R.W. Holmes Commercial Real Estate

Our Q4 2024 Greater Boston Market Report is now available! This report offers the most up-to-date insights into key suburban office and industrial markets across Greater Boston, delivering valuable insights to guide your real estate strategies and decisions. ? In this report, we cover: ? - Route 128 Central: Office - Route 128 North/Rt. 3 North: Office - Natick/Framingham: Office - I-495 West: Office - Route 128 North/Rt. 3 North: Industrial - Route 128 South: Industrial - I-495 South: Industrial - I-495 North/Rt. 2 West: Industrial - Route 24: Industrial ? Whether navigating leasing strategies or exploring new investment opportunities, this report delivers the insights you need to make informed and strategic decisions. ? Access the full report here: https://lnkd.in/dMdqHK6S ? #CRE #BostonRealEstate #MarketTrends #CommercialRealEstate #MarketInsights #RealEstateStrategy

This week’s Submarket Spotlight focuses on the Natick/Framingham office market, which continued to show resilience in Q4 2024 with six consecutive months of positive absorption and strong demand for small-to-medium spaces. Key Market Highlights: - Positive absorption reached nearly 25,000 SF this quarter, marking a six-month streak of growth. - Natick finalized its MBTA Communities Act compliance plan, designating the Natick Center train stop as a redevelopment focal point. - Framingham opted out of a key zoning vote, limiting multifamily expansion in certain areas. Explore the full Q4 market report for deeper insights: https://lnkd.in/dMdqHK6S #CommercialRealEstate #CRE #MarketTrends #OfficeLeasing

March 12 is game day—who’s stepping up to take the SIOR New England Chapter Cup? R.W. Holmes’ Mike Ogasapian, SIOR (in goal!) is ready to hit the ice at SIOR New England's 3-on-3 Hockey Night, while David Gilkie, SVP, CCIM, SIOR helps lead the charge behind the scenes. With fierce competition, great networking, and ultimate bragging rights on the line, this is a night you won’t want to miss!

This Week’s Submarket Spotlight: 495 South Industrial Q4 2024 saw a flurry of activity in the I-495 South industrial submarket, with key lease and sale transactions fueling optimism for 2025. Despite lower overall year-end volume compared to 2023, the resilience in leasing and sales activity reflects continued confidence from investors and occupiers. Transactions like those completed by Atlantic Management Corp., Raith Capital Partners, and Fuchs Lubricants signal sustained momentum heading into the new year. Read the full Q4 Market Report here: https://lnkd.in/dMdqHK6S #CommercialRealEstate #BostonCRE #MarketTrends #IndustrialLeasing

Thank you to everyone who join us last night at the SIOR New England Chapter Table Talk! Lively discussions were held around data centers, distressed real estate, construction costs and timelines, PFA impacts, and leasing office spaces in a down market. A special thank you to our table leads — Chris Currie of Currie Project Management, LLC, John Weaver of McLane Middleton, Chris Paszyc of The Boulos Company, Thomas Farrelly, SIOR & David Gilkie, SVP, CCIM, SIOR — for guiding the conversation and sharing their expertise. Your insights helped make the event a valuable experience for all who attended. #sior #siorne #newengland #commercialrealestate #newenglandrealestate #education #roundtable

This week’s edition of our Submarket Spotlight Series focuses on the 128 Central office market. Leasing Activity: Tenants throughout 2024 showed an emphasis on high-image office space, but few were willing to transact at “pre-pandemic” rents. Subleases have become the solution for these tenants, with deals like TJX’s 35,000 SF sublease at 170 Kendrick Street in Needham leading the market. Sales Activity: The demand for professional office space has been a bright spot, with small firms under 5,000 SF driving activity. Newton, Wellesley, and Needham continue to see strong interest from professional service firms prioritizing high-image spaces and value rents. We’re keeping an eye on MBTA zoning changes, Newton’s new BERDO regulations, and continued demand for value-driven office space. For more insights, check out the full report here https://lnkd.in/dMdqHK6S #CRE #CommercialRealEstate #OfficeMarket #MarketTrends

As R.W. Holmes begins its 50th year in business, we’re launching the RWH Legacy Series, a yearlong celebration of the deals, people, and moments that have shaped our firm and the commercial real estate landscape since 1976. Throughout the year, we’ll highlight key moments in our history, from milestone deals that transformed industries to the brokers who have been part of our journey for decades. To kick things off, we’re reflecting on 2024, a year of growth, market-defining transactions, and continued success in helping businesses expand, relocate, and invest strategically. A huge thank you to our clients and partners in 2024. We’re proud to continue advising and supporting the businesses and landlords shaping Greater Boston’s suburban markets.

We are proud to share the successful 17,276 square foot lease renewal for Block Engineering at 132 Turnpike Road, Southborough, MA, ensuring their continued presence at Reservoir Nine Office Park. ? Represented by our Vice President, Jim Bartholomew, this renewal was carefully crafted to meet Block Engineering’s unique operational needs. The agreement includes a tailored laboratory space designed to support their growth and leadership in clean technology innovation. ? Congratulations?to Block Engineering and?Capital Group Properties?for?this successful renewal! Read more about the transaction in The Real Reporter: https://lnkd.in/eKXSeSRg

We’re proud to share that Elizabeth Holmes has been elected to the Charles River Regional Chamber Board of Directors. Elizabeth’s commitment to fostering growth and building meaningful connections in our community has always been central to her work. We’re confident she’ll bring the same dedication and perspective to this new role, helping to shape the future of the Chamber. Congratulations, Elizabeth – we’re excited to see all you’ll accomplish!

The suburban office market is at a crossroads. Shifting tenant demands, innovative property uses, and collaborative approaches are redefining the landscape. With vacancy rates reaching 22.6%, success will hinge on forward-thinking strategies and adaptability. In a recent Worcester Business Journal article, R.W. Holmes’ Jim Bartholomew, Vice President, and Elizabeth Holmes, Director of Corporate Services, shared their insights on the challenges and opportunities shaping suburban office markets. Key Takeaways from the Article: Flexibility Wins: Properties with freight elevators, adaptable layouts, and strong aesthetics are thriving as R&D hubs, medical offices, and light manufacturing spaces. Smaller Spaces, Bigger Demand: Subdividable spaces under 5,000 sq. ft. are outperforming larger, outdated layouts, offering tenants the agility and efficiency they need. Creative Reuse Unlocks Potential: From residential conversions to mixed-use developments, innovative repurposing is breathing new life into underutilized properties. Collaboration Drives Growth: Municipalities and property owners are overcoming zoning and tax challenges through partnerships, enabling the revitalization of underutilized assets. Explore the full article in the Worcester Business Journal for more insights https://lnkd.in/e3iPDwGb #bostonCRE #suburbanoffice #marketinsights #CRE