2026 Forecast: Bill Mack, ARCO National Construction-NE

What is your 2026 outlook, and which trends in your industry will influence the CRE market?
Much of New England’s CRE activity will be tenant-driven. Industrial users are adapting speculative warehouse space and pursuing build-to-suit facilities, often in smaller, more efficient footprints. Flexibility remains critical, from layouts and power capacity to infrastructure that can evolve over time. Multifamily development will continue to support workforce needs and long-term growth. In Massachusetts, MEPA updates address permitting, infrastructure, transportation, and environmental review, while rent control and local permitting approaches remain open questions.

What challenges or opportunities do you see for your clients or projects in 2026?
In 2026, New England owners are navigating challenges like power availability and aligning speculative buildings with evolving user needs. At the same time, these conditions are creating opportunities. Available spec space can often be repositioned through targeted tenant improvements, allowing users to move quickly into space tailored for logistics, light manufacturing, and specialized operations. Multifamily developers face similar pressures around infrastructure planning, cost control, and permitting, reinforcing the value of early collaboration and informed decision-making.

What is your firm prioritizing in 2026 to stay competitive and support your clients?
ARCO’s focus in 2026 continues to be helping clients navigate the current market and make informed decisions early in the process. Across industry types, we work closely with owners to evaluate options, plan for operational needs, and understand how a facility must perform over time. Our design-build process continues to give clients a competitive advantage as it helps reduce uncertainty, keep projects moving, and deliver solutions that support long-term business goals.