Beverly Resident Celebrates 30 Years With Cummings Properties

WOBURN, September 12, 2014 – Longtime Beverly resident James Trudeau, or “Jim T” as he is known to colleagues, recently became the 13th staff member to celebrate 30 years with Cummings Properties. As design manager, Trudeau oversees a staff of 17 architects, project managers, space planners, and graphic designers at the commercial real estate firm’s Woburn headquarters.

At a reception in his honor last month, Trudeau expressed to colleagues how lucky he felt to be working at a company that has been around for more than 40 years and has remained stable, profitable, and loyal to its employees.

“For me, one very rewarding aspect of this job is being part of an organization that continues to grow and try new things,” said Trudeau. “I have enjoyed my time here because of the new challenges and variety, and the lack of boundaries and barriers to creative thinking is refreshing. This open-minded self-reliance is a major part of our corporate culture.”

Since 1984, Trudeau has been involved in all aspects of Cummings Properties’ design and development projects, including some major undertakings in his home city.

Instrumental in transforming “The Shoe” into Cummings Center, Trudeau led the team that conquered many design challenges, such as adding state-of-the-art multi-zone HVAC systems to buildings that previously had none. He also served as the liaison with the utilities as well as Essex National Heritage Commission and Beverly Historical Society.

More recently, Trudeau was among the first company representatives to visit 50 Dunham Road in Beverly when Cummings Properties was considering acquiring the site. His advice to fellow executives? “Buy it; it’s a great property!” Since the purchase in late 2011, Trudeau has led the design team charged with revitalizing the building and has been actively involved in the redevelopment of the site.

In between these two Beverly projects, Trudeau was integral to the creation of Woburn’s TradeCenter 128 office and technology park. Now an I-95 landmark, thanks to its eye-catching glass façade and contemporary design elements, the 535,000-square-foot property is home to Middlesex County Superior Courthouse as well as a few hundred businesses of all kinds.

“In his 30 years with the Company, Jim has been a true innovator,” said president and CEO Dennis Clarke. “From designing websites and marketing materials to designing new buildings, Jim is our go-to idea person. He has also mentored countless designers and interns, helping them to grow as professionals and develop highly rewarding, long-term careers with the organization.”

According to Clarke, Trudeau is always pushing the envelope when it comes to energy-saving construction, innovative office arrangements, and new technology, leading several EnergyStar building certifications over the years.

“Jim continually evaluates the company’s construction methods and specifications, striving to keep it at the forefront of environmentally friendly practices,” said Clarke.

He also provided the idea for Cummings Properties’ successful “incubator” suites that cater to startup lab clients. Most recently, Trudeau is responsible for the exterior LED lighting that gives Cummings Center its blue hue at nighttime.

“This exciting, cutting-edge technology allows us to use color to accentuate our buildings in the evening in a unique and impressive way,” said Trudeau.

Trudeau received bachelor of fine arts and bachelor of architecture degrees from the Rhode Island School of Design and is LEED accredited by the U.S. Green Building Council. Active in the local community, he is a former commissioner and trustee of Essex National Heritage Commission and a former board member of Beverly Historical Society.

Trudeau lives in Centerville with his wife, Jane, and son, Ben, a student at Berklee College of Music. A former racing cyclist, he spends his spare time biking the roads and trails of the North Shore and serving as a “roadie” and logistics and tour manager for his son’s band, For the Year.

Since its founding in 1970, Cummings Properties has frequently promoted from within, and has never had a layoff. With a portfolio of 10 million square feet of commercial space in the greater Boston area, the firm currently has a staff of more than 360 from a variety of disciplines, including architecture, engineering, construction, sales, graphic design, accounting, and legal.

PHOTO: Cummings Properties President and CEO Dennis Clarke speaks about Jim Trudeau at a celebration in Trudeau’s honor