My last article for the New England Real Estate Journal was titled Spring Preview 2023. In that article I stated that “The inflation of today, high gasoline prices, war in Ukraine and the steady increase in interest rates will have to have an effect on our economy, hotel operations and hotel sales.
Given changing economic conditions and shifting consumer trends in the commercial real estate market, developers require flexibility when expanding or modifying retail centers, while tenants seek stability and often invest heavily in a specific location with unique visibility and benefits.
One thing on my bucket list: For my personal bucket list, I grew up speaking French and English, but my goal is to become fluent in Spanish, Italian and Arabic. Professionally, one item on my bucket list is to close a deal in every state and inhabited U.S. territory. I only have four states and two territories left!
One thing on my bucket list: Each year, I make it a priority to visit a place I have never been before, whether it’s a different state, a different country or even a different continent to explore new cultures and ways of life. Ultimately, I strive to visit all seven continents.
The economy is a big unknown right now. There is fighting in Congress over budget and debt limit, speculation on the Fed’s next move and questions about which banks may be heading for trouble. So where do we turn for advice on the next trend in the real estate industry? There is really a mixed bag when it comes to the industry.
What recent project, transaction or accomplishment are you most proud of? In the fall of 2021, we completed the construction of one of Massachusetts’ first sports betting lounges. This complex project required significant planning and communication to turn the project over on time and on budget with minimal impact on the client’s 24/7 fully operational environment.
The era of free money being over, and with post-COVID inflation eroding purchasing power and making everything more expensive, markets are adjusting to the higher cost of acquiring and holding real estate. Plus, everyone is kept on edge by what is going on inside and outside the borders of the nation. And in New England, we are eyeing what is going on in the rest of the country.
What recent project, transaction or accomplishment are you most proud of? I am proud of the portfolio of successful projects I have been part of while with CM&B. Building relationships with top-tier clients and receiving callbacks for the next project encourages a contagious momentum.
Internal Revenue Code (IRC) Section 1031 allows a property owner, who holds property for “the productive use in a trade or business or for investment” to defer paying capital gains taxes if the property owner sells such property, identifies “like kind” property within forty-five days of the sale, and acquires “like kind” property within one hundred eighty days of the sale.
What recent project, transaction or accomplishment are you most proud of? Over the last year, I had the opportunity to participate in the ACE Mentor Program in the Boston chapter. This year’s project involved developing an emergency response site in the Boston Common.
What recent project, transaction or accomplishment are you most proud of? The redevelopment of the MIT/Kendall Sq. MBTA Station. For the past five years, I have managed on behalf of MITIMCo the redevelopment of 6,000 s/f owned by three parties – MIT, city of Cambridge, and the state of Massachusetts.
What recent project, transaction or accomplishment are you most proud of? I advised a local lender regarding a $32 million loan facility to affiliates of a renewable energy company for construction and permanent financing of six solar photovoltaic and energy storage systems on various properties in Massachusetts and Rhode Island.
What recent project, transaction or accomplishment are you most proud of? I’m incredibly proud of building Castle Island Brewery in South Boston. Located in the historic former Cole Hersee manufacturing facility, the 9,500 s/f brewery features a tasting room adorned with a custom mural and focal wall, retail area, and private event space.
What recent project, transaction or accomplishment are you most proud of? Since starting in 2023, I have been a part of 16 office, industrial and retail leasing transactions totaling over 64,000 s/f. I successfully helped represent Cressey Performance for their 15,000 s/f renewal at 577 Main St. in Hudson, Mass.
What recent project, transaction or accomplishment are you most proud of? A prospective borrower recently reached out to Washington Trust’s Commercial Real Estate team for construction financing for a new luxury residential subdivision in Rhode Island. Due to strong demand and a large number of presold units, the prospect’s former lender was unable to provide financing.
What recent project, transaction or accomplishment are you most proud of? 2022 was a banner year for True Storage, with acquisitions being no exception. I am proud to have completed 15 transactions last year for development sites across the country, which will deliver over 1 million s/f of storage once construction is complete. Of those 15 sites, 12 required rezoning or entitlement work, which was no small feat.
Needham, MA Bialow Real Estate has elevated both Andrew Jaffe and Andrew Mahr to be partners of the organization. Along with founder/CEO Corey Bialow, the three will continue to grow the business, including working with several national franchises on their expansions, multiple “eatertainment” concepts looking to enter markets across the U.S. and a number of chef-driven and full-service dining experiences.
When I am not working, I am: Recently, I’ve bought and began refinishing my house, which has been a significant undertaking. It has been an incredibly rewarding experience that has allowed me to transform the space. From basic repairs to long hours spent painting, each step has been a learning process.
Boston, MA Seaport x Black Owned Bos. Market returns to the Seaport neighborhood for its fourth year with a record of over 60 vendors for the market’s 2023 season. Seaport x Black Owned Bos. Market was named the “Best Retail Pop Up of 2021” by Boston Magazine
What recent project, transaction, or accomplishment are you most proud of? As a leader, I find fulfillment in creating an environment for employees to grow and flourish, achieved by securing profitable contracts for a stable and long-term workplace. Our goal is to ensure our team feels secure, happy and cared for, with growth opportunities.