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W W W. M A I N E B I Z . B I Z J U LY 2 8 , 2 0 2 5 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 There are multiple fabrications e term mass timber refers to a con- stellation of engineered wood products — cross-laminated and glulam are the most commonly used — which are engineered from layers of select woods chemically (with glue) or mechani- cally fastened together to create larger, stronger building materials. Glulam and nail-laminated beams and columns are utilized for structural support, in place of steel or masonry. Cross-laminated panels are used for floors, walls and ceilings. ey're favored too for elevator shafts and stairwells, where swapping them for conventional materials speeds construction times on those foundational project pieces. Curtis ormann, vice president of operations at Freeport-based Zachau Construction, says the savings are con- siderable — from a month's time with a masonry shaft to a matter of days with mass timber panels. Zachau employed mass timber for its first project in 2020 at Portland's Wessex Woods and then in two more housing complexes, two commercial buildings, and in 317 Main Community Music Center's 5,000-square-foot addi- tion in Yarmouth. Zachau has three more projects on the horizon that will use mass timber along with conven- tional products. To date, most builds in the U.S. that incorporate mass timber com- bine it with traditional materials in a hybrid structure. What does it cost? ere are varying opinions on the cost of the material. ormann says Zachau has found it to be slightly more expensive than a conventional steel and concrete building, but typically much more expensive than a traditional wood- framed building. "In our market, four- to five-story wood-framed structures are common for multi-family structures and mass timber has not offered an affordable alternative," says ormann. "With construction pricing at the highest it's ever been, the market is driv- ing to build as efficiently as possible which usually eliminates the ability to fully incorporate mass timber into the design." ormann finds though that he can build faster with less labor, "which offers our clients the ability to lease, rent, or sell their building quicker, which can have large financial benefits that we don't see on our side." 25 C O N T I N U E D O N F O L L OW I N G PA G E » "The impact has been remarkable. While operations remain consistent, we've seen a profound shift in our team. Giving our employees true ownership instilled a renewed sense of pride and dedication. This translated to increased profits, reduced debt, and exciting new opportunities for investment and expansion – exceeding all expectations. We believe a company's greatest asset is its people. An ESOP is t he ideal way to reward their loyalty, secure their future, and provide a smooth exit strategy for owners. Thank you, Bellview Associates, for your expert guidance and unwavering support throughout this transformative process." – Chris Jordan, President of Johnson and Jordan Mechanical Contractors Proudly based in Scarborough, Maine since 1991 207-669-2254 inquiries@bellviewassociates.com bellviewassociates.com "It seemed too good to be true. But after a year of research and conversations, we realized the ESOP was the perfect solution for our future." southern maine industrial & office market 2025 Mid-Year Review DOWNLOAD OUR MID-YEAR ANALYSIS OF THE INDUSTRIAL & OFFICE MARKET Portland, ME | 207.773.7100 | dunhamgroup.com

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