2025 Fall Preview: Christopher Edge, Town of Berlin (CT)

What trends or shifts do you see shaping your industry this fall and into 2026? The biggest trend that I see in Berlin is the growth of multi-family housing in town. Prior to my arrival in 2015, there was little development of housing, but since 2018, we have seen over 350 units of housing be built in Berlin with more units approved, but not yet completed. This has helped Berlin to bring in new residents as well as bring new life to the Kensington Village and Farmington Avenue near the Berlin Train Station.

What’s one major project, initiative, or innovation your firm is focused on in the months ahead? A project which is set for completion in July of 2026, Steele Center is a mixed-use TOD project which is a partnership between the Town of Berlin and Newport Realty. This development, when completed, will include over 70 apartments, close to 20,000 s/fof commercial space and be a transformative beacon in Berlin. With this project we have seen tremendous growth along our commercial corridor of Farmington Avenue.

What challenges or opportunities do you anticipate for your clients as the market heads into Q4? The biggest challenge that the Town of Berlin faces is commercially zoned land. We have little that is not developed and we are hopeful that we can see additional parcels be developed in the coming years. The solution will likely be creativity when it comes to zoning, as well as allowed uses on vacant parcels of land.

What are you most excited about for the future of your sector? I am most excited about the 300+ apartments coming online in Berlin as it will bring new young professionals to town, as well as allow individuals who grew up in Berlin to return and be a resident again. This is a wonderful thing for our restaurants, retail and experiential businesses!