Issue link: https://nebusinessmedia.uberflip.com/i/1532179
W W W. M A I N E B I Z . B I Z 21 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 his year promises to be a busy and varied one for commercial development in Maine. To find out what's trending across the state in 2025, we checked in with city officials, real estate professionals and others in the know. Here are their reports, in their words. Igloos are here to stay Kathleen Pierce, HospitalityMaine membership and communications director Out of all the COVID-era inven- tions, igloos persist and are having a moment. Recently, the Cambria Hotel Portland added sev- eral of these hemi- spherical cabanas for an exclusive dining experience. Across town, the Portland Harbor Hotel showcases these shiny dining domes. What's happening here? Sample glamping. No huskies required. Cozy, festive, private and romantic, an igloo experience fits both tourist and townie. For the host, it activates typically off-limits outdoor space in the winter. And for venturesome night- lifers, it's a good way to chill. Property conversions Justin Lamontagne, Dunham Group partner and designated broker e long-antic- ipated trend of converting under- utilized office and retail spaces into mixed-use and light industrial facilities is now C O N T I N U E D O N F O L L OW I N G PA G E ยป WORD ON THE STREET Justin Lamontagne Kathleen Pierce T Retail reuses, mixed-use makeovers and igloo dining spheres top Maine development trends in 2025 B y R e n e e C o r d e s P H O T O / K AT H L E E N P I E R C E Dining igloos like these structures outside the Thames Landing restaurant in Portland are "having a moment," says Kathleen Pierce of HospitalityMaine.