affordable housing and for his support of MEREDA’s efforts.

Bunker is founding principal of Developers Collaborative with projects that run the gamut from residential to industrial, and is known as one of the preeminent builders of affordable housing in southern Maine. His experience in complex financing models, including tax increment financing, the use of tax credits, and other public-private partnerships, have led to creative projects that build community and strengthen the Maine economy in innovative ways. His recent projects include the new homeless shelter and a home dedicated for asylum seekers, both in Portland. Bunker is also an activist promoting the causes of smart growth and downtowns at the state and local levels.

MEREDA is honored to recognize Bunker’s contributions to our state; his commitment to building affordable housing is an example of responsible development in action. As a guest on the MEREDA Matters podcast, as well as a panelist for a Morning Menu discussion on the complexities involved with providing housing and social services for asylum seekers and the unhoused, Bunker has deepened the conversation around financing the development of affordable housing in Maine. We are grateful that he is willing to share his expertise with MEREDA members and is dedicated to doing this important work in our state.

MEREDA congratulates these award winners, and thanks every volunteer whose contributions of time and talent make the association’s continued success possible.

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