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Showing posts from December, 2025

Is the "Urban Exodus" Over? SF’s Surprise Surge & The 2026 Outlook

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​ Hi everyone, As we wrap up the year, the November 2025 housing numbers are in, and they paint a picture of a market in transition. As an investor, I’m always looking for data that contradicts the popular narrative. For the last two years, the story has been the "exodus" from expensive coastal cities to affordable hubs. While that trend is still very much alive, November showed us a spark of life in a major market that many had written off. Here is my take on the latest shifts in the landscape and what they mean for us as we head into 2026. The Surprise: San Francisco Wakes Up While the South and West generally trailed behind the rest of the country last month, San Francisco defied the odds. The metro area climbed 36 spots in the Realtor.com Hottest Housing Markets ranking. This is the most dramatic jump among large U.S. markets. Why this matters to us: San Francisco is still pricey (median list price: $915k), but it’s becoming efficient again. Homes there are moving in 50 d...

The Beacon of Progress: Why Maine’s Tallest Building is a Triumph for Development

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​ As a real estate developer, I can’t express enough enthusiasm for the proposed Old Port Square project in Portland, which includes the construction of Maine’s tallest building—a 30-story, 380-foot tower. This isn't just about height; it’s about vision, commitment to urban density, and setting a new benchmark for what New England progress looks like. This project, spearheaded by East Brown Cow and designed by the globally renowned Safdie Architects, is exactly the kind of ambitious, transformative development our cities need. 🚀 A Visionary Catalyst for Urban Growth For too long, certain New England cities have been constrained by outdated zoning and a fear of vertical growth. This project is a spectacular signal that Portland is ready to embrace the 21st century: Embracing Density: The tower is a direct outcome of Portland's updated zoning, ReCode. By allowing for higher height allowances, the city is prioritizing smart, urban density over unsustainable suburban sprawl. As de...

Designing Intentionality: Why Bold, Exclusive Mountain Development Can Be the Most Conscious Choice

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​ The news surrounding the proposed private ski area near Steamboat Springs highlights a classic tension: the desire for progress versus the need for preservation. My ethos is rooted in creating Conscious Communities and Bold Spaces, compels us to look beyond the division and focus on the power of intentional design to create long-term value. We support projects that prioritize quality, vision, and a commitment to genuine stewardship—qualities often found in developments that dare to be different. 🏔️ The Case for Intentional Exclusivity At the heart of the community division is the concept of exclusivity. But when viewed through the lens of intentional development, this perceived downside becomes a foundational strength. A private, high-quality development is not simply about keeping people out; it’s about crafting a carefully calibrated experience for those within. This smaller, controlled scale enables: Superior Stewardship: A private ownership model is uniquely incentivized to be a...