Cummings Properties appoints new leasing director

It is an exciting time to do business in Beverly, according to Mike Farrell, who recently took on a new role as leasing director for Cummings Properties’ landmark Cummings Center campus and its burgeoning Dunham Ridge campus in Beverly.

A senior account manager for many years, Farrell served as one of Cummings Center’s liaisons with existing client firms. He will now focus instead on new business development.

Farrell started at the Woburn-based commercial real estate firm as a property manager in 1997, just after it took possession of the dilapidated United Shoe Machinery Corporation site (known locally as “The Shoe”). He worked initially with the dozens of machine shops, woodworkers, and artists who occupied the mostly vacant campus at the time, and over the years, he brought new clients in and fostered lasting relationships with them.

During his almost 20-year career with Cummings, he has participated in more than 1,200 lease transactions across its 10 million-square-foot portfolio.

“Mike was an integral part of the transformation of The Shoe and is an integral part of what we do today,” said Cummings Properties vice president and general manager of Cummings Center Steve Drohosky. “He is a North Shore native who knows our properties well and has many contacts. This is a great opportunity for him, and it allows us to expand our sales efforts.”

The existing account management team, which recently expanded, will take over Farrell’s account management duties. The firm is also looking to hire a new sales and leasing officer to work directly with Farrell to support the Beverly business.

“With the pending opening of our condominium homes at Elliott Landing next month, and two large, but very different business campuses here in Beverly, we happily find ourselves right in the middle of the ‘live, work, play’ movement in the suburbs,” said Drohosky.

The former home of Parker Brothers and Atari, Dunham Ridge on Norwood Pond has planned and existing spaces from 15,000 to 300,000 square feet available. It offers green space, fitness trails, and a 500-car garage. A five-story 144,000-square-foot energy-efficient office building is currently under construction, with 154,000 square feet of additional new development planned, according to Farrell.

“The success of Cummings Center, which is nearly 90 percent leased,” according to Farrell, “proves there is a strong demand for quality, well-managed space on the North Shore. Our in-house architectural and construction capabilities allow us to deliver a superior product quickly and often at a lower cost.”

“There is a lot of opportunity at Dunham Ridge for businesses looking for close proximity to Route 128,” said Farrell. “We have space on both campuses to meet most any commercial real estate need.”

Farrell grew up in Danvers and currently lives in Middleton with his wife and three children. He coaches youth basketball and flag football and is active in both the Greater Beverly and North Shore chambers of commerce.

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PHOTO: Cummings Properties leasing director Mike Farrell