MEREDA to Host “Notable Night” Celebrating Maine’s Most Impactful Development Projects of 2025

The Maine Real Estate & Development Association will host its annual "Notable Night" on April 30, 2026, at Hannaford Hall from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. The event recognizes the commercial development projects that left the most meaningful mark on Maine's built environment over the past year, drawing together industry professionals to celebrate the innovation and collaboration behind them. Register for this celebratory event here!

"Each year, Notable Night allows us to highlight projects that are not only well-designed and well-built, but that truly move Maine forward," said MEREDA President Shannon Richards. "These developments reflect the creativity, resilience, and long-term thinking that define our industry."

Seven projects stood out in 2025 for their contributions to design, construction, sustainability, land use, and community impact, and will be recognized at this event:

The Downs - Scarborough One of the largest redevelopment efforts in Maine's recent history, The Downs is turning 577 acres into a mixed-use community with staying power. More than 700 housing units are complete, with a goal of 2,000 - spanning workforce, market-rate, and affordable options. A growing Town Center, significant infrastructure investment, and an Innovation District now home to over 50 businesses and several major employers have made The Downs a genuine economic engine for the region.

Estabrook's Pownal Production Facility - Pownal This greenhouse complex marks a substantial investment in Maine's horticultural sector. Built to expand local plant production and reduce dependence on out-of-state suppliers, the facility incorporates a closed-loop irrigation system and a two-million-gallon water capture pond - practical measures that reflect a serious commitment to both efficiency and environmental responsibility.

Harold and Bibby Alfond Center for Health Sciences - Portland Developed by the University of New England, this 112,000-square-foot facility brings multiple health science disciplines together under one roof - the first integrated hub of its kind in Maine for interprofessional healthcare education. Mass timber construction, advanced simulation labs, and energy-efficient building systems make it as forward-thinking in design as it is in purpose.

Wedgewood - Lewiston Part of Lewiston's Choice Neighborhoods initiative, Wedgewood delivers 82 mixed-income units on land that was previously vacant or distressed. New construction sits alongside the carefully restored Dr. Milton Wedgewood House, grounding the development in its neighborhood's history. The result is a walkable, community-driven project that offers a clear model for sensitive urban revitalization.

Shawn Walsh Hockey Center Renovation - Orono At $40.1 million, this renovation and expansion of the University of Maine's hockey facilities is the most significant upgrade the state's only Division I hockey venue has seen. Athlete spaces and fan amenities were both reimagined, while adaptive reuse kept sustainability central to the project. The work was completed without a single recordable safety incident - a notable achievement for a complex, phased build in an active environment.

Boyd Block (178 Middle Street) - Portland Built in 1866-1867, this Italianate landmark in Portland's Old Port had long defined the corner it occupies. East Brown Cow's $22 million rehabilitation restored its historic architectural character while fully modernizing the building's systems. Retail, banking, and boutique hospitality tenants have since returned the Boyd Block to its rightful place as an anchor of downtown Portland.

Gehring House - Bethel A neglected 1896 property has been transformed into nine quality residential units through careful rehabilitation. Original materials were preserved throughout, and sustainable systems - including wood-fiber insulation and a high-efficiency pellet heating system - were integrated throughout. The project makes a quiet but compelling case for adaptive reuse as a tool for addressing rural workforce housing.

MEREDA thanks its members and the project teams whose work continues to shape Maine in lasting ways. Notable Night remains one of the association's signature events, honoring the people and projects behind responsible development across the state.

Want to show your support of these impressive projects? Consider sponsoring this event! Details here