TFMoran engineers worked with Interchange Development, LLC to design and permit Merchants Way, a 200,000sf multi-phase mixed-use development on Whitney Road at I 93 Exit 17. TFMoran’s services included master planning, civil/site engineering, traffic engineering, permitting, and landscape architecture.
With phase I recently completed, the project is featured as Project of the Month in New England Real Estate Journal‘s February 2023 issue. See the full article on NEREJ or continue reading below.
Project of the Month: Interchange Development LLC Completes Phase I Construction of Merchants Way in Concord, NH
Published February 17, 2023 by New England Real Estate Journal
Interchange Development LLC has completed the first phase of Merchants Way, a new Market Basket anchored shopping center located adjacent to I-93 at Exit 17 in the Penacook area of the city. Phase 1 of the 43 acre Merchants Way development includes a new 81,000 s/f Market Basket supermarket, 22,000 s/f attached HomeGoods retail space, a 13,500 s/f New Hampshire Liquor & Wine Outlet, and a 2,200 s/f Wendy’s Restaurant. The buildings were constructed in 2021 and 2022 along with two private roads, Merchants Way and Interchange Dr., which connect to Whitney Rd. and Rte. 4 next to I-93. The Merchants Way development complements the previously constructed Xtramart/Mobil convenience store with Dunkins and drive thru at Exit 17.
TFMoran COO Dylan Cruess shared his point of view on recent industry trends in The New England Real Estate Journal‘s “2023 Forecast Spotlight“. The January 27 issue features 17 professionals in Construction and Real Estate, giving their predictions on what the upcoming year may bring for the industry.
It seems that our geographic area is in a positive economic cycle. There is an influx of manufacturing and other businesses looking to locate to New Hampshire and Northern Massachusetts.
Dylan Cruess
To read Dylan’s full forecast article, click here or continue reading below.
New England Real Estate Journal 2023 Forecast Spotlight
Cautiously Optimistic for 2023 Despite Economic Headwinds
By Dylan Cruess
Forecasting the future is always difficult, but trying to predict how the real estate, construction, and engineering industries will perform in 2023 seems like a coin flip. On the negative side, there are many economic headwinds, including inflation, rising interest rates, supply chain delays, and unpredictable permitting schedules, that logically should slow down demand for new construction and development projects. On the positive side, there is still a fundamental shortage of housing options and a growing demand for manufacturing and industrial space that continues to propel the construction and engineering industry forward. How these negative and positive factors interact will determine the direction of our industries in the year ahead.
New England Real Estate Journal‘s December 30 issue features a Year in Review Spotlight, with input from numerous professionals across the Real Estate industry. Principal and Civil Department Manager Nick Golon gave his thoughts on the year with insight into his accomplishments and career in 2022.
What was your most important professional accomplishment or most notable project, deal, or transaction in 2022? After over a year and a half to secure permits, the Granite Woods Commerce Center adjacent to exit 11 on I-93 in Hooksett, N.H. broke ground in the fall of 2022. This state-of-the-art 500,000 s/f class A warehouse required us to solve immensely complicated permitting and infrastructure challenges. As a result of this project, essential municipal water and sewer services are being extended, over 400 acres of permanent conservation land was secured, and much-needed industrial space will be delivered to the Southern N.H. market.
How has your career path changed in 2022? After being welcomed in to the TFMoran ownership team in 2020, at the end of 2022, I transitioned to the role of civil department manager with Jeff Kevan’s retirement after nearly 30 years of service with TFM. Having the opportunity to play an integral role in the direction of a company with a successful track record of providing outstanding engineering services in our industry for over 50 years is exactly where I want to be in my career!
Bio-Techne Corporation in Devens, MA and NH SportsDome In Hooksett, NH were recently featured in the December issue of New England Real Estate Journal (NEREJ) as “New England Top Projects in Construction, Design & Engineering”. TFMoran is proud to be a part of two project teams in providing engineering design services.
Bio-Techne Corporation – Devens, MA
TFMoran provided structural engineering design and construction administration services for a 26,000sf addition to the corporate headquarters of Bio-Techne Corporation located in Devens, MA. The new single-story addition provides a combination of manufacturing and warehouse space for the life sciences company. TFMoran worked with project architect Maugel Architects and construction manager Connolly Brothers to provide the new space broken into three areas: an extended shipping area, storage and warehouse, and manufacturing. Two new interior mezzanines were provided, one each in the warehouse and manufacturing areas respectively. Existing gas and fiber-optic utilities within the construction footprint required a custom foundation to allow for continuous operation of the utilities during construction.
The main structure was constructed with a combination of exterior wall types including cold-formed steel studs with masonry veneer and insulated metal panel exterior. The addition is constructed with a structural steel frame. Lateral systems consist of HSS steel chevron braces. Both mezzanines are constructed of concrete on a composite steel deck supported by open web steel joists. The warehouse mezzanine is supported by load-bearing concrete masonry shear walls. The manufacturing mezzanine is supported by structural steel moment frames.
This project was also featured as New England Real Estate Journal‘s “Project of the Month” in February 2021. Check out the full story here.
NH SportsDome – Hooksett, NH
TFMoran provided survey, site/civil design, structural design, local, state, and federal permitting, landscape architecture, traffic engineering, and construction phase services for the NH SportsDome, located in Hooksett, New Hampshire. The indoor sports field is used by both youth-based sports teams and adult teams for turf sports such as soccer, field hockey, baseball, softball, lacrosse, football, etc. The “dome” structure was inflated on January 9th and measures approximately 80,500sf and encloses one (110-yard by 70-yard) turf field with the ability to split the field into two smaller training fields available for use year-round.
The first-of-its-kind structure for New Hampshire, located on Benton Road in Hooksett, opened on February 18th, with a socially distanced ribbon cutting event held in March. The structure is 72 feet high, covering 2 ½ miles of artificial turf across a collegiate-sized field.
TFMoran provided services for survey, site/civil design, structural design, local, state and federal permitting, landscape architecture, traffic engineering, and construction phase. TFMoran worked closely with Capital Construction, LLC, as General Contractor and Severino Trucking Co., Inc., as Site Contractor, along with more than 30 other companies on the project team.
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.”
New England Real Estate Journal published their First Annual Women in Real Estate Spotlight on September 29, 2017. Jen Porter, PE, who serves as a Civil Project Engineer for TFMoran, was featured among many professional women in the industry. Jen’s 19 years of engineering experience includes the site design of commercial, industrial, residential and institutional projects. She has a Bachelor of Science degree from Bucknell University. Congratulations to all the professional women featured in the NEREJ Spotlight!
How have you navigated obstacle to achieve success in your career? Looking back, obstacles were tackled by good management, open communications and jumping on the next available opportunity. Starting in the engineering field right out of college, I had no practical experience, only my BS in Civil Engineering from Bucknell University. I was fortunate to find an entry level position at TFMoran and that they were willing to train me. I started reading every plan set or report I touched, attended workshops and put in extra hours at night to learn AutoCAD. I asked A LOT of questions. Years later, I am involved with multiple tasks on TFM civil projects: concepts, site design, drainage analysis & utility design, traffic analysis, and permitting. The last 10 years have been spent balancing working full time and being a mom of two. The office doesn’t slow down if kids are sick or have school events. I’ve put in many late hours balancing work and family. TFM has supported me as a working parent and has allowed flexibility to work outside of typical office hours. This delicate balance is a constant challenge, but in the end, I wouldn’t want it any other way. TFM is a great company and I am proud of the work that we do.
How do you play to your strengths to your advantage in your career? In a fast-paced engineering company, you need to be a team player, dependable and always be ready for challenges. I was a competitive hurdler on the Track Team in high school and college, and while Track & Field is somewhat of an individual sport, everyone is working toward a common goal: the better my performance, the better my team did. The same teamwork approach is a great value in the work place. My career choice to remain in my position as a project engineer is because I enjoy the role as a “worker-bee”, using my individual success, work ethic and experience for the good of the team. From designing projects from the initial concept phase through the construction documents, I believe that behind every good Project Manager is a solid project engineer and design team they can depend on.
What trends are you seeing so far this year? Right now in our Civil department, we are working on several mixed-use projects, educational projects, some residential developments and commercial/industrial projects.
What do you do for fun? I play on a co-ed soccer team, love to hike with my family and laugh with my kids.
IN THE CONSTRUCTION/ENGINEERING/REAL ESTATE CATEGORY TFMoran, Inc. named Business of the Year by Business NH Magazine
BEDFORD, NH TFMoran, Inc., (TFM) a regional full-service engineering firm with offices in Bedford and Portsmouth, NH, has been named Business NH Magazine 2016 Business of the Year in the construction/engineering/ real estate category. The award recognizes businesses for outstanding civic contributions and exceptional performance.
Since 1968, the team at TFM has been leading northern New England with innovative land planning and development initiatives. TFM has played an integral role in many of the region’s most recognized projects including the Granite Ridge Power Plant, the Verizon Wireless Arena, the Manchester Municipal Complex, the redevelopments of the Bedford Mall and Wayfarer Hotel in Bedford, and the future redevelopment of the former Macy’s site in Bedford. Other large notable projects include the 243,500 square-foot-Exel Liquor Distribution Center in Bow and the 614,240 square-foot, LEED certified high-bay UPS Northeast Logistics Center in Londonderry-one of the largest single-story industrial buildings ever built in NH.
During the past two years TFMoran, through steady growth and the acquisition of firms in Portsmouth and Auburn, has grown its workforce by over 20 employees, making it one of the largest full service engineering firms in New Hampshire. In addition to their industry leadership, the entire TFMoran team is dedicated to community and civic engagement, with over 50% of the team volunteering time and talents to various groups and boards.
At a ceremony honoring the award recipients, Robert Duval, Principal and President of TFMoran noted “I am accepting this award on behalf of those who came before our current leadership team, on behalf of our hard-working employees, and on behalf of our clients, without whom we would not be the business we are today.”
Hot off the press! TFMoran is the “Company of the Month” in New England Real Estate Journal’s June issue. To read the pdf version click on the link: NEREJ June 24-30 2016 Company of the Month
Or, read the content below for the full story…..
SERVING NEW HAMPSHIRE, MASSACHUSETTS, MAINE AND VERMONT FOR NEARLY 50 YEARS
TFMoran, Inc. continues to build on reputation earned in engineering and surveying industries
BEDFORD, NH TFMoran, Inc. is a recognized land planning firm specializing in civil engineering, structural engineering, traffic engineering, transportation engineering, land surveying, landscape architecture, environmental permitting, stormwater monitoring, and construction support services. TFMoran has been in business serving N.H., Mass., Maine, and Vermont for nearly 50 years and continually strives to build on the excellent reputation they have earned in the engineering and surveying industries.
Since 1968, the team at TFMoran has been leading northern New England with innovative land planning and development initiatives. TFMoran has played an integral role in many of the region’s most recognized retail projects including the major redevelopment of the Bedford Mall in Bedford, N.H., the Lowe’s store redevelopment to a Chunky’s Cinema Pub and retail stores in Manchester, N.H.; the Verizon Wireless Arena in Manchester N.H.; and the new Whole Foods Market in Bedford, N.H., to name a few.
The past three years have been a time of transition for TFMoran. In January 2013, TFMoran announced an ownership transition from Robert and Anne Cruess, who had led the firm since 1991, to four long-term senior employees including president and chief engineer, Robert Duval, PE; Dylan Cruess, chief operating officer; and senior vice presidents Jeff Kevan and Paul Sbacchi, PE. The new owners were honored to take over such a strong and well respected firm. The goal from the beginning was to strengthen the great corporate reputation that Robert and Anne had created, and to find innovative ways to provide the best client service within our industry.
While TFMoran has always been a great place to work, the new leadership team, some with young families of their own, encourages a “family-focused” culture, with accommodating work schedules and the ability to work from home when the need arises. Another goal for the leadership at TFMoran is to help their team to become involved in interests outside their work, such as participating within industry organizations and joining community organizations that they are passionate about. Employees are provided with the flexibility whenever possible to allow the time needed to pursue such philanthropic and civic interests.
TFMoran’s work culture is strongly focused on employee safety and using the latest proven technologies to better serve our clients. In 2014, TFMoran made employee safety a top priority. The safety handbook was completely rewritten, the safety committee was empowered, and everyone in the company refocused on importance training. To follow through on the company’s focus on safety, all field personnel received OSHA 10 construction site safety training. TFMoran’s staff is consistently exposed to the latest engineering methods and product trends through trainings and seminars. This commitment to safety training and industry education allows TFMoran to provide to the best value to their clients.
TFMoran is always focused on adopting the newest and best technology. TFMoran uses the latest Civil 3D for their civil engineering and survey departments and REVIT AutoCAD software for their structural engineering department. TFMoran continually invests in new computer hardware and equipment to ensure that the company uses technology to best meet their clients’ project schedules and demands.
Where appropriate, TFMoran has also taken advantage of strategic growth opportunities. In late 2014, TFMoran acquired MSC Civil Engineers and Surveyors, Inc., a well known and respected civil engineering and surveying firm located in Portsmouth, N.H. With the acquisition of MSC, TFMoran now has a full-service office, with experienced local professionals, in New Hampshire’s seacoast region. In 2015, TFMoran was also able expand their structural engineering department to 11 people by acquiring Steffensen Engineering Associates, Inc., an Auburn N.H.- based structural engineering firm with an excellent reputation earned over the past 30 years. Between these two acquisitions and organic growth, they have substantially increased their workforce, with a net gain of 23 employees between their Bedford office and the new office in Portsmouth.
The vision for TFMoran is straightforward. They want to be leaders and innovators within their industry and active members of the communities they serve. TFMoran looks to take on projects that have positive impacts in the surrounding communities. They have an excellent track record of providing value to their clients and meeting a project’s accelerated design and permitting schedule. Several recent projects which illustrate this include the Ashley Furniture location in Manchester, N.H., the 614,000 s/f UPS/Pratt & Whitney Logistics Facility in Londonderry, and the significant GE Aviation Plant Expansion in Hooksett.
TFMoran is also honored to announce that it was recently awarded the 2016 Business of the Year by Business New Hampshire Magazine in the Real Estate, Construction and Engineering Category. TFMoran is one of nine companies that received the prestigious Business of the Year award. To be considered for the award, each winning business must be nominated by their local chamber of commerce and then a panel of executives made up of previous Business of the Year award winning companies selects the winner in each of the award’s nine categories.
TFMoran is very proud of its contributions to the local communities in N.H., Mass., Maine, and Vermont where they work; both in terms of the development projects they have helped design and the civic and charitable impact their people have made. They have successfully taken on many challenging projects with aggressive schedules in the past few years. Their talented and dedicated team has thrived through teamwork and their ability to focus on providing the most efficient service and the best value for their clients. Their reputation is built on their experience and expertise – and above all – pride in what they do.
TFMoran President and Chief Engineer, Robert Duval, PE
TFMoran President and Chief Engineer, Robert Duval, PE was one of the speakers at this year’s State of the Northern New England Market Summit, hosted by New England Real Estate Journal. The Summit was held on June 7, 2016 at the Portsmouth Harbor Events & Conference Center from 8 a.m. to noon. Mr. Duval spoke during the first session covering “Real Estate Updates/Trends, Industrial, Office, Multi-family and Retail”. The following three sessions covered “Construction Projects”, “Capital Investments” and “Market Overview Opportunities and Future Vacancy Rate, Inventory, Cap Rates, Outside Influences in the Market”.
TFMoran was one of the Corporate Sponsors and had a booth at the Summit featuring a variety of recent projects. TFMoran’s MSC Division Manager and Principal, Corey Colwell, LLS attended the Summit and was on hand to discuss seacoast area projects.
