BL Companies Vice President of Operations and Principal Derek Kohl was recently featured in the New England Real Estate Journal’s industry outlook alongside other regional leaders in commercial real estate. As part of the publication’s annual Fall Preview, he shared insights on market trends and challenges shaping the development community heading into 2026.
“We’re starting to see renewed optimism across the development community as interest rates begin to ease,” Derek is quoted saying in the article. “Lower borrowing costs are restoring confidence and encouraging projects that had been paused or scaled back. This is a welcome development that is helping to move key projects forward heading into 2026.”
Asked about challenges clients face in today’s market, Derek pointed to inflation, high real estate costs, and complex permitting processes in the Northeast. “Our clients are navigating those hurdles by doing deeper due diligence and engaging early with municipalities to help projects move efficiently,” he added.
He also notes that “creativity is driving a more balanced, resilient development landscape,” adding that “as an employee-owned firm, BL Companies thrives on collaboration and agility, and we’re excited to keep finding new ways to help clients succeed.”
Read the full article here.