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W W W. M A I N E B I Z . B I Z 23 F E B R UA R Y 1 0 , 2 0 2 5 F O C U S C O M M E R C I A L D E V E L O P M E N T Housing progress Shannon Richards, founder and CEO of Hay Runner and president of the Maine Real Estate & Development Association We're seeing most new housing devel- opments in Maine built successfully when projects are subsidized. Market- rate housing is not penciling given the regulatory requirements, economic con- ditions and oppositional neighbors. An example of success, in Brunswick — 21 single-family homes hit the market for pre-sales (subsidized new construction) all reserved within three weeks, with a waitlist. We are making positive steps towards zoning changes that will enable more housing, but more are needed. Ultimately, it's the cultural shift towards supporting our community housing needs that will bring us the biggest wins in resolving this issue. New businesses, expansions in Auburn Jay Brenchick, Auburn economic development director Commercial and residential develop- ment in Auburn is poised for contin- ued growth in 2025. e past few years have seen record numbers of permits issued and permit values, and 2025 is expected to follow this upward trend. Auburn's downtown is evolving, with the recent opening of Gritty's Grinds coffee shop and Nutty Netties Café set to open soon. Great Falls Construction's restaurant, retail and residential project on the Androscoggin River, is expected to be completed this year, adding even more vibrancy to our downtown area. Business continues to thrive at Lost Valley Ski Area with the addition of a third chairlift. Our manufactur- ing sector remains robust, highlighted by over $120 million in expansions at Procter & Gamble in recent years, with more potential growth on the horizon. Auburn Manufacturing is also planning a small expansion later this year. On the residential front, development remains strong, with A.R. Building Co. seek- ing site approval for 180 new residential units off Stetson Road. With these exciting projects and continued development across sectors, Auburn's growth is expected to remain strong throughout 2025 and beyond. 2025 southern maine Industrial Market Survey Portland, ME | 207.773.7100 | dunhamgroup.com DOWNLOAD OUR STUDY AND INVENTORY OF THE INDUSTRIAL REAL ESTATE MARKET HERE. BRING US YOUR VISION sebagotechnics.com • south portland • 100% employee-owned O F F I C E S I N — S O U T H P O R T L A N D B R I D G T O N S A N F O R D You know what gets us excited here at Sebago Technics? When someone walks in with a piece of land and an idea, and we get to share all the ways that we can help make it work. 100% EMPLOYEE OWNED C O N T I N U E D O N F O L L OW I N G PA G E » Shannon Richards Jay Brenchick