Boston, MA On Thursday, October 29, as part of REFA’s Education series, REFA hosted a program on Shorenstein’s Center Plazas redevelopment project. The program was moderated by Doug Husid co-managing partner, Goulston & Storrs. The panel was comprised of the Center Plaza Project team including: Matthew Knisely, managing director, Shorenstein Properties LLC. ; Paul Doyle, senior vice president, HSBC, USA, N.A.; Peter Gori, director, Newmark Grubb Knight Frank; Kevin Kennedy, first vice president, CBRE Brokerage; and Maren Reepmeyer, AIA, LEED AP, senior associate, CBT Architects. Members and guests attended to hear about the projects exciting development plans to make it a work and play destination. The updates will include a fresh façade and arcade, new retail shops, and outdoor decks.

REFA hosted a program on Shorenstein’s Center Plazas redevelopment project - Boston, MA

On Tuesday, November 17 REFA will take the membership north of Boston for a program on Riverwalk, a mixed-use property that encompasses more than 3.6 million s/f of commercial space. In 2003, Lupoli Companies started purchasing assets and acquired the 46-acre parcel that was renamed Riverwalk Properties. Over the last decade, Lupoli Cos. invested nearly $200 million on acquisitions and renovations. Today, Riverwalk is home to over 200 companies that fuse together a diverse yet complimentary mix of office, retail and manufacturing spaces. The program will consist of a networking reception and a presentation by Sal Lupoli, CEO & founder, Lupoli Cos.; secretary Jay Ash, secretary of housing and economic development, Commonwealth of Massachusetts; Shawn Herlihy, principal, Goedecke & Co., LLC; and Doug Kelleher, principal, Epsilon Associates, Inc. The program will be held at Riverwalk in Lawrence from 4:00 -7:00 p.m. and is open to members and non-members.

On Tuesday, December 1, as part of REFA’s Members-Only Luncheon Series, REFA welcomes Brian Golden, director of the Boston Redevelopment Authority (BRA). Director Golden will provide an update on the BRA and what is on the horizon for 2016. The luncheon will be held at Brown Rudnick, One Financial Center from 11:45 a.m. - 1:15 p.m.

To wrap up the year, REFA will host their Annual Holiday Happy Hour on Thursday, December 3! The Holiday Happy Hour, which will be held at The Merchant on Franklin St. from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m., will also include a toy drive to benefit FamilyAid Boston. Members and Non-Members are welcome to attend.

To learn more about REFA including membership, events, and ways to get involved, please visit us at www.refa.org. Follow REFA on Twitter @REFABoston.