Cummings Properties hosts 2026 NEREJ & M3 Real Estate Summit
BEDFORD, Mass. (September 11, 2026) – More than 200 real estate industry leaders gathered in Bedford on September 10 to explore the evolving commercial real estate landscape at the 2026 NEREJ & M3 Real Estate Summit. Co-hosted by New England Real Estate Journal and Middlesex 3 Coalition, the event took place at Cummings Properties’ newly redeveloped Bedford Woods office and research complex.
Bedford town manager Matt Hanson opened the program with remarks on the growing strength of the Route 3 business corridor.
Cummings Properties founder Bill Cummings and chief design officer Jim Trudeau followed with a keynote conversation about the firm’s long history of—and unusual approach to—reimagining and revitalizing commercial buildings.
As an example, they discussed Cummings’ January 2026 acquisition of Bedford Woods, which had been completely vacant for several years. The company has since signed seven new leases and is conducting a full-scale renovation of the buildings at 174-176 Middlesex Turnpike.
The buildings last changed hands in 2012 for $93 million. Cummings Properties bought them at auction for $5.6 million.
“With new leasing clients moving in and a strong turnout for this event, it is gratifying to see this outstanding property once again buzzing with activity,” said Cummings.
The program continued with two panel discussions examining redevelopment and adaptive reuse, first across the commercial real estate sector and then specifically within hospitality. Panelists explored current market trends and the economic and community benefits of repositioning existing assets and modernizing aging properties.
John Halsey, VP of leasing at Cummings Properties, shared insights on the trends driving the regional commercial real estate market, including growth of behavioral and mental health practices, in-person health and wellness offerings, and expanding business-to-business services.
Halsey was joined on the commercial real estate panel by Market Executive Chet Szablak of Rockland Trust; Government Tax Incentives Consultant Lynn Tokarczyk of Business Development Strategies; Principal Mike Kunz of Maugel DeStefano Architects; and SVP Michael Ogasapian of Lincoln Property Company.
The hospitality-focused panel explored ways hotels, restaurants, and mixed-use destinations can contribute to economic growth and community vitality. Participants included Founder & CEO Rob McCarthy of Melan Hotel Group; Managing Principal Sebastian Colella of Pinnacle Advisory Group; Director of Sales Chris Antico of Sonesta Simply Suites Boston Burlington; Senior Vice President & Account Executive Jeremy Pollender of CM&B; Senior Partner Bob Buckley of Riemer & Braunstein; and President Dennis Serpone of National Restaurant Exchange.
Middlesex 3 Coalition is a regional economic development organization that brings together businesses, government entities, and academic institutions from the corridor along Route 3 and Middlesex Turnpike. It aims to build the region’s economy and solve challenges in transportation, workforce development, and sustainability.
Cummings Properties’ 11 million square feet of commercial real estate accommodates a diverse range of businesses, including offices, healthcare facilities, restaurants, retail storefronts, warehouses, labs and clean rooms, and executive suites. Its in-house design, construction, and property management teams provide businesses with streamlined, end-to-end support for their commercial real estate needs. More information is available at www.cummings.com.
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