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W W W. M A I N E B I Z . B I Z 17 J U LY 2 6 , 2 0 2 1 F O C U S R E A L E S TAT E / C O N S T R U C T I O N / E N G I N E E R I N G decided to steer clear of using plexiglass partitions and barriers between indi- vidual workstations, opting to downsize from 20,000 square feet. Sewall sold its headquarters build- ing to Bangor's Dresser Properties for an undisclosed amount, and will lease a much smaller space in downtown Bangor it will build out with a "fresh new look for our associates," says Chuck Nadeau, Sewall's president and CFO. A move to the 7,000-square-foot facility is planned for September. "In some ways we have designed it with the thought that we're not going to have 25 or 30 people in every day, and that the workstations will be slightly smaller than they were used to in the prior facility," Nadeau says. On the other hand, "we've built in more open, collaborative space where people can gather around larger tables and work on projects together." While the build-out is still a work in progress, he says the aim was to get back to something that "feels more normal to people prior to the pandemic, and where people feel OK working in collaborative open spaces with other people." Nadeau says the opportunity to sell the Old Town building came at the right time for all concerned. "For us it was an opportunity to do what we needed to do — get smaller, get more intimate, get newer and fresher and energize the environment," he says. "e timing aligned well." He also says while the new space will allow for additions to the workforce, it remains to be seen how many people will regularly be in the office. "Even as we move into the new space and provide some direction to people around our expectations of time in the office, we're still in learning mode," he says. "For sure we're growing, but sometimes our growth comes from hir- ing people remotely." As an example, he pointed to a recently hired female engineer who is working remotely from Columbus, Ohio. "We've built in some space for growth and expansion, but not an exces- sive amount," he says. "What we've learned over the past year has educated all of us that we can all work effectively in different ways from distances we didn't realize we could before." Wait and see at WEX In Portland, payments provider WEX Inc. — which employs 1,232 people in Maine out of 5,098 world- wide — is treading slowly on a return to the office. At simons architects, we actively engage our clients in a dynamic and interactive process of design and discovery. We pay close attention to details while designing a project that exceeds your expectations. We design buildings that have a positive impact on the environment and the people who use them. They increase our sense of community, collaboration, and productivity. Interested in learning more about our process? Call our office 207.772.4656 or visit simonsarchitects.com Good architecture is more than a building. It enhances the human experience. Casco Bay Ferry Terminal Simons Architects: MaineBiz 3/8 page ad Member FDIC When Bryon and Justin Tait of Casco Bay Steel were looking for a new bank, they talked to Bar Harbor Bank & Trust. We took the time to really understand their business, helped create additional borrowing availability, and provided tools to make the accounting operation run smoother — giving them the fl exibility to grow and take on larger projects. To see this and other success stories, go to www.barharbor.bank/success-stories. Call 207-669-6811 today to connect with our Commercial Banking team. www.barharbor.bank Over 50 locations in Maine, New Hampshire & Vermont "They've given us the flexibility to grow and take on larger projects." Justin Tait, Treasurer & CFO Casco Bay Steel '' '' Bryon and Justin Tait of Casco Bay Steel, Daryl Wentworth of Bar Harbor Bank & Trust C O N T I N U E D O N F O L L OW I N G PA G E »

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