News

CORE Tenant Profile: The Spice & Tea Exchange of Freeport

Photo courtesy Sharyn Peavey Photography Step into The Spice & Tea Exchange® of Freeport on the hill below Main Street and you’ll first be met by the smell. Aromas drift from hundreds of glass jars filled with over 100 types of blended spices, 80+ full leaf teas, and countless salts, sugars, and honeys. If you’re lucky, you’ll also meet Joel Elliot, the new owner of this Freeport franchise. You’ll know him by his sheer friendliness; he’ll get you talking, and before you know it, he’ll be whipping out a jar and recommending a particular type of tea for you to taste. Joel is new to Freeport. He relocated from Rochester, New York to Maine with his wife in late 2025. They moved to be close to his son, daughter-in-law, and young grandson. Not long after arriving, Joel discovered an opportunity to take over The Spice & Tea Exchange of Freeport from its previous owners. “I like to say I bought myself a job,” he says with a laugh. The Spice & Tea Exchange has its roots in St. Augustine, Florida, where its founders transformed a small spice shop into a national franchise. Today, there are nearly 100 locations across the country, each independently owned and operated. “They’ve built a magnificent system,” he says. “My job is to bring it to life here—to execute it well and further build a great team.” Joel is building connections across the Freeport business community and wider food industry in Maine. He’s also booking bands for his new monthly concert series in the shop. He’s quick to credit CORE for supporting the swift transition of the store. “They’ve been great landlords—responsive, thoughtful, easy to work with,” he says. “When you’re starting something new, that kind of partnership really matters.” He also points out that the product itself is impressive: “We’re not pulling products off a factory line. We’re zesting citrus, dehydrating ingredients, and blending spices by hand. It’s as close as we can get to what nature produces.” CORE acquired 6 Mill Street several years ago; the building was vacant at the time. Since then, in addition to the Spice and Tea Exchange, the acclaimed Maine brand Sea Love has opened a gorgeous space on the upper floor. CORE has played a major role in bringing businesses back into Freeport’s downtown in the years since the Covid pandemic, and the town is currently seeing significant development interest as a result. From his side, Joel has decades of leadership experience to draw on in his new venture; he spent 20 years in the travel industry and has worked for various nonprofit organizations in healthcare, food systems, and workforce development. But in many ways, this new chapter is a return to something far more personal. Back in the early 1980s, Joel launched a small coffee and tea concept in his friend’s bookstore in San Francisco. It was called Tradewind Coffee and Tea. “It was just a little nook,” he says smiling. “But it planted the seed.” More than 40 years later, that seed has sprouted, crossed the country, and taken root in Freeport, Maine. The Spice & Tea Exchange of Freeport celebrates its grand re-opening on May 1-3. You can find it at 6 Mill Street, Freeport

April 17, 2026

CORE closes $2.919 million acquisition of three Old Port properties

By NEREJ CORE has completed the acquisition of three Old Port properties located at 363–371 Fore St. ($805,566), 373–375 Fore St. ($587,312), and 9–17 Exchange St. ($1,526,070). The transactions closed on March 4. The properties were acquired by The Stonecutters LLC (363–371 Fore St.), The Langham LLC (373–375 Fore St.), and Thanos LLC (9–17 Exchange St.). CORE’s brokerage team facilitated the acquisitions on behalf of the purchasing entities. “These are exceptional Old Port properties in one of Portland’s most dynamic districts,” said CORE president Josh Soley. “We’re pleased to have facilitated the acquisitions and to continue working with the ownership groups as we move into the next phase — developing the Fore St. buildings and managing the portfolio to ensure these properties remain vibrant parts of the neighborhood.” View the full article here.

April 10, 2026

CORE Delivers Fully Executed Acquisition and Lease at 11 Fireslate Place in Lewiston

CORE, the largest integrated commercial real estate firm in Northern New England, is pleased to announce the successful acquisition of 11 Fireslate Place, a 14,000-square-foot warehouse property in Lewiston, Maine, by Lumen Industries. CORE facilitated the transaction and will provide ongoing property management services. The acquisition closed on March 9 and was completed in tandem with a long-term lease agreement securing Brock Corp. as the building’s tenant, ensuring immediate occupancy and operational continuity at the site. Brock Corp., a Houston, Texas-based industrial services company with more than 15,000 employees worldwide, will utilize the property to support its regional operations, including warehousing, equipment storage, and logistics coordination across Maine and Northern New England. CORE’s Charlie Hippler represented Lumen Industries in the transaction. Karen Rich of Malone Commercial Brokers and Bryant Loch of JLL represented Brock Corp. “This was a great example of aligning the right tenant with the right ownership group,” said Josh Soley, President of CORE. “Securing a growing operator like Brock Corp. provides immediate stability for Lumen Industries while also supporting Brock’s continued expansion in the region. Our focus was on creating a solution that worked operationally for the tenant and delivered long-term value for ownership.” 11 Fireslate Place offers flexible, high-quality warehouse space in a well-maintained setting with strong access to regional transportation routes, making it an ideal fit for Brock Corp.’s operational needs and continued growth in the market. This project builds on recent successes from CORE’s brokerage division, underscoring the firm’s growing reach and ability to execute complex acquisition and leasing assignments across markets. CORE supports clients with strategic acquisitions, leasing, and property management services that drive long-term value.

April 9, 2026

CORE Appoints Ben Spencer as First Broker Shareholder Ahead of Broader Expansion

CORE, the largest integrated commercial real estate firm in Northern New England, has announced the appointment of Ben Spencer as its first shareholder from within its brokerage team, marking a significant step in the company’s evolution and long-term growth strategy. Since its founding in 2017, CORE has rapidly built a reputation for its full-service platform spanning sales, leasing, acquisitions, and asset management. Spencer joined the firm in 2020 and, over the past several years, has played a key role in its expansion. As Senior Vice President, Spencer has led CORE’s Central Maine office and built a significant portfolio of transactions across the region. “From the beginning, CORE has been built on the idea that the right people, working together, create something far greater than the sum of its parts,” said Josh Soley, President of CORE. “Ben embodies that philosophy. He’s put in the time and consistently delivered for clients and the team. Just as importantly, he’s committed to building his future here. This is an important step as we continue to create opportunities for our brokers to grow with the firm.” “This is a meaningful step for me, both professionally and personally,” said Spencer. “CORE has created an environment where hard work, collaboration, and long-term thinking are genuinely valued. I’m proud of what we’ve built so far and excited to help shape what comes next.” Spencer began his real estate journey at the age of 19 when he purchased his first multifamily apartment complex. He brings significant sales experience from his previous role as Senior Vice President. Before joining CORE, Spencer led the sales team at A-COPI, a commercial copier sales and service company based in Gardiner. His performance earned him recognition as one of New England’s top sales professionals from 2017 to 2020, including achieving President’s Club honors in 2019. Spencer’s appointment comes as CORE prepares for its next phase of growth, including planned geographic expansion, continued investment in its platform, and the introduction of additional shareholder opportunities for high-performing team members. These initiatives will be further highlighted in the coming months alongside the launch of the firm’s new website.

April 7, 2026

CORE Closes Acquisition of Three Old Port Properties

CORE, the largest integrated commercial real estate firm in Northern New England, has completed the acquisition of three prominent Old Port properties located at 363–371 Fore Street, 373–375 Fore Street, and 9–17 Exchange Street. The transactions closed on March 4. The properties were acquired by The Stonecutters LLC (363–371 Fore Street), The Langham LLC (373–375 Fore Street), and Thanos LLC (9–17 Exchange Street). CORE’s brokerage team facilitated the acquisitions on behalf of the purchasing entities. “These are exceptional Old Port properties in one of Portland’s most dynamic districts,” said CORE President Josh Soley. “We’re pleased to have facilitated the acquisitions and to continue working with the ownership groups as we move into the next phase—developing the Fore Street buildings and managing the portfolio to ensure these properties remain vibrant parts of the neighborhood.” The buildings occupy three highly visible locations in the heart of Portland’s Old Port. CORE will lead the development of the two Fore Street properties, guiding thoughtful improvements that respect the historic character of the buildings while preparing them for continued use. CORE’s management division will oversee property management for the portfolio, providing day-to-day operations and long-term stewardship. CORE’s integrated approach handles every aspect of property management in-house, from high-level strategy to the hands-on maintenance that keeps buildings running smoothly.

March 17, 2026

CORE Tenant Profile: Biddeford Coworking

Marc Feldman is known to some people as the "unofficial goodwill ambassador of Biddeford." For over a decade, this enigmatic business leader has been running Biddeford Coworking, one of the most successful coworking spaces in southern Maine. He’s friends with pretty much everyone in the city. You’ll find Biddeford Coworking in Pepperrell Mill, just inside the main entrance at 40 Main Street. It’s a bright space with high ceilings and funky colors. There are all the things you’d expect in an office—desks, plants, and quiet corners for focused work—but there’s also conversation, laughter and the sense that people truly know one another. This sense of community starts with Marc, who has spent more than a decade building a space where people want to come and work. “I engage everybody,” Marc says. “I welcome everybody. The goal is to make people feel like they’re part of the community.” Marc’s path to coworking wasn’t a straight one. Originally from Florida, he moved to Maine in 1984 and opened an Italian restaurant in Kennebunkport. After several years, he transitioned into the wholesale grocery trade, a business he still operates today—from his desk inside the coworking space. “I’ve been a remote worker since 1991,” explains Marc. “I worked out of my house for decades.” But when his children left for college in the early 2010s, Marc realized that it was time to make a change. “You start becoming a basement troll,” he says with a laugh. “You don’t go anywhere, you don’t see people! I realized I needed to get out of the house.” At the same time, the Pepperell Mill campus in Biddeford was beginning to come alive with new businesses and creative energy. Inspired by the growing coworking movement, Marc partnered with a Portland coworking founder to open the original space in 2015. In 2024, he purchased the business outright and rebranded it as Biddeford Coworking. Today, the space is home to a wide range of professionals—from software developers and data scientists to real estate professionals, lawyers, entrepreneurs, and coaches. Many members are remote employees working for companies across the country. “We have people who’ve been members here for nine years,” Marc says. “That says a lot about the relationships people build here.” It’s also a time of new growth in the Pepperell Mill. With new owners CORE-Finard investing in the commercial spaces and a renewed focus on community, Marc is optimistic about the future. “They are really trying to build the mill back into a vibrant center for the town,” he says. “An active community where businesses support each other.” As Biddeford continues to grow and evolve, Marc plans to keep doing what he’s always done: creating a welcoming place where people can come to work and thrive in community. “I didn’t want this to be a place where people just sit in an office,” he says. “People need other people. That’s what makes it work.” Biddeford Coworking, 40 Main St., Suite 13-140, Biddeford, ME

March 16, 2026

The Boulos Company and CORE Acquisitions Announce $4.7M Sale of Two City Center in Downtown Portland

A significant off-market commercial real estate transaction has been completed with the $4.7 million sale of Two City Center, one of downtown Portland’s most recognized and prominent office buildings. The 26,357-square-foot property traded for approximately $178 per square foot. It was acquired by Kliner Industries LLC, Nakatomi Plaza, LLC, Aerotyne International LLC from Two City Center LLC. Gregory W. Boulos of The Boulos Company brokered the transaction, and Josh Soley of CORE facilitated the acquisition on behalf of the buyer. CORE’s property management division will oversee management of the property. Two City Center is one of only 27 Class A office buildings in the State of Maine, according to The Boulos Company’s office outlook. The acquisition was driven by the buyer’s view of Two City Center as a strategically located, high-quality downtown asset. In a market where comparable downtown properties seldom become available, the opportunity to acquire this landmark building through an off-market transaction reflects both its long-term value and the strength of direct relationships involved in bringing the deal to completion. “This was a highly strategic off-market sale,” said Gregory W. Boulos. “Well-located, institutional-quality assets in Portland’s downtown core continue to generate strong interest, particularly when relationships and timing align to create opportunity for both parties.” “Two City Center is a landmark asset,” said Josh Soley of CORE. “Our acquisition division is proud to have helped secure a long-term position for the buyer, and our management team will ensure a smooth transition for the property and its tenants.” The $4.7 million transaction marks another notable chapter for one of Portland’s most recognizable office buildings and reinforces the continued strength of the local commercial real estate market.

March 13, 2026

CORE brokers sale of 14,000 s/f Grace Venue for $1.43 million

By NEREJ CORE negotiated the sale of Grace, a historic church and event venue located at 15 Chestnut St. The $1.43 million transaction closed on January 27, 2026. The buyer, Jedi Temple LLC, was represented by Josh Soley and Frank Carr of CORE. The seller was Boodilly, LLC. The sale was conducted through an auction process, with the winning bid coming in below the property’s appraised value. “We’re excited to help bring Grace into its next chapter,” said Soley, president of CORE. “This is one of Portland’s most distinctive historic structures, and it’s a place many people remember fondly from when it was active and full of life. Tanner will be an excellent steward of the property, and we’re thrilled to see it poised for a new era.” View the full article here.

March 13, 2026

Church-turned-event-venue buyer sees ‘beautiful building that needed a little bit of love’

By Laurie Schreiber, Mainebiz The buyer of a church-turned-event-venue in downtown Portland has an eye toward increasing its visibility for weddings and other gatherings. Jedi Temple LLC bought 15 Chestnut St., adjacent to Portland City Hall, from Boodilly LLC for $1.43 million. The buyer was represented by Josh Soley and Frank Carr of CORE. The sale was conducted through an auction process conducted by Tranzon Auction Properties. “This is one of Portland’s most distinctive historic structures, and it’s a place many people remember fondly from when it was active and full of life,” said Josh Soley, CORE’s president. View the full article here.

March 9, 2026