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(207) 874-0801
info@mereda.org
6 City Center, 3rd Floor, Portland, ME

November 10, 2021 at 2:30 pm · · Comments Off on MEREDA’s Morning Menu – Vertical Harvest Plants a Seed in Downtown Westbrook

MEREDA’s Morning Menu – Vertical Harvest Plants a Seed in Downtown Westbrook

The City of Westbrook in partnership with The Day Brothers, LLC has an exciting new mixed-use development project that will be breaking ground this Winter in the heart of its downtown. This project will be Maine’s first commercial urban vertical farm adjacent to a structure combining ground floor retail space, residential units, and a 4-level, free covered public parking garage. This dynamic new development captures Maine’s entrepreneurial spirit.

Make plans to join us in person on December 16, 2021 at the Portland Regency Hotel in Portland as our Moderator, Craig Young, Partner & Broker at The Boulos Company, and MEREDA Vice President, talks with our esteemed panel about how vertical farming is changing the landscape in an urban, sustainable and profitable model.

Joining us are Daniel Stevenson, Director of Economic and Community Development at the City of Westbrook, Nona Yehia, Co-Founder & CEO of Vertical Harvest, and Greg Day, President of The Day Brothers, LLC.

About the Event:

Portland Regency Hotel
20 Milk Street
Portland, ME  04101

December 16, 2021

Buffet Breakfast: 7:30-8:00 am
Program: 8:00-9:00 am

Join us in person on December 16

** SAFETY PRECAUTIONS **

MASKS ARE REQUIRED: Due to the uncertainty with the Coronavirus Delta variant, and to protect the health and safety of our attendees and presenters, we request that ALL ATTENDEES wear a mask for the duration of the event, unless eating or drinking, and strongly encourage ALL ATTENDEES to be vaccinated.

A buffet breakfast will be available with the hotel staff serving each guest. Upon arrival, please check in, proceed to the buffet while maintaining 6’ between other guests, and go directly to your table. Coffee will be located on each table.

We will continue to follow all State & Federal CDC guidelines and suggested protocols, and will respond accordingly. Updates will be posted on our website.

To Register and for more information, click HERE. 

Members:  $45 pp
Non-Members:  $55 pp
Prices increase $10 after 12/9

MEREDA’s Refund Policy:

Your RSVP is requested by December 9. 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 December 9.

MEREDA’s Morning Menu Breakfast Series is Sponsored by Norway Savings Bank

This event is co-sponsored by the City of Westbrook

October 28, 2021 at 4:11 pm · · Comments Off on MEREDA’s Next “Morning Menu” In-Person Breakfast Event is Scheduled for November 16

MEREDA’s Next “Morning Menu” In-Person Breakfast Event is Scheduled for November 16

Third Quarter Residential Market Check-In

To say it’s been a crazy year for the residential market is a bit of an understatement. Make plans to join us in person on November 16, 2021 at the Holiday Inn By the Bay in Portland for a look back at what transpired in this sizzling hot market this past year, and hear some predictions for the close of 2021.

Joining us are Chris Lynch, President & Designated Broker of Legacy Properties Sotheby’s International Realty, Mike LePage, Managing Broker at Portside Real Estate Group, and Debra Abbondanza, VP, Regional Sales Manager at Bangor Savings Bank.

About the Event:

Holiday Inn By the Bay
88 Spring Street
Portland, ME  04101

November 16, 2021

Buffet Breakfast: 7:30-8:00 am
Program: 8:00-9:00 am

Join us in person on November 16

** SAFETY PRECAUTIONS **

MASKS ARE REQUIRED: Due to the uncertainty with the Coronavirus Delta variant, and to protect the health and safety of our attendees and presenters, we request that ALL ATTENDEES wear a mask for the duration of the event, unless eating or drinking, and strongly encourage ALL ATTENDEES to be vaccinated.

A buffet breakfast will be available with the Holiday Inn By the Bay staff serving each guest. Upon arrival, please check in, proceed to the buffet while maintaining 6’ between other guests, and go directly to your table. Coffee will be located on each table.

We will continue to follow all State & Federal CDC guidelines and suggested protocols, and will respond accordingly. Updates will be posted on our website.

To Register and for more information, click HERE. 

Members:  $45 pp
Non-Members:  $55 pp
Prices increase $10 after 11/9

MEREDA’s Refund Policy:

Your RSVP is requested by November 9. 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 November 9.

MEREDA’s Morning Menu Breakfast Series is Sponsored by Norway Savings Bank

September 24, 2021 at 2:24 pm · · Comments Off on MEREDA’s Next “Morning Menu” In-Person Breakfast Event is Scheduled for October 22nd.

MEREDA’s Next “Morning Menu” In-Person Breakfast Event is Scheduled for October 22nd.

Are we all ready to return to the office?  Join us on 10/22 for a discussion about the current status of the office environment with two leaders in the office market.

About the Event:

Holiday Inn By the Bay
88 Spring Street
Portland, ME  04101

October 22, 2021

Buffet Breakfast: 7:30-8:00 am
Program: 8:00-9:00 am

Join us in person on October 22nd as our Moderator, Craig Young, Partner & Broker at the Boulos Company, and MEREDA Vice President, discusses the current status of the office environment with two leaders in the office market, Paul Larkins, AVP, Real Estate Strategy and Projects of UNUM and Rick McKenney, Vice President of Sales at Creative Office Pavilion.

We will explore UNUM’s recent re-development of its Portland campus and how UNUM intends to have its workforce return to work – or not. We will also hear about new trends in office space design, furniture and work-from-home office arrangement.

** SAFETY PRECAUTIONS **

MASKS ARE REQUIRED: Due to the uncertainty with the Coronavirus Delta variant, and to protect the health and safety of our attendees and presenters, we request that ALL ATTENDEES wear a mask for the duration of the event, unless eating or drinking, and strongly encourage ALL ATTENDEES to be vaccinated.

A buffet breakfast will be available with the Holiday Inn By the Bay staff serving each guest. Upon arrival, please check in, proceed to the buffet while maintaining 6’ between other guests, and go directly to your table. Coffee will be located on each table.

We will continue to follow all State & Federal CDC guidelines and suggested protocols, and will respond accordingly. Updates will be posted on our website.

To Register and for more information:  https://mereda.org/event/meredas-morning-menu-office-environment-102221/

Members:  $45 pp
Non-Members:  $55 pp
Prices increase $10 after 10/15

MEREDA’s Refund Policy:

Your RSVP is requested by October 15. 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 October 15.

MEREDA’s Morning Menu Breakfast Series is Sponsored by Norway Savings Bank

This event is co-sponsored by UNUM.

July 20, 2021 at 11:00 am · · Comments Off on Maine Real Estate & Development Association (MEREDA) Re-Elects Brian Curley to its Board of Directors

Maine Real Estate & Development Association (MEREDA) Re-Elects Brian Curley to its Board of Directors

PORTLAND, July 20, 2021 – Brian Curley, AIA, LEED AP, of Portland, and Senior Vice President, Business Practice Leader, Architectural & Structural, of CHA Consulting, Inc. (CHA) has been re-elected to the board of directors of the Maine Real Estate & Development Association (MEREDA), a statewide organization of commercial real estate owners, developers and related service providers.

MEREDA is pleased to announce that longtime member Brian Curley, has been re-elected to its board of directors after a 2-year hiatus. Brian first joined the board in 2011 and served as a vice president, co-chair of the Conference Committee, as well as a member of its Executive Committee. Brian was twice recognized with MEREDA’s President’s Award in both 2014 & 2016.

Brian has more than 35 years of architectural experience specializing in corporate and interiors projects for colleges/universities, historic structures, housing, retail, and corporate offices. Brian has a special interest in historic preservation and expertise in complicated renovation/reuse projects that bring new life and energy efficiency to historic buildings. His expertise ranges from space planning and interior fit-ups to historic renovation and new office construction. Brian also works with CHA’s interior designers on corporate offices, renovations, and furnishings packages. His housing experience includes new and renovated multi-family housing of all types.

“We are ecstatic that Brian has accepted our invitation to return to the MEREDA board,” says Shelly R. Clark, Vice President of Operations for MEREDA. “Brian’s expertise, industry knowledge, and enthusiasm for MEREDA’s mission makes him a great addition once again”!

 

July 19, 2021 at 2:30 pm · · Comments Off on MEREDA’s First In-Person Event in 16 Months is Scheduled for September 14!

MEREDA’s First In-Person Event in 16 Months is Scheduled for September 14!

MEREDA’s Morning Menu Breakfast Event – Southern Maine Development Trends: If you Build it, Will They Come?

Make plans to join us in person on September 14, 2021 at the Holiday Inn By the Bay in Portland as we discuss recent and changing development trends for commercial and multi-family housing in York County with developers Tom Watson of Port Property Development and Amy Cullen of The Szanton Company.

About the Event:

Where:
Holiday Inn By the Bay
88 Spring Street
Portland, ME

When:
September 14, 2021

Time:
Breakfast: 7:30 – 8:00 AM
Program: 8:00 – 9:00 AM

Registering for this Event:
Members: $45 each | Non-Members: $55 each
Prices increase by $10 after September 7

Your RSVP is requested by September 7. 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 September 7.

For more information and to register, click here.

MEREDA’s Morning Menu Breakfast Series is Sponsored by Norway Savings Bank

 

June 17, 2021 at 3:23 pm · · Comments Off on Maine Real Estate & Development Association (MEREDA) Elects Benjamin Brennan to Board of Directors

Maine Real Estate & Development Association (MEREDA) Elects Benjamin Brennan to Board of Directors

PORTLAND, Maine (June 17, 2021) Benjamin Brennan of Portland, and Sales Executive for KONE Elevators has been elected to the board of directors of the Maine Real Estate & Development Association (MEREDA), a statewide organization of commercial real estate owners, developers and related service providers.

An active member of MEREDA, Ben serves on its Local Issues Committee and most recently took a leading role as co-chair of its DevelopME Committee, working to engage the membership and create professional development opportunities within MEREDA for the next generation of industry professionals.

As a Sales Executive for KONE Elevators, located in Westbrook, ME, Ben is responsible for new equipment business development & project management and partners with stakeholders of new and existing real estate developments.   From providing AIA continuing education, design assistance and pre-construction services to ensuring smooth transition through all stages of project execution, Ben is involved throughout a project’s life cycle.

A graduate of the University of Maine, Ben was hired in 2013 by KONE to deliver energy efficient elevator solutions to the Northern New England market.  As a green energy advocate, Ben’s interests lie in finding a medium between green technology & affordability.

“We’ve seen Ben become really engaged in a short amount of time, and are impressed by his can-do attitude and interest in MEREDA’s initiatives,” says Shelly R. Clark, Vice President of Operations for MEREDA.   “We welcome Ben’s enthusiasm and look forward to his active participation in furthering MEREDA’s mission of promoting responsible real estate development throughout Maine”.

For further information, please contact MEREDA’s Vice President of Operations, Shelly R. Clark at 207-874-0801.

June 14, 2021 at 10:00 am · · Comments Off on MEREDA’s Virtual Trivia Night Fundraising Event to Fund Eight $1250 Scholarships for Maine Students

MEREDA’s Virtual Trivia Night Fundraising Event to Fund Eight $1250 Scholarships for Maine Students

PORTLAND, June 14, 2021 – Although the Maine Real Estate & Development Association (MEREDA) wasn’t able to host its “Strikes for Scholars” Bowl-a-Thon Fundraising Event again this year due to the pandemic, we instead opted for a Virtual Trivia Night and our members turned out once again to support the students!  The event consisted of 3 rounds of questions from Current Events to Pop Culture, to a “Name that Tune” category, followed by team networking. Prizes were awarded to 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Place winners.

We are pleased to announce that MEREDA will be providing 7 $1250 scholarships to the Maine Community College System (MCCS), as well as 1 $1250 scholarship to the College of Science, Technology & Health at the University of Southern Maine. Thank you, MEREDA Members!

MEREDA began its scholarship program for students in the building trades and professions 9 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 $133,000 in scholarships helping over 103 Maine students.

Many thanks to our Sponsors AAA Energy Service Co., Bangor Savings Bank, & Machias Savings Bank, as well as to our twenty trivia teams!! Without their involvement, these substantial donations would not be possible.

June 8, 2021 at 8:00 am · · Comments Off on MEREDA Awards Top 6 Notable Projects of 2020

MEREDA Awards Top 6 Notable Projects of 2020

The Maine Real Estate & Development Association (MEREDA), the state’s leading organization promoting responsible real estate development, honored projects from Portland to Pittsfield to Bangor, with each receiving special recognition at MEREDA’s 2021 Virtual Spring Conference on May 20th.

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 2020, 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 six projects was selected in part based upon criteria including: noteworthy and significant project completed* in 2020 (*Building Occupancy Permit issued by 12 31 20), environmental sustainability, economic impact, energy efficiency, social impact, uniqueness, difficulty of development and job creation.

The recipients of MEREDA’s Top 6 Most Notable Projects of 2020 include:

  • Rock Row Phase 1 Retail Center, Waterstone Properties Group (Westbrook) for envisioning a 110-acre signature mixed-use development centered around a 400-foot wide, 300-foot-deep quarry.  As envisioned, Rock Row will attract more than 6 million guests a year from across the globe —with destination retail, chef-driven dining, inviting workspaces, modern residences, world-class healthcare, hip hotels, diverse entertainment and more.  The crown jewel of Rock Row is the 26-acre Quarry, featuring a picturesque boardwalk, connected to more than 70 miles of hiking and biking trails. 
  • 82 Hanover Street, Port Property Management (Portland) for the redevelopment of the Public Works facility, restoring an existing historic structure while also helping revitalize a neighborhood. Once dominated by industrial buildings and vacant lots, this project turned a dilapidated property into a vibrant urban destination. 
  • Hospice of Southern Maine, Zachau Construction / SMRT (Scarborough) for creating a 100% self-sustaining building to house the HSM corporate and clinical teams, as well as, a location for training simulations, grieving services, and a large community room.  Designed to reduce their energy costs by approximately 96%, over 600 donors came together to raise $6.6 Million to date, which will go towards programs and staff instead of office facility overhead. 
  • Solterra, Portland Housing Authority (Portland) for designing 58 Boyd Street in East Bayside, a mixed-income, six-story building featuring 23 efficiency, ten (10) one-bedroom, thirteen (13) two-bedroom and nine (9) three-bedroom apartments as well as a community space.  Solterra was designed to accommodate the local community’s social, physical and environmental needs, with accessibility, quality of life, durability and environmental sustainability as keystones to the design process. 
  • One Merchants Plaza, Sky Villa Properties (Bangor) for having the vision to bring the 49-year-old, all concrete building (first of its kind in Bangor), back to life, revitalizing an area that desperately needed businesses for community growth. With an investment of approximately $2.2 million, the renovations created a space that utilized updated technology to provide tenants with a sustainable and energy efficient place for years to come.  The renovation of One Merchants Plaza has been one piece in a larger, ongoing process of revitalizing the business district in downtown Bangor.
  • Puritan Medical COVID –Building Expansion (P2), Puritan Medical Products (Pittsfield) for converting a portion of a vacant mill building into a state-of-the-art medical device manufacturing facility in less than 10 weeks. The 48,500 square feet of renovated space now produces medical grade foam-tipped swabs for COVID-19 testing.  Puritan’s greatly increased manufacturing capacity – an additional 90 million swabs per month – has enabled an exponential increase in COVID-19 testing in America and beyond.

MEREDA congratulates its 2020 Notable Project Award Recipients and thanks its Membership for their continued commitment to responsible development in Maine.  Each project will be recognized with its own article in the Maine Real Estate Insider e-newsletter published by Mainebiz, running Summer of 2021.

For further information, please contact MEREDA’s Vice President of Operations, Shelly R. Clark at info@mereda.org.

Top Row: Rock Row Phase 1 Retail Center, Waterstone Properties Group (Westbrook), 82 Hanover Street, Port Property Management (Portland), Hospice of Southern Maine, Zachau Construction / SMRT (Scarborough) Bottom Row: Solterra, Portland Housing Authority (Portland), One Merchants Plaza, Sky Villa Properties (Bangor), Puritan Medical COVID –Building Expansion (P2), Puritan Medical Products (Pittsfield)

 

 

June 1, 2021 at 8:00 am · · Comments Off on MEREDA Index Provides Dynamic Data & Perspectives of a Historic Year

MEREDA Index Provides Dynamic Data & Perspectives of a Historic Year

Over 230 real estate insiders registered to gather virtually for the Maine Real Estate & Development Association’s (MEREDA) Spring Conference on May 20th. As part of the Conference, MEREDA released its 15th edition of the MEREDA Index, a key economic indicator for the state of Maine. While the Index saw a dip during the first half of the year as the economy began its sharp decline related to the Covid-19 pandemic, the Index shot upward in the second half of the year, resulting in an overall increase of 2.8% over the annual average of 2019. Beyond the data, the individual components of the Index—commercial, residential, and construction—help paint a fuller picture of a historic year in Maine real estate.

“To say 2020 was a year like no other is an understatement, and when we zoom in on the Maine real estate market we see a truly remarkable year,” says Josh Fifield, MEREDA President. “We have all been watching as the residential market rocketed off the charts. We all felt the impact of vacant office and retail spaces in our communities, and we saw new construction projects forge ahead with increased demand. This is the story the 2021 MEREDA Index tells,” continues Fifield.

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 2020.

The MEREDA Index was tabulated by economist Dr. Charles Colgan with commentary from Cheri Bonawitz of Malone Commercial Brokers, Joe Dasco of Reger Dasco Properties, and Drew Sigfridson of The Boulos Company.

“The MEREDA Index is one of the best baseline measures for the health of the real estate market in Maine,” says Matt Worthen of Eaton Peabody, Index underwriter. “When you combine economic analysis from an expert economist like Dr. Charles Colgan with the ‘feet on the street’ perspective of local industry leaders, you have a keystone report for MEREDA members, their thousands of employees, and for Maine’s economy at large,” Worthen continues.

This edition of the MEREDA Index was underwritten by Eaton Peabody, with support from Katahdin Trust Company, and XPress Copy.

To download a copy of the report or watch a video about the MEREDA Index, click here.

 

May 25, 2021 at 8:07 am · · Comments Off on From a Record-Breaking Residential Market to a Rebounding Commercial Market – MEREDA Spring Conference Examines the Health of Maine Real Estate

From a Record-Breaking Residential Market to a Rebounding Commercial Market – MEREDA Spring Conference Examines the Health of Maine Real Estate

On Thursday, May 20th, the Maine Real Estate & Development Association (MEREDA) hosted its virtual Spring Conference. As we head into summer amidst record-breaking residential real estate sales, a robust construction sector, and a commercial sector poised to rebound, the MEREDA event provided an opportunity to reflect on a historic year and to look ahead at Maine’s economic future. MEREDA is committed to promoting responsible development across the state and providing forums for its members to engage and learn about opportunities in the state. As part of the conference, MEREDA unveiled its 2021 Index, hosted a panel discussion with Index contributors and Dr. Charles Colgan, and recognized its 2020 Notable Projects recipients, with Craig Young of The Boulos Company and Shannon Richards of Hay Runner acting as event hosts.

“MEREDA and its members are looking ahead as we march into the second half of 2021. Our Spring Conference gave us an occasion to reflect on 2020 – a singular year in Maine real estate – and discuss what opportunities lay ahead for our economy,” says Josh Fifield, MEREDA President. “We brought together Dr. Colgan and our Index contributors to help us bring the story of 2020 forward. Where do they see the real estate economy heading? It was an important and timely conversation for not just MEREDA members, but everyone who is interested in seeing Maine thrive.”

The conference first presented the 2021 Index data live, with economic data and analysis from Dr. Colgan, Director of Research at the Center for the Blue Economy at the Middlebury Institute of International Studies at Monterey and Professor Emeritus of Public Policy & Planning in the Muskie School of Public Service, as well as commentary on the commercial market from Cheri Bonawitz of Malone Commercial Brokers, insight into the residential market from Joe Dasco of Reger Dasco Properties, and a perspective on the construction sector from Drew Sigfridson of The Boulos Company.

Overall, in 2020 the Maine real estate sector did well, while the economy as a whole contracted faster than during the Great Recession. Residential real estate was a headline story throughout 2020 and one of the few bright spots in the economy during the pandemic. Whereas the activity in the commercial market and construction sector painted a more complex picture and raised lots of questions on how the market will continue to develop in the years ahead. Speaking on the commercial sector Dr. Colgan commented, “Can a world in which no one goes to the office or stores still be a world where commercial real estate is sold? The answer is – yes, it can.” Despite early declines in 2020, the commercial market remained vibrant in Maine and has already shown signs of recovery. Turning to the construction market, Drew Sigfridson summed up a major uncertainty: the changing cost of materials. “When you see a 30% increase in the price of steel over three months, it’s impossible to predict costs and develop a budget,” shared Sigfridson.

Building upon the insights on 2020 that commentators shared individually, the event concluded with a panel discussion. Craig Young and Shannon Richards helped guide the conversation forward and asked the commentators to share their thoughts on how the real estate market will evolve in 2021 and beyond.

Joe Dasco spoke on his experience developing Hobson’s Landing in Portland where the increased consumer demand for amenities drove creative and innovative uses of space. Dasco also commented on the impact of the 2020 Portland referendums, stating that his firm wouldn’t be able to make a project like Hobson’s Landing work today with the new onerous regulations in place. With those new limitations restricting Portland development, the panel were all curious to see how the surrounding communities in southern Maine would now benefit and capitalize on the increased demand for housing.

Cheri Bonawitz offered her perspective on the future of the retail market, stating that while many people are used to ordering products online, there are still a lot of shops that people want to visit downtown, and her firm is already seeing vacant restaurant spaces in the Old Port fill back up. Dr. Colgan expanded the commercial sector discussion by adding that there is an unprecedented amount of suppressed demand for travel that will certainly create a boom in Maine’s hospitality industry in the coming years before it comes back on trend. Following the devastation of 2020, this will surely be a welcome surge of activity for hotels and restaurants across the state.

The pandemic also radically transformed the world of work and the big question of the future of the office was another topic discussed. Dr. Colgan noted that now that the technology exists and will be expanding to rural areas, the sociological question of how and where we work will continue to play out over the next decade. Sigfridson shared how his own team has returned to the office, stating, “We find collaboration and being able to be with our team makes a difference.”

To sum things up, Dr. Colgan shared his perspective on the future of the Maine economy this way: “I’m generally optimistic, but I have some really nagging questions.” It’s true that with Maine’s robust residential market, rebounding commercial market, and the increased demand for construction there is a lot to look forward to in Maine real estate. But MEREDA and its members will be here to continue to ask those nagging questions and be a part of the solutions as Maine strives to build its future in a responsible way.

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