Warwick, RI Atlantic Capital Partners negotiated the sale of Midland Commons, a power center condominium. The 160,448 s/f asset is anchored by nationally recognized tenants, including Dick’s Sporting Goods, Burlington, and the #1 most visited Planet Fitness location in the state. 

Positioned off Bald Hill Rd. (RI-3), one of the region’s dominant retail corridors, the property benefits from strong visibility and accessibility, with traffic counts of 13,700 vehicles per day on Bald Hill Rd. and over 24,000 vehicles per day along nearby I-295.

The transaction was led by Justin Smith, head of capital markets; Chris Peterson, executive vice president; Sam Koonce, vice president; Danielle Turpin, senior associate; Stephen Joseph, vice president; Stephen Hassenflu, vice president; and Matt Ericson, associate. Atlantic Capital Partners exclusively represented the seller and the buyer in the transaction.

Midland Commons features institutional-quality construction and long-term anchor tenancy, offering durable cash flow and value-add potential through the lease-up of the 23,508 s/f of remaining vacancy.

Peterson said, “The asset generated significant interest through a highly competitive bidding process. Private investors were primarily drawn to the center’s exceptional credit profile, robust historical performance, and the long-term stability of the existing rent roll.

Situated on 23.17 acres, Midland Commons serves a dense and affluent regional trade area, with more than 181,000 residents within a five-mile radius. The property is widely recognized as one of the most prominent retail destinations in the Greater Providence market. 

Smith said, “As one of New England’s dominant retail corridors, the asset features exceptionally productive locations for Dick’s Sporting Goods, Burlington, and Planet Fitness, affording ownership and durable long-term cash flow.”

The $15 million acquisition loan for Midland Commons was done on behalf of Brasswater, a real estate investment and development firm based in Montreal, Canada. The financing, provided by a prominent alternative asset manager, was structured on a non-recourse basis at a competitive interest rate. Loan proceeds will be utilized to facilitate the acquisition and fund the stabilization of the asset through the lease-up of two currently vacant suites.

“Midland Commons represents an exceptional addition to Brasswater’s expanding U.S. portfolio,” said Joseph. “We were pleased to secure a tailored, non-recourse financing solution that provides our client with the flexibility to execute their value-add strategy and finalize the lease-up of this dominant retail destination.”

East Greenwich, RI Christina Rouse of Sweeney Real Estate & Appraisal represented the landlords at the Greenwich Mills (42 Ladd St.) in the lease of 1,789 s/f of office space. The renovated mill property located in the Hill and Harbor district offers both executive and private offices, with a mix of office and retail. The tenant, Bombi, is a stroller and childcare accessories retailer.

According to RI Statewide MLS, this is the second highest multi-family home sale in Providence County in 2026, YTD.

The historic property at 5–7 Cushing St. on College Hill was built in 1848. The estate features a seven room main residence and an attached six room townhouse apartment, offering a combined layout that includes multiple fireplaces, an oak-paneled living room, and a detached garden studio. 

Located in a neighborhood with amenities close by, the property provides access to the train station, local schools, the RISD Museum, and downtown dining.

“I was honored to help my clients secure this beautiful home”, said Sherry. “And I was grateful to work alongside two of the best Compass agents in Providence, Kira Greene and Rebecca Mayer, whose collaboration helped make this transaction a success.”

Warwick, RI

The space has a truck-level shipping dock with parking.

The new tenant, Kapsch Traffic.com signed a five-year lease with at five-year option.

The tenant will use the space for maintenance and warehouse to support all Rhode Island Dept. of Transportation tolling operations in the state.

Cresa represented the tenant  and Coldwell Banker Commercial represented the landlord Pierce Properties LLC.

The City of East Providence’s recent growth is proving beneficial for local taxpayers.

The city experienced significant growth in its tax base, driven in part by residential and commercial development, as well as investments in utility infrastructure. While the approved fiscal year 2026 budget includes a 4% increase in the tax levy, the actual tax rate increased by only 2.1% because of the expansion of the local tax base.

For fiscal year 2026, the residential tax rate will increase from $13.07 to $13.35 per $1,000 of assessed value, a 2.1% change. The commercial tax rate will increase from $20.63 to $21.06 per $1,000 of assessed value, also a 2.1% change. The tangible property tax rate will remain unchanged at $56.81 per $1,000 of assessed value, consistent with the statutory cap established under Rhode Island law.

City officials worked diligently throughout the budget process to minimize the impact on residents while continuing to invest in essential services, infrastructure improvements, public safety and long-term community priorities. The overall tax rate increase of approximately 2.1% remains below the current U.S. inflation rate of approximately 3.8%, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

East Providence continues to experience encouraging economic growth, with ongoing residential and commercial development, active construction projects and significant infrastructure investments by Rhode Island Energy contributing to the city’s expanding tax base. This continued growth strengthens the city’s financial foundation and helps lessen the burden on existing taxpayers over time.

The city recognizes that responsible growth provides the resources necessary to deliver high-quality public services. As a community that is nearly built out, most current development opportunities involve reinvestment in underutilized and previously developed properties. Many of these projects, particularly along the city’s waterfront, also provide environmental remediation, stormwater management improvements and enhanced public access to the shoreline.

Investment in East Providence also creates jobs, expands access to services and helps address the need for additional housing. The city has continually invested in water and sewer infrastructure, providing additional capacity to support future growth. East Providence welcomes investment opportunities that strengthen the community, enhance quality of life and contribute to the city’s long-term success.

Roberto DaSilva is the mayor of the city of East Providence, R.I.

Rhode Island’s life science industry is growing. Significant public and private investment is accelerating the development of a statewide ecosystem. At the center of this effort is the Rhode Island Life Science Hub (RILSH), a quasi-public agency statutorily mandated to spearhead the growth and competitiveness of the state’s life sciences industry. The momentum is unquestionable. RILSH’s 2025 Economic Impact Report notes $5.9 billion in economic impact, ~50,500 jobs supported, and ~$3.9 billion labor income statewide. 

Building a thriving life sciences ecosystem, however, requires more than investment alone. Workforce development remains one of the industry’s most pressing challenges. Through initiatives such as The Pawtucket Foundation’s Life Sciences Career Awareness Program, local stakeholders are helping to cultivate the next generation of life science talent. Yet workforce availability is a necessary but insufficient condition to the realization of a successful ecosystem. Companies also require sites that can accommodate growth, infrastructure that supports specialized operations, and a business environment conducive to investment.

This is where Pawtucket enters the conversation. Life sciences companies evaluating locations for new facilities or expansion must navigate a complex decision-making process. Site selection considerations include talent availability, proximity to innovation ecosystems, real estate and infrastructure readiness, operating costs, supply chain connectivity, regulatory efficiency, incentives, and quality of life. In many mature life sciences markets, companies face escalating occupancy costs, lengthy permitting timelines, infrastructure constraints, and intense competition for talent and public resources.

Pawtucket offers a compelling alternative. As one of New England’s historic industrial centers, Pawtucket possesses a built environment uniquely suited for modern life sciences growth. The city’s legacy of manufacturing and innovation has left behind a portfolio of large-scale industrial properties and historic mill buildings that are well positioned for adaptive reuse, advanced manufacturing, laboratory conversion, and bioprocessing operations. Unlike more constrained urban markets, Pawtucket provides room for expansion and redevelopment at a scale that is increasingly difficult to find elsewhere in Southern New England.

Location is another strategic advantage. Situated just ten minutes from downtown Providence and approximately forty-five minutes from Boston, Pawtucket provides access to two of the region’s most important innovation economies while maintaining substantially lower occupancy and operating costs. 

Companies can tap into the talent, research institutions, hospitals, and venture networks of Greater Boston and Providence without assuming the premium costs associated with those markets.

Connectivity further strengthens Pawtucket’s value proposition. The city benefits from direct access to I-95, regional rail service, nearby ports, and a top ranked airport, creating efficient connections for employees, suppliers, and customers. This transportation network supports both regional workforce recruitment and the movement of materials and products essential to life sciences operations.

The city’s collaborative approach to economic development is also an advantage. Pawtucket’s leadership recognizes the importance of reducing friction in the site selection and development process. Whether through creative financing tools, assistance navigating permitting and entitlement processes, or strategic partnerships, the city is committed to helping employers bring projects from concept to completion.

Finally, quality of life remains a critical consideration in attracting and retaining employees. Pawtucket is investing in housing production across a range of income levels while cultivating a vibrant urban environment defined by arts and culture, a growing food scene, professional sports and entertainment venues, and a thriving creative economy. The city is also recognized as Rhode Island’s craft beverage capital, boasting the state’s highest concentration of breweries and distilleries.

As Rhode Island’s life sciences ecosystem continues to mature, companies seeking a strategic, cost-effective, and scalable location would be wise to take a serious look at Pawtucket. The city offers a rare combination of strategic location, available development opportunities, competitive operating costs, regional connectivity, and public-sector partnership at a time when many larger markets are constrained by cost and complexity.

Further, its industrial legacy, entrepreneurial spirit, and commitment to economic growth have created a foundation upon which life sciences companies can build and scale. Early movers will have the opportunity to shape the ecosystem, secure premier sites, establish strategic partnerships, and contribute to the next chapter of Rhode Island’s life sciences story. Rhode Island is investing in life sciences. Pawtucket is ready!

Gaetan Kashala is the executive director of the Pawtucket Foundation, Pawtucket, R.I.

Last year, we celebrated the opening of the new Terminal 5 Pier at the Port of Davisville — the first new pier built at Quonset in nearly 70 years. At the time, we talked about what the project would mean for Rhode Island’s economy and the future growth of the Port. Today, we are beginning to see those benefits in real time.

This spring, the Terminal 5 Pier welcomed its first ship call: the Viking Odesa, a roll-on/roll-off vessel that delivered more than 1,100 GM and Chevrolet trucks and SUVs. For us, that first berthing represented much more than the arrival of a ship. It was proof that years of planning and investment are already strengthening Rhode Island’s only public port and positioning Davisville for continued growth.

The Port of Davisville has long been one of the top 10 auto importers in North America, handling more than 200,000 vehicles in 2025 alone. Terminal 5 expands our ability to accommodate automobile carriers while also creating additional flexibility for other cargoes and emerging industries. As activity at the port continues to increase, additional capacity is critical.

The new pier was designed as a true multi-use maritime facility. In addition to supporting our thriving automobile import business, it can accommodate heavy cargo, offshore wind vessels, submarine components, and other specialized maritime operations. That versatility is important because the maritime industry is evolving quickly, and ports that succeed will be those prepared to handle a wide range of opportunities.

We are also seeing strong demand for another component of the project: the Blue Economy Support Docks. Created to provide waterfront access for small businesses, research organizations, and emerging maritime companies, the docks have been nearly fully occupied since they were opened. Seven of the eight docks are already in use by companies supporting product testing, research and development and other maritime operations on Narragansett Bay.

At Quonset, we often talk about infrastructure investments as economic development tools. Terminal 5 is a perfect example. Modern infrastructure creates confidence for companies looking to invest and grow. It helps attract private-sector investment, supports good-paying jobs and ensures Rhode Island remains competitive in industries that are shaping the future of our economy.

The first ship call at Terminal 5 is only the beginning. As activity continues to grow at the Port of Davisville, this project is already proving to be an investment that will benefit Rhode Island for decades to come.

Chelsea Siefert is the chief operating officer of the Quonset Development Corp., North Kingstown, R.I.

Warwick, RI Eastern Bank has led the financing of Wood Partners’ Alta Altitude housing project, a 214-unit luxury, 100% market-rate apartment development. Eastern provided a $31 million construction loan for the project, which is located within the City Centre, a 95-acre master plan that calls for more than 1.5 million s/f of office, retail, hotel, commercial and residential space. The luxury property includes high-end amenities such as a fitness center, resident lounges, gaming and entertainment areas, and a courtyard with a resort-style swimming pool, fire pits and grilling areas. It opened in the third quarter of 2025.

Alta Altitude marks the ninth multifamily construction project Eastern has financed for Wood Partners and the first in Rhode Island. Wood Partners is recognized as a national leader in the development and construction of multifamily communities, with a portfolio that includes more than 110,000 homes and a combined capitalization of $23 billion. The company owns and operates over 80 properties nationwide, representing approximately 25,000 homes, and is consistently ranked among the five largest multifamily developers in the U.S.

“We’re proud to support Wood Partners in their continued growth across New England,” said Greg Buscone, executive vice president and chief commercial banking officer of Eastern Bank. “Alta Altitude is a transformative development for Warwick’s City Centre, and we’re pleased to help finance a project that provides greater housing options and contributes to the local economy.”

“We have worked with Eastern Bank for more than a decade, and we’re excited to expand our relationship with this milestone project in Rhode Island,” said Joseph Keough, chairman and CEO of Wood Partners. “Alta Altitude reflects our commitment to building high-quality communities in dynamic locations, and Eastern’s support and understanding of our needs and the local market have been instrumental in bringing this vision to life.”

Eastern Bank provides a range of commercial real estate financing offerings to assist companies with real estate acquisition, refinancing, or new construction. Lending solutions include multi-family housing, office, industrial and warehouse properties, hospitality properties, and retail developments, as well as highly sophisticated treasury services and deposit products for the commercial real estate industry.

The CRE team advising Wood Partners includes: Greg Buscone; senior vice president, commercial real estate group director Nicholas Moise; senior vice president, commercial real estate team leader David MacManus; and vice president, commercial real estate relationship manager Michael Yuen.

Little Compton, RI Mott & Chace Sotheby’s International Realty sold 17 Ferolbink Way, for $4.5 million. The sellers were represented by Cherry Arnold, sales associate of Mott & Chace Sotheby’s International Realty. The buyers were represented by Derek Simpson of Residential Properties.

According to data from the MLS, this is the highest sale in the town since November 2025, where Arnold represented clients in the sale of 19 Taylor’s Lane South.

This private oceanfront estate is located above the Sakonnet Passage with west-facing views of Aquidneck Island and the Atlantic. Set on nearly five secluded acres, the home features open living and dining, eat-in kitchen, sunroom, library/office, and a first-floor primary suite — all oriented to the water. Upstairs features three bedrooms, a full bathroom, and a teak deck overlooking the ocean and Sachuest Point. A walk-out lower-level leads to outdoor shower and landscaped path. 

“I’m thrilled to have had the opportunity to represent this stunning legacy property,” said Arnold. “It is located on one of the most beautiful oceanfront coastlines in New England!”

Warwick, RI Robert Fox has returned to Elite Commercial Realty Group. Fox, a respected commercial real estate professional and former member of the Elite Commercial Realty team, is rejoining the firm under RE/MAX Revolution.

Since his time with Elite Commercial Realty, Fox spent a year with NAI Advisors, where he expanded his expertise in the hospitality and retail sectors while gaining valuable experience working with a diverse range of commercial clients and assets.

“We are excited to welcome Robert back to the Elite Commercial Realty family,” said Michael Alves. “His experience, leadership, industry relationships, and passion for commercial real estate make him an outstanding addition to our growing team. We look forward to working together to continue serving our clients throughout Rhode Island and beyond.”

Fox is a commercial real estate broker licensed in R.I., Mass., Conn., and Fla.

Throughout his career, he has specialized in investment sales, mixed-use properties, retail assets, and redevelopment opportunities. He has represented investors, property owners, developers, and business operators in the acquisition, disposition, leasing, and marketing of commercial real estate throughout Southern New England.

In addition to his brokerage achievements, Fox serves as president of the Rhode Island Commercial and Appraisal Board of Realtors.

Among his notable accomplishments, Fox has been involved in several significant commercial transactions, including the marketing and sale of landmark properties such as Atlantic Mills.

Known for his entrepreneurial mindset, strong prospecting abilities, and innovative approach to business development, Robert combines traditional brokerage practices with modern marketing and technology-driven strategies to create opportunities and deliver results for his clients.

Fox’s return reinforces Elite Commercial Realty Group’s commitment to providing exceptional commercial real estate services across investment sales, leasing, development, and advisory services.

At the time of sale, the property was fully approved and shovel-ready for retail development of up to 26,000 s/f.

The purchase price was $3.2 million. Peter M. Scotti & Associates brokered the sale.

North Kingstown, RI Cold-Link Logistics has broken ground on a $33.9 million expansion of their facility in West Davisville in the Quonset Business Park.

The 65,000 s/f expansion at 1 All American Way will double the facility’s existing capacity, creating more freezer storage for food and beverage products with space for 13,000 new pallet positions.

The expansion will position Cold-Link to grow their business and better serve their customers, several of whom — including Sea Fresh and Taylor Farms — are also located at the Quonset Business Park.

QDC is glad to be a project partner and support expansions for businesses like Cold-Link as they continue to grow and thrive here.

Lincoln, RI Jackson Caffrey of Sweeney Real Estate & Appraisal represented the ownership at 6 Blackstone Valley Place, Unit 6B in the sale of a 3,340 s/f of office condo. This office space contains eight exam rooms, a conference room, a waiting room, and a bullpen area. It is conveniently located on/off I-295 and is quick to other state highways.

The office condo sold for $425,000 to Mohammad Faizul Suhail.

Providence, RI Gale Associates, Inc. is opening its new Rhode Island office at The Foundry.

Located near downtown, the train station, and major highways, the new office strengthens Gale’s presence in the region and enhances the firm’s ability to serve clients throughout Rhode Island and Southern New England.

The 275 Promenade St., Suite 135 office will be led by Jason Wagner, AIA, BECxP, LEED AP BD+C, senior project manager. Wagner brings more than 30 years of architectural and building enclosure consulting experience to the area. He consults in the areas of building enclosure evaluation, design, energy conservation, design peer review and BECx commissioning.

“We are excited to expand our presence in Rhode Island with an office that reflects both the character and accessibility of the Providence market,” said Steven Marshall, managing principal of Gale. “This location allows us to better serve our clients while continuing to strengthen our relationships throughout Southern New England.”

Located within The Foundry campus, the office provides access for clients and staff while supporting Gale’s regional expansion

Gale, based in Rockland, Mass., is a consulting engineering firm specializing in building enclosure consulting and commissioning, structural and civil engineering, athletic facilities planning and design, and airport engineering and planning.

Pawtucket, RI Global Asset Management Group, Inc. (GAMG), a diversified real estate investment and asset management company, reached a major milestone in the acquisition and redevelopment of the former Memorial Hospital campus located at 111 Brewster St. 

An already approved amendment to the deed restrictions allowing for the development to move forward as designed has now cleared the way for final design, planning, and redevelopment of the property, positioning the asset for a large-scale mixed-use residential community designed to serve affordable housing needs, veteran housing demand, and the continued revitalization of the City of Pawtucket.
GAMG also announced that it has initiated the process to uplist its common stock to the OTCQB Venture Market, which the Company believes may improve visibility, transparency, institutional credibility, and broader market participation.

Transformational Adaptive Reuse Opportunity
The former Memorial Hospital campus consists of 386,404 s/f situated on 7.68 acres spanning multiple city blocks within an urban corridor with direct access to Providence and major regional transportation infrastructure.

The redevelopment is expected to represent a $92 million stabilized asset value upon completion and stabilization, supported by approximately:

• $12 million acquisition cost

• $45 million construction and redevelopment costs

Additional soft costs, financing costs, interest reserves, contingency reserves, and project infrastructure expenditures

Upon stabilization, the company currently anticipates the project will generate $650,000 per month of recurring stabilized cash flow, representing $7.8 million in annualized stabilized cash flow to the GAMG platform.

An independent third-party appraisal prepared by Standard Valuation Services previously established a fee simple market value of $24 million for the property in its current condition, highlighting the substantial embedded value and repositioning potential of the asset prior to redevelopment execution.

The property occupies a highly visible and strategically important location within the city and is expected to become one of the largest adaptive reuse redevelopment projects in the region.

Addressing Critical Affordable and Veteran Housing Needs
The redevelopment is specifically designed to address a critical shortage of quality affordable, workforce, and veteran housing within Rhode Island while simultaneously revitalizing a long-vacant institutional property.

Current development plans contemplate a large-scale mixed-use residential community expected to include:

• Approximately 200 residential units

• Affordable housing components

• Market-rate multifamily housing

• Dedicated veteran housing allocations integrated within the community

• Community support services

• Retail and neighborhood-serving amenities

• Healthcare and wellness related uses

The company believes the project will provide meaningful long-term benefits to the local community by transforming an underutilized former hospital campus into a modern residential environment serving veterans, working families, and residents seeking quality housing opportunities within the Pawtucket market.

Management believes the project directly aligns with increasing public and private sector initiatives focused on expanding affordable housing inventory and improving long-term housing accessibility for underserved populations.

Amenity-Rich Modern Multifamily Environment
The redevelopment is expected to create a highly amenitized residential community centered around modern multifamily living, wellness, convenience, and community engagement.

• Planned amenities are expected to include:

• Rooftop recreation and gathering spaces

• Fitness and wellness facilities

• Theater and media rooms

• Coffee shop and café concepts

• Indoor and outdoor dining areas

• Landscaped green spaces and gathering areas

• Community-oriented programming

• Retail and neighborhood service offerings

• Childcare and daycare components

• Wellness, support, and educational programming

The company believes these features will create a fully integrated live-work-play environment designed to enhance resident experience, strengthen tenant demand, and support long-term asset value creation.

Strategic Redevelopment Advantages
Management believes the former hospital structure provides unique redevelopment advantages that would be difficult to replicate in today’s construction environment, including:

• Significant existing infrastructure capacity

• Elevator, plumbing, and mechanical systems already in place

• Efficient residential conversion layouts

• Flexibility for mixed-use programming

• Institutional-grade structural design and infrastructure

• Scale advantages within a supply-constrained market

In addition, the asset benefits from strong long-term regional fundamentals, including:

• Proximity to Providence and regional employment centers

• Access to major transportation corridors

• Ongoing public and private investment throughout the Providence-Pawtucket corridor

• Continued demand growth for quality multifamily housing

• Favorable demographic and housing supply dynamics

The company believes these factors position the redevelopment for strong long-term occupancy and operational performance upon stabilization.

Management Commentary
Richard Balles, chief executive officer of GAMG, said “This project represents far more than a real estate redevelopment. We believe this is an opportunity to create meaningful long-term impact for the City of Pawtucket and for an underserved veteran and affordable housing community that needs modern, quality housing options. The combination of adaptive reuse, community-oriented programming, institutional-scale infrastructure, and stabilized long-term cash flow aligns directly with our strategy of acquiring and transforming large-scale real estate assets with significant embedded value. With an anticipated stabilized value approaching $92 million and projected annualized cash flow of approximately $7.8 million, we believe this redevelopment has the potential to become one of the cornerstone assets within GAMG’s growing real estate platform while simultaneously delivering meaningful social and economic impact to the surrounding community.”

Strategic Outlook
GAMG continues to focus on acquiring and repositioning institutional-quality real estate assets where redevelopment, capital improvements, entitlement modifications, adaptive reuse strategies, or operational improvements can unlock significant long-term value creation.
The company believes the Memorial Hospital redevelopment represents:

• A transformational adaptive reuse opportunity

• A scalable public-private aligned redevelopment model

• A long-duration cash-flowing multifamily asset

• A community-focused housing initiative with meaningful social impact

• A strategically located institutional-scale real estate investment

• A long-term platform asset capable of generating recurring income and appreciation

Management believes the redevelopment further demonstrates GAMG’s strategy of identifying overlooked or underutilized institutional assets and repositioning them into stabilized, cash-flowing real estate investments capable of producing both shareholder returns and community benefit.

NECPE: 
Alpha Testing of Lease Up’s NECPE solution has begun. We are going for a function data-rich yet minimalistic platform. The goal of any listing platform is to get the property in front of consumers and get leads; we are confident in that. Beta testing is in June for July go-live. The goal here is to learn from our previous mistakes regarding rolling out a new platform (Catalyst to Moody’s).

Training throughout New England (as of 5/31/26)

• Tuesday, June 9^th, 12-2 pm TFMoran, Bedford, NH

• Tuesday, June 16^th, 2-4 pm, SVN Masiello, South Portland, ME

• Tuesday, June 30^th, 12-2 pm, Keller Williams, Portsmouth, NH

We are actively seeking locations in Vermont and Rhode Island.

I want to stress this is a ground-up construction, and we will be flying the plane while building it. However, we will have full support of the Lease Up developers in making our suggested changes. We appreciate your patience in advance.

Let’s Talk Data Centers: 
Should we add data centers to the list of things not to bring up at dinner (with items such as money, politics and religion)? Perhaps we can ask Tom Moulton, a developer in Nottingham, NH who withdrew an application this past week due to in some part, extensive backlash from the community sighting environmental concerns from his project. I bet if you asked these same townspeople if they use chat GPT or Claude most would say that they do. Are data centers a do what I say, not as I do, hypocrisy conundrum?

The fervor around the subject has reached a fever pitch. In Lowell, Mass. a 352,000 s/f data center run by the Markley Group has been in operation for some time. As of recent the residents of Lowell have seen/reported issues including noise and diesel emissions in the air. Which has led to a proposed moratorium on that center’s expansion plans.

I am sympathetic to both parties developers and townspeople. The free market is going to free market; there is an unmet demand, so these data centers will be built. It just a matter of where. They may or may not have negative side effects.

Here’s the good news, the problems seem to be known, namely, a single AI data center can use up to five million gallons of water a day, equaling the daily use of a 50,000-person town, and electricity whereas hyperscale data centers rival or exceed the energy consumption of large towns and cities. Once the variables are known we can solve the problems. 

Maine as a state, moved to ban data centers over 20 megawatts, which was vetoed by governor Janet Mills in April. Similarly, in May of this year, Vermont moved to ban data centers ultimately to get vetoed by governor Phill Scott. New Hampshire has had some movement in this regard also, Senate Bill 439 would allow data centers by right in commercially zoned parcels, has passed the senate and is on to the house. 

Time will tell if municipalities will be able to make the decision to weigh the pros and cons or if broad bans will limit development. 

Postscript: Please, volunteer at your municipalities planning/ zoning board(s). They need people who understand the business and the laws that govern what can and cannot be done within them. In New Hampshire we have pushed for mandatory training of all board members, but that has not got traction to date. The real estate community thanks you in advance.

Brian Dano is the 2026 president of the N.H. Commercial Investment Board of Realtors, Bedford and is a managing director of SVN/The Masiello Group, Bedford, N.H.

Nine Sheehan Phinney practice areas were recognized among the best in the region.

In addition, 26 Sheehan Phinney attorneys were individually honored as leading lawyers in their respective fields - a testament to the firm’s depth of talent and its continued commitment to excellence across a range of practice areas.

Bankruptcy/Restructuring: Christopher Candon and James LaMontagne

Corporate/Commercial: Matthew Benson, Scott Ellison, Jon Liland and Colleen Lyons

Environment: Thomas Burack, Robert Cheney, Robert Lucic and Lynn Preston

Healthcare: Andrew Eills, Jason Gregoire and Katherine Hanna

Intellectual Property: William O’Sullivan and Douglas Verge

Labor & Employment: Elizabeth Bailey, Andrea Chatfield, Jennifer Moeckel and James Reidy

Litigation: General Commercial: James Harris and James Shirley

Litigation: Mediators: David McGrath

Litigation: White-Collar Crime & Government Investigations: Amy Crafts

Real Estate: Margaret Probish and Kenneth Viscarello

Tax: Peter Beach

Sheehan Phinney is a preeminent law firm where 85+ years of trusted experience meets innovative forward-thinking and creative solutions in all areas of business law. Founded in 1937, Sheehan Phinney has grown to over 75 attorneys with five offices throughout New Hampshire, Massachusetts and Vermont, and is known for professional excellence, practical counsel and commitment to both its clients and the communities it serves. Sheehan Phinney is the exclusive member in New Hampshire of Lex Mundi, the world’s leading association of premier independent law firms.

Amherst, NH Hayley Klein of Hirsch and Company leased 17,715 s/f at the Meeting Place on Rte. 101 to four new tenants: Granite Financial Partners, Night Owl Quilting, Connective Wellness, and Granite State Family Health. 

This brings the property to over 90% leased to a variety of medical, office, and retail users.

These new businesses join the already well-established Ponemah Veterinary Hospital, U.S. Post Office, Apex Physical Therapy, Robin’s Egg antiques, and several other users, creating a well-rounded commercial environment that supports both residents and businesses throughout the region.

The meeting place is a 50,800 s/f neighborhood shopping center. It is a high-traffic location between Milford and Bedford/Manchester.

 

 

 

Concord, NH North Branch Construction has added three new employees.

Cain Gosselin joins as project superintendent, bringing over 20 years of construction experience in scheduling, estimating, subcontractor coordination, and field leadership. He has a proven ability to manage all aspects of project execution, ensuring work is completed safely, on schedule, and in full compliance with plans, specifications, and local codes.

Jordan Temple joins as safety specialist, bringing more than 15 years of experience in construction safety management. His background includes conducting site inspections, developing safety protocols, and delivering safety training. Temple holds a Bachelor of Science in Safety Studies from Keene State College.

Rachel Walker joins the team as field administrator, bringing strong administrative and operational support experience, with skills in inventory management, order processing, customer service, and coordination with vendors and mechanics. Her attention to detail and ability to keep complex processes running smoothly make her a valuable addition to the team.

“We are excited to welcome Cain, Jordan, and Rachel to North Branch Construction,” said Joseph Campbell, president. “Each brings valuable experience and a strong commitment to excellence, and we look forward to the positive impact they will have on our projects and our clients.”

Franklin, NH PROCON and Easterseals New Hampshire have been named recipients of 2026 Preservation Achievement Awards from the New Hampshire Preservation Alliance for the rehabilitation, adaptive use, and compatible new construction of the Easterseals Military and Veterans Campus at Daniel Webster Farm. The award was presented this evening at the Alliance’s annual awards celebration at the Concord City Auditorium.

Once listed on the National Trust for Historic Preservation’s list of America’s Most Endangered Historic Places, the historic Webster Farm campus has been thoughtfully restored and reimagined as a residential and service hub for veterans, active-duty military, and first responders. The project brought multiple historic buildings back into active use, integrated compatible new construction, and incorporated solar energy and modern accessibility — all while honoring the character and heritage of the property.

For over 40 years, the New Hampshire Preservation Alliance has supported communities across the state in saving and revitalizing critical historic landmarks, encouraging investment in community development, and communicating the social and economic benefits of preservation. Its annual awards program recognizes individuals, organizations, and businesses for excellence in restoration and stewardship, compatible new construction, rehabilitation and adaptive use, and leadership in public policy, education, and planning.

“These awards represent very exciting growth in the preservation movement,” said Jennifer Goodman, Executive Director of the New Hampshire Preservation Alliance. “There are such tremendous leaders and projects to be recognized, and the investment, creativity, and partnerships embodied in the winners is what we need to take on today’s challenges.”

“I am deeply grateful for the trust placed in us to steward this historic property,” said Maureen Beauregard, president & CEO of Easterseals NH & VT. “We’re proud of what has been restored, and we’re even more inspired by what this space will continue to offer the military, veterans, and first responder community.”

“Easterseals NH Military and Veterans Campus is exactly the kind of project that defines why we do this work,” said John Stebbins, CEO of PROCON. “Partnering with Easterseals NH to give these historic buildings new life — and a new purpose serving the men and women who have served us — has been an honor for our entire team. We’re grateful to the New Hampshire Preservation Alliance for this recognition and proud to stand alongside Easterseals and the many partners who made it possible.”

Professional Photos of the Easterseals NH Military and Veterans Campus taken by JS Photography

Photos of the award winners taken by Steve Booth Photography