Michael has extensive experience managing and executing large, complex real estate and construction projects. In addition to expertly managing various GRE biotech real estate projects, Michael consults with businesses in the food sector. He also serves on the Board of Directors at UNC's Gillings School of Global Public Health and has served on the economic development counsels for three North Carolina governors. Previously, Michael was managing principal of Greenbridge, a LEED-Gold, $65M mixed-use project in Chapel Hill, NC.

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Read more about  Michael here.
 

Whether you are a biotech startup graduating from an incubator, or a growth-stage company outgrowing your current lab, life science tenants in every field must find and occupy suitable spaces as soon as possible to ensure continued growth and successful outcomes. 

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Read more here.
 

GRE is pleased to announce the addition of Lauren Scheid as Project Engineer. "I look forward to being able to take my architectural and construction management background out and really work with owners, contractors, construction managers, architects and so many more players in this vast field," says Lauren.

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Read Lauren's full Q&A interview here.
 

It's time for your company to grow, and whether you're moving to a new location or renovating an existing space, there are some important aspects to consider and discuss when selecting the best building location for your company...

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Read more here.
 

Design and construction projects are expensive, complicated, and come with a lot of risk. Aside from the time and money required, no two projects are exactly alike, and transforming an idea into a built reality is a tremendous undertaking requiring a vast amount of expertise. One way to reduce risk is to find a partner, or an owner’s representative, with the experience and skills to guide you through the process. 

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Read more here.
 

GRE has been working on laboratory projects for many years and we enjoy helping biotech and life science companies implement technological innovation into their capital projects. Our latest project is featured in Lab Manager Magazine, and is an awesome example of what can be achieved with a high-performing, collaborative team. 

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Read more here.
 

GRE is now offering services to help building owners and operators achieve the WELL Health-Safety Rating standard - a third party, evidence-based rating for existing buildings that prioritizes the health of building occupants and ensures the safest possible work environment amidst the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond.

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Read more here.
 

For many clients, the chance to design a new laboratory is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Yet understanding the financial complexity of a life-science project can be daunting. Lab facilities are complex, technically sophisticated, and mechanically-intensive assets that are expensive to build and to maintain. 
 

Read the full article here.
 

On September 17th, the Hartford Business Journal hosted its annual 40 Under Forty awards gala, honoring young professionals in the Greater Hartford area who are excelling in their industries through their leadership roles. This year’s event, themed "Coming Back from Covid-19," took place at Pratt & Whitney Stadium/Rentschler Field.
 

Read the full article here.
 

Tony Bonacci has enjoyed a storied career in construction and development management. Throughout his 43 years in the business, he shares that he's never had a boring day at work. 
 

Read the full interview here.

They’re the top young leaders in the Greater Hartford area —40 outstanding individuals who have excelled not only in their chosen fields of work but also in service to their clients, their firms, their professions, and their communities.  Ford Gurall is among a select group of 40 outstanding individuals who are driven by success, motivated by challenges and are role models for their peers.
 

Read the full article here.
 

On September 30, GRE’s Principal Ford Gurall will be discussing "The Price of Right: Solving your Biomanufacturing Real Estate Capital Equation" at  The Reactory Summit 2020, a one-day conference hosted by the Worcester Business Development Corporation (WBDC). GRE has successfully managed development work valued in excess of $750 million, including over 1 million square feet of life science spaces. Summit attendees will gain a better understanding of the financial complexities of a ground up Life Science facility, and learn to identify missteps and gaps in scope at the early stages of a project to avoid cost overruns and compounding headaches heading into the finish line. 

 

The event is expected to draw 150+ professionals from life sciences companies, investors, and developers from the Commonwealth and New England, who will engage in the exchange of ideas, best practices, opportunities, and latest trends in biomanufacturing and the future of life sciences in Massachusetts.

GRE’s Ford Gurall teamed up with real estate executives David Fagone of R.M Bradley, Jon Putnam of Cushman and Wakefield, and Brad Soules of Newmark Grubb Knight Frank to discuss commercial real estate challenges and opportunities during COVID-19.  

 

Read the article in High Profile Magazine here.  

GRE, in collaboration with BioCT, led a panel discussion with thought leaders and executives from the commercial real estate industry, who shared their insights on how Connecticut companies can plan to safely get back to work during the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.   

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View/Download Webinar Follow-Up (PDF)

March 1-7 is the annual Women in Construction Week, hosted by National Association of Women in Construction to highlight the importance of women in the industry and raise awareness of the many opportunities for women in construction. Women in Construction Week is just one way to call attention to the growing numbers of women choosing construction careers – and encourage other women to follow suit. 

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GRE celebrated with a spotlight on Loretta Howley, a dedicated leader who plays a huge role in making GRE great. She says: "I love collaborating with multiple trades as a cumulative group. It's like putting together a life-size puzzle. Working behind the scenes on the financial components of multi-million dollar projects gives me great pleasure because we save our clients money while creating something of value that will last a lifetime."

As owner’s representative to Quest Diagnostics, GRE is pleased to announce the new flagship laboratory in Clifton, NJ was named a 2020 Leading Infrastructure Project by the New Jersey Alliance for Action. The award was presented on February 20th, 2020 at the Forsgate Country Club in Monroe Township.

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“Quest Diagnostics’ Flagship Laboratory is a great example of what can be done when organizations work as a team to develop a fantastic project,” said Ford Gurall, GRE’s Managing Principal.

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The Leading Infrastructure Projects award program was created to highlight innovative, pioneering and landmark construction initiatives that greatly impact the state’s economy and to honor the businesses and organizations that work together as partners to ensure the project’s success. Quest’s flagship laboratory was one of 14 projects honored by the Alliance for Action in 2020.

GRE is pleased to announce that Karl Wright has been promoted to project manager. Karl began his career at GRE as an assistant project manager in February 2018 and has proven himself as a leader that effectively drives projects and helps clients with vital decision-making. Under his leadership, the team completed a fast-paced renovation project for Virtus Investment Partners in Hartford, CT.  Karl has also been an integral member of Quest Diagnostics’ facilities and operations teams for the construction of a new diagnostic wet lab in Clifton, NJ.
 

“Karl has been a driving force in providing extraordinary service to GRE’s clients,” said Ford Gurall, GRE’s Founder and Managing Principal. “As we position for 2020 and beyond, Karl’s problem-solving abilities and work ethic will continue to exceed our clients’ expectations.”

GRE is reaching another construction milestone on Quest's 250,000-square-foot flagship laboratory project in Clifton, New Jersey.  We are closing the building envelope and preparing for winter.  

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When complete in 2020, the facility will be the largest in the Quest network. It is expected to provide diagnostic services to more than 40 million people in New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, Delaware and Washington DC.  

GRE is pleased to announce the addition of Beth Taylor, CPSM, LEED AP, as Director of Business Development. Beth joins GRE with over 18 years of experience in the Architectural, Construction & Engineering (A/E/C) industry. Beth will be responsible for developing new business relationships and will serve as GRE’s chief marketing strategist as the firm continues to expand in various national markets.
 

“We are thrilled that Beth joined our team, and she is already making a significant impact on how we do business and where we look for opportunities,” said Ford Gurall, GRE’s Founder and Managing Principal. “Through her leadership Beth will expose GRE’s expertise to new audiences which in turn will broaden our client base and develop relationships in new markets.”
 

Beth will be working out of GRE’s Hartford, Connecticut office. Ms. Taylor has a record of achievement in meeting the business development and marketing needs for professional services firms. Her past experience includes work in public relations, communications, relationship building, corporate branding, event planning, and market research.

Virtus now has a prominent presence in the Hartford skyline, thanks to the unveiling of the investment management company’s new logo, displayed prominently on the west side of the iconic Gold Building in downtown Hartford-- the site of Virtus Investment Partners' new corporate headquarters. Repurposing a heli-pad for the most prominent sign in Hartford was a fitting conclusion for GRE’s buildout of Virtus Investment Partners’ new headquarters.

Led by Ford Gurall and Karl Wright, GRE provided owner's representation services for Virtus’ move to Hartford. GRE oversaw preconstruction, construction, move management, procurement and close out aspects of the project.  Many thanks to all of GRE’s partners throughout the process, including CBRE, SLAM, Gilbane, Lauretano, & Interscape!  Check out the time lapse footage http://bit.ly/314CrcP.