Hot Property: Western Avenue Studios

Lowell’s Western Avenue Studios is one of the initial recipients of Massachusetts College of Art and Design’s Common Good Awards, which recognize the inclusion of arts and culture in civic life.

A Harmonious Partnership in Merrimack Valley

Joann Kalogianis Spaneas and Demetrius Spaneas have built a successful husband-and-wife partnership in developing and selling luxury properties north of Boston. The firm’s projects include redevelopment of a Lowell mill and raising equity for a planned hotel.

War on Vacancies Heats Up

Retail has been the weak link in Greater Boston’s commercial real estate boom, and one that’s attracting increased scrutiny from municipalities because of vacant storefronts’ tendency to sap vibrancy and spread blight.