From Orono to Portland: 7 Development Projects Recognized for Excellence by MEREDA

The Maine Real Estate & Development Association wrapped up its annual Notable Night celebration on April 30, 2026, at Hannaford Hall in Portland, shining a spotlight on seven commercial development projects that made a lasting mark on Maine's built environment last year.

This year's honorees represented a wide range of project types - from historic rehabilitation to large-scale mixed-use development - united by their demonstrated impact on Maine communities.

The Downs - Scarborough Few projects match the ambition of The Downs, where 577 acres are being reimagined as a fully integrated mixed-use community. With more than 700 housing units already delivered across workforce, market-rate, and affordable tiers, and an Innovation District anchoring over 50 businesses, the project has become one of the most significant economic contributors in the Greater Portland area.

Estabrook's Pownal Production Facility - Pownal This purpose-built greenhouse complex strengthens Maine's horticultural supply chain by bringing more plant production in-state. Smart water management - including a closed-loop irrigation system and a two-million-gallon capture pond - sets a high bar for environmental stewardship in agricultural development.

Harold and Bibby Alfond Center for Health Sciences - Portland The University of New England's 112,000-square-foot facility broke new ground as Maine's first building designed specifically for interprofessional health sciences education. Beyond its educational mission, the building itself is a showcase - mass timber structure, cutting-edge simulation labs, and high-performance building systems throughout.

Shawn Walsh Hockey Center Renovation - Orono The University of Maine's hockey program got a transformative upgrade with this $40.1 million project - the largest investment the state's only Division I hockey facility has ever seen. Redesigned athlete and fan spaces, a commitment to adaptive reuse, and a flawless safety record across a complex, phased construction process all contributed to its recognition.

Boyd Block (178 Middle Street) - Portland Dating to 1866, the Boyd Block is one of the Old Port's most recognizable buildings - and after East Brown Cow's $22 million investment, it's also one of its most vibrant. A full modernization of the building's core systems was completed without compromising the Italianate exterior that defines the streetscape, and a mix of retail, banking, and hospitality tenants has brought the building fully back to life.

Gehring House - Bethel What was once a deteriorating 1896 structure is now nine thoughtfully finished residential units. Salvaged original materials, wood-fiber insulation, and a pellet heating system give the project both character and conscience - a small-scale example of how adaptive reuse can help address workforce housing needs in rural Maine.

MEREDA also announced a new recognition award created to honor Joe Wishcamper, one of MEREDA's founding figures and a nationally recognized leader in affordable housing. Over the course of his career, Wishcamper has helped develop thousands of housing units throughout Maine and beyond, with a consistent focus on long-term stewardship, strong partnerships, and resident well-being.

Shawn McKenna, co-chair of MEREDA's Membership & Marketing Committee conveyed that "MEREDA is proud to honor the legacy of one of its founding members and a pioneer in affordable housing development, Lyndel J. Wishcamper. Each year the Wishcamper Housing Champion Award will seek to recognize an affordable housing project that exemplifies the challenges, dedication, and teamwork necessary for successful development of these community centric housing projects."

MEREDA was proud to present the inaugural Wishcamper Housing Champion Award to Notable Project Recipient Wedgewood in Lewiston.

Wedgewood brought 82 mixed-income units to land that had long sat vacant or deteriorated, as part of Lewiston's broader Choice Neighborhoods effort. The project wove new construction together with a meticulous restoration of the historic Dr. Milton Wedgewood House - striking a balance between neighborhood revitalization and respect for what was already there.

MEREDA congratulates all seven project teams and thanks the members, partners, and guests who joined in the celebration.

For more information on these impressive projects, please click here or contact MEREDA's Executive Director, Shelly R. Clark at [email protected]. Each project will be recognized in the Maine Real Estate Insider e-newsletter published by Mainebiz, running Summer of 2026.

Thank you to all of our Sponsors who made this "Notable Night" possible - Bangor Savings Bank, LJB Engineering, PM Construction Co., Skowhegan Savings Bank, Daigle Commercial Group, Evernorth, Recovery Insurance Adjusters, SVN The Masiello Group, The Baldwin Group, and Westbrook Development Corporation.

Click here to view photos from the event.