TFMoran is proud to be an annual sponsor of Tonight’s Sky planetarium shows at the McAuliffe-Shepherd Discovery Center. The show immerses its viewers into what will be visible in the night sky the night of their visit. Led live by an educator of the Discovery Center’s Education Team, Tonight’s Sky is a tour of the night sky and all its wonders. Last summer, TFMoran COO and Principal Dylan Cruess and his daughter, Cate went to check out the planetarium and to see Tonight’s Sky. Check out some photos here!
Photo courtesy of McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center.
The New England Real Estate Journal has chosen the Project at Market and Main as the Project of the Month for July, just in time for the completion of phase one. Phase one of the reconstruction included the opening of the first two retailers to the new high-end lifestyle center, which includes Trader Joe’s and The Friendly Toast.
The mixed-use complex is set to include a movie theater, office building, hotel, retail shops and a variety of restaurants. In the article, TFMoran President Robert Duval states “Placing this variety of uses within walking distance reduces vehicle traffic, parking lots, stormwater runoff, improves air quality and permits denser development of the existing core areas of our communities”. The development highlights the importance of a pedestrian-friendly, lively atmosphere for all to enjoy.
TFMoran provided Civil, Structural and Traffic Engineering, Permitting, Landscape Architecture and Land Surveying Services for this project.
One of TFMoran’s Senior Landscape Architects Mike Krzeminski stated “We designed the landscape to include streetscapes with pavers, street trees, ample seating and bike racks. The pedestrian environment is further enhanced by a central green, with pergolas and seating walls to create an outdoor gathering place for all to enjoy”.
TFMoran’s project manager Chris Rice also said “Bedford has grown rapidly over the last number of decades, creating a demand for more shops, entertainment, restaurants, and commercial space. We believe this high-profile lifestyle center will draw in people from surrounding towns as well. The Town of Bedford is pleased to see Market and Main take shape”.
TFMoran and Encore Enterprises complete phase one of Market and Main – 350,000 s/f lifestyle center
BEDFORD, NH Phase One of the reconstruction of the former Macy’s site on South River Rd. is now complete. The first two retailers opened their doors in early spring at “Market and Main,” a new high-end lifestyle center. First to open was Trader Joe’s, a national food chain store, the third to open in New Hampshire. This one-story, 13,000 s/f store is at the main entrance of the development on the corner of South River Rd. and Main St., and includes an attached 2-story, 136-space parking deck. Second to open was The Friendly Toast, a one story, 3,500 s/f restaurant with 132 seats. Known for their homemade food and eclectic decor, the restaurant serves all day breakfast, lunch and dinner. This is the second New Hampshire location, the original is in Portsmouth, with three others in Mass.
Looking through the pergolas, seating walls and central green at The Friendly Toast restaurant
TFMoran began working with developer, Dallas-based Encore Enterprises, for permitting and plan approval of this new lifestyle center on the 16acre site, soon after Macy’s closed in 2015. In late 2016, the Town of Bedford approved plans for a 350,000 s/f mixed-use complex to include a 1,200-seat movie theater, an office building, a hotel, retail shops, and a variety of restaurants. “We appreciate the Town of Bedford and all they’ve done to make this happen here,” said Terry Robinson, vice president-project development for Encore Enterprises.
The benefits of mixed-use developments are being recognized by many community planners. According to TFMoran president Robert Duval, “Placing this variety of uses within walking distance reduces vehicle traffic, parking lots, stormwater runoff, improves air quality, and permits denser development of the existing core areas of our communities.”
Construction at the site began in March, 2017. Southern NH-based construction companies, Hutter Construction and Sullivan Construction are partnering to construct this $50 million project. Market and Main is attracting attention from national, regional, and local retailers and corporations.
“The property is strategically positioned along South River Rd. at the high-traffic intersection of N.H. Route 101, I-293, and the Everett Turnpike,” said Nicholas Barber, president of Encore Retail. “And its proximity and direct access to the Whole Foods plaza will make it a regional destination.”
The development created a new “Main Street,” which Bedford did not already have, and also a “Market Street” heading towards the Whole Foods plaza. Market and Main will represent a pedestrian-friendly place in town where everyone wants to go for a lively, upscale atmosphere including fresh, unique brands mixed with local favorites.
“We designed the landscape to include streetscapes with pavers, street trees, ample seating and bike racks,” said Mike Krzeminski, one of TFMoran’s senior landscape architects. “The pedestrian environment is further enhanced by a central green, with pergolas and seating walls to create an outdoor gathering place for all to enjoy.”
TFMoran is responsible for the structural engineering of the garages, as well as civil/site and traffic engineering, permitting, land surveying and landscape architectural services for the whole development. The complex will include seven new buildings, the existing Carrabba’s building and two new parking garages.
The architecture was designed by Prellwitz Chilinski Associates (PCA) of Cambridge, Mass. Their approach reflects both past and present; incorporating brick, granite, cast stone masonry, painted wood, and metal in a palette of modern materials and historical colors throughout the complex.
Trader Joe’s located on market St. at the Market and Main entrance- Bedford, NH
“Colorful awnings and canopies extend beyond the entrance, sheltering the shopper while on the sidewalk and inviting customers in,” said Laura Homich, senior associate of PCA.
“Seated outdoor patios nicely blend the interiors and exteriors of the entire property, and architectural details reoccur throughout the site, visibly connecting the complex as a whole.”
The new development is expected to generate approximately $1 million in new property tax revenue. “Bedford has grown rapidly over the last number of decades, creating a demand for more shops, entertainment, restaurants, and commercial space,” said TFMoran’s project manager, Chris Rice. “We believe this high-profile lifestyle center will draw in people from surrounding towns, as well. The Town of Bedford is pleased to see Market and Main take shape.”
TFMoran President Robert Duval recently attended The New England Real Estate Journal Nashua/Manchester/Bedford N.H. Summit at the Courtyard Marriott in Nashua. Robert was included in a panel discussing engineering, construction costs, and architecture. Check out the article in the pdf link NEREJ May 2019 Issue NH Summit or read the text below.
New England Real Estate Journal Hosts Nashua/Manchester/Bedford N.H. Summit
by Jennifer Tempesta, New England Real Estate Journal
NASHUA, NH The New England Real Estate Journal held their Nashua/Manchester/Bedford N.H. Summit on April 25th at the Event Center at the Courtyard by Marriott Nashua, 2200 Southwood Dr. Over 100 people were in attendance.
The first panel was held from 9 – 10 a.m. and was moderated by Chris Norwood of NAI Norwood Group. Speakers included: Patrick Brady of Cornerstone Realty Capital; Megan Prieto Giokas of Granite Commercial Real Estate; Melanie Sanuth of the Manchester Economic Development Office; and Greg Bryant of Bedford Cost Segregation.
Topics for this panel included: Development of opportunity zones, new development updates and cost segregation.
The panel began with Sanuth speaking about new developments that are up-and-coming in Manchester. She mentioned how this will be the year of hospitals. Other new developments include the Red Oaks Apartments and The Factory on Willow, a mixed-use development.
For the Bedford area Giokas mentioned the new Market and Main, which is a 16-acre, class A mixed-use retail development.
On the private side of development, Brady spoke about the challenges with return on equity. “The high cost of land and the high side of construction is certainly the reason why there isn’t as much deal flow as maybe there was in 2014 and 2016,” he said.
In regards to the challenges regarding identifying properties that are available and have appreciation opportunities, Giokas said, “People are trying to identify opportunities, but until the final regulations come into place, it is difficult to tell their investors ‘let’s do this’ the way the rules keep changing.”
Bryant spoke on the finance side of appreciation. He mentioned the Tangible Property Regulations as of 2014. “What those regulations did was they gave you some guidance in terms of whether you are able to capitalize or expense certain incoming assets.”
Norwood asked the panel what they are seeing for pricing on new construction. Brady responded, “The only way to make money in this market is to be adding value.”
Sanuth is seeing more opportunities in public/private partnerships, and feels positive about the future in New Hampshire.
The second panel was held from 10 – 11 a.m. and was moderated by Philip Hastings of Cleveland, Waters and Bass, P.A. Speakers included: Greg Stewart of Jewett Construction Co.; Robert Duval of TFMoran; and Laura Homich of Prellwitz Chilinski Associates. Topics for this panel included: Engineering, construction costs and architecture.
Hastings opened the panel mentioning how financing and land is available, but the cost of construction is so high. Duval expressed how there are challenges, especially in the wetlands areas. He said, “There is going to be a tightening down of regulations, to the point where it will become increasingly difficult to develop sites.” He notes to get involved early and do your homework upfront to help with the process.
Next, on the topic of construction costs, Stewart noted that one of the biggest factors is the shortage of labor. “Right now what is driving all costs is the shortage of labor, whether it is construction, manufacturing or technology,” he said.
Stewart mentioned the need to start educating the youth, schools and parents, because there is a high level of opportunity in the construction field.
Another factor for construction costs is the weather, living in New England. Need to start planning for the trends away from the typical calendar of seasons.
The panel agreed the way to value engineering and save on construction costs is to use everybody’s skill set throughout the design process, including the construction, design, engineering and owner’s teams.
On the topic of new innovations to help manage these costs, Stewart spoke about prefabrication. “Prefab systems allows for a less skilled labor. All the components are being built in a shop, which is a team environment. It also cuts down on waste at a job site, so innovations, such as prefab is something that I can see as a real future to cutting costs down the road.”
Homich discussed the innovations she sees on the structural side includes cross-laminated timber.
Duval noted that structural systems are always evolving. There are composites being used now. “Hire professionals that are keeping up with the market.”
Software innovations include: • 3-D modeling such as Revit, which helps with seeing conflicts in projects; • Virtual reality; and • Procore for construction management.
These all help owners and developers in the design process and with permitting.
At the end of the panel, Duval said, “In any sizeable development, consider mixed-use if at all possible. You are making much more efficient use of the space, you can increase the density of development and you can reduce the traffic, because there are multi-purpose trips.”
Homich said, “Ultimately, what we are trying to do on any circumstance, especially when it comes to mixed-use in the town and master planning, is to create a place where it enables people to have a great time.”
TFMoran recently attended the groundbreaking ceremony at Uni-Cast held on Monday June 24th.
In attendance (left to right) were Dan Boisvert- Boisvert Electric President, Paul Berube- Uni-Cast, Andrew Murray- SADCO, Dave Fuller- SADCO, Nick Golon- TFMoran Sr. Project Manager, Henri Fine- President of Uni-Cast, Jeremy Belanger- TFMoran Sr. Project Engineer, Peter Flynn- Flynn Construction Corp., and John Turner- Team Engineering President.
The project is set to involve an expansion of the existing facility located on Industrial Drive in Londonderry, New Hampshire. Uni-Cast is a manufacturer of sophisticated aluminum castings known for their strict quality control and capability to produce some of the industry’s more challenging applications.
Henri Fine, President of Uni-Cast
The proposed expansion includes an over 9,600 sf manufacturing, and 900 sf office addition to the north side of the building, as well as another 2,700+ sf manufacturing addition on the south side of the building. Additional improvements include parking lot expansion and the rebuilding of their stormwater detention basin to current Town and State standards.
TFMoran provided Site Design, Civil Engineering, Permitting, Survey, and Landscape Architecture services.
Architectural elevation plans courtesy of Team Engineering.
The Boston-Manchester Market of the March of Dimes recently announced that Dylan Cruess has been elected to the organization’s Board of Directors. Dylan is the Chief Operating Officer and a Principal at TFMoran, a regionally recognized land planning firm specializing in engineering and surveying services. “Being involved with the March for Babies 3-mile walk event held in May at the SNHU campus was very inspiring”, said Dylan. “An amazing $104,000 was raised through this event alone to support research, advocacy and programs for the health of moms and babies.”
Dylan also serves on the Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors (GMC), the New Hampshire Business Committee for the Arts Board of Directors (NHBCA) and is a member of the 40 Under Forty Class of 2018.
Nolan Filteau has joined the Surveying Department as a Summer Intern. Nolan attends Norwich University and is pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering. He also has an interest in learning more about land surveying.
In TFMoran’s support for New Hampshire schools, we recently contributed $5,000 to the New Hampshire Children’s Scholarship Fund, an Education Tax Credit Scholarship. This financial assistance is available to New Hampshire children of low- and moderate- income families to attend K-12 schools that best fit their needs. These scholarships can apply to private schools, out-of-district schools, and homeschooling, which make these options more financially available.
According to their website, since 1998 the nonprofit national charity organization Children’s Scholarship Fund has awarded more than $789 million in scholarships to the families of over 174,000 low-income children. Education Tax Credit scholarships have been available to New Hampshire children since 2013, after the New Hampshire legislature passed the Opportunity Scholarship Act in 2012.
Thanks to Kate Baker, Executive Director of Children’s Scholarship Fund New Hampshire who visited our office for a fun photo op!
L to R: Paul Sbacchi – TFM Chief Structural Engineer; Kate Baker – CSFNH Executive Director; Dylan Cruess – TFM COO; Jim O’Neil – TFM Chief of Survey
On June 15, the new 603 Brewery and Beer Hall opened its doors at Woodmont Commons in Londonderry, NH. The new 18,000sf brewery and 200-seat restaurant with indoor/outdoor dining is the first building to be completed at the new mixed-use development. TFMoran provided civil and structural engineering services for the brewery which was designed by McHenry Architecture and built by Harvey Construction. Congratulations and best wishes to the owners of 603 Brewery on your beautiful new facility! To read more about the opening, link to this pdf Union Leader June 23 2019 Sunday News
The second building of Phase 1 at Woodmont Commons is nearing completion. Located on Main Street next to the 603 Brewery is a new four-story, 87-unit apartment building with 23,000sf of retail space on the ground level. TFMoran provided civil and structural engineering services for this project which is being constructed by Performance Building Company.
Woodmont Commons is a new mixed-use development designed to be an urban village-style, walkable community in the rural countryside on over 600 acres. This unique multi-phased development is located off of I-93 Exit 4 and will include housing, retail stores, restaurants, office space, and amenities. TFMoran is working with Pillsbury Realty Development in providing civil and site engineering services, which included Michels Way, a new road connecting Garden Lane, and Pillsbury Road. The architect of record Shook Kelley of Charlotte, N.C., helped prepare the planned unit development (PUD) overall master plan. Attorney Ari Pollack of Gallagher, Callahan & Gartrell provided legal work for permitting and contracts for the development.
TFMoran hosted the Annual NH Commercial Investment Board of REALTORS (NHCIBOR) Awards Cookout on June 13th at the Bedford office. Though the weather was cold and rainy, nearly 150 NH CIBOR members, TFM staff and families turned out for this special night. “Take a short break from the Economic BOOM” was an added theme to this fun event, all were in favor of this well-deserved break from their busy work.
Attendees enjoyed a buffet-style dinner catered by The Flying Butcher of Amherst, NH which included delicious steak and turkey tips, assorted salads, burgers and hot dogs. After dinner, The Inside Scoop gals from Bedford, treated us to Richardson’s ice cream flavors, Purple Berry Chip and Campfire S’mores. Mmmmm good!
Afterwards, the awards for Realtor-of-the-Year and Affiliate-of-the-Year were announced and raffle prizes were given out. The traditional Congratulatory Cake was presented featuring the names of the winners, photos were taken, and cake was served to top off a great evening.
TFMoran’s Bedford office has some new faces! We are excited to welcome (pictured left to right) Nolan Filteau, Julia Chartier, and Jacob Woodard to the TFM team as 2019 Summer Interns.
Nolan attends Norwich University and is pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering. Nolan is working in our Surveying Department.
Julia attends Keene State College and is pursuing a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design. Julia is assisting the Marketing Coordinator and is tasked with keeping up social media accounts including Instagram and blog postings, as well as photography and graphics.
Jake attends the University of New Hampshire and is pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering with a focus in Structures. Jake’s coursework includes Structural Design in Steel, Structural Analysis, Soil Mechanics and Project Management. He is a member of American Society of Civil Engineers. Jake is working in our Structural Engineering Department.
TFMoran welcomes mentoring students each summer from our local colleges and universities. Having student interns creates a form of engagement between young people and their future professional careers. The hands-on experience in the workplace allows students the benefit of knowing what to expect after graduating. And, we all appreciate the extra assistance that our interns offer TFMoran.
We wish Nolan, Julia and Jake the best of luck and a great summer of learning!
