Port Property recently participated in a panel hosted by MEREDA (Maine Real Estate and Development Association) to discuss current and evolving development trends for commercial and multi-family housing in York County.
Known as MEREDA’s “Morning Menu,” the association regularly hosts breakfast roundtables to explore real estate and development trends, news, and advice from industry leaders. The panel (titled “Southern Maine Development Trends: If You Build It, Will They Come?”) was held on September 14, 2021 from 8-9 AM at the Holiday Inn by the Bay in Portland.
Panelists included Port Property’s own CEO and co-owner, Tom Watson, and Amy Cullen, Vice President of The Szanton Company, a Portland-based mixed-income housing developer. The panel was moderated by Craig Young, Vice President of MEREDA and Partner at The Boulos Company, a commercial real estate firm based in Maine and New Hampshire.
Tom and Amy both provided their insights and outlooks on Southern Maine development, exchanging views on the state of commercial real estate, the rental market, and takeaways from recent projects. During the panel, Tom discussed the burgeoning demand for multi-use environments and the urgent need for housing, specifically in Biddeford. Speaking to Port Property’s recent project at Riverdam, Tom illustrated the benefits of mixed-use properties – where housing options are considered in combination with nearby or on-site commercial spaces to create an all-inclusive living environment. The growing demand for multi-use or mixed-use spaces in Southern Maine was also highlighted by discussion of an upcoming Port Property development – one planned for the Biddeford/Saco Mill District that offers residents direct access to nearby attractions and local businesses to create a bustling community hub.
For more information and to learn about other upcoming MEREDA events, please click here!