Ghost kitchens—delivery-only restaurants without a dining room—have grown quickly as food delivery becomes a normal part of daily life. Their rise sparks new questions for retail strip centers, many of which have struggled with vacancies in recent years. Could ghost...
Commercial Real Estate
Using a break clause in a commercial lease
When drafting a commercial lease, it is imperative that all sides know exactly what clauses they can use and how these may alter the agreement. Often, various clauses help to define rights and responsibilities on both sides once the agreement has been reached. One...
Zoning for mixed-use property development in Boston
Mixed-use property development is reshaping Boston’s urban landscape. From combining residential units with retail spaces to integrating office buildings with community services, these developments offer efficient land use and help meet evolving community needs. Yet,...
Legal issues that can block commercial real estate developments
In Massachusetts, commercial real estate projects involve more than just financing and design. Developers must also navigate complex legal regulations. Even well-planned projects can be halted if certain legal issues are not addressed. From zoning laws to...
What is a net lease in commercial leases?
Business owners often opt to rent properties instead of purchasing one. Sometimes, this is because they don’t want the responsibility of having a property and other times because they may have the capital available to make the investment in a property. Commercial...
What is a zoning variance?
A zoning variance is a special legal exception that allows a property owner to use land in a way that does not fully comply with current zoning laws in a particular jurisdiction. When it comes to commercial real estate, zoning laws control how land can be used—for...
What is a ground lease agreement?
When considering commercial property options, you may encounter the concept of a "ground lease." Unlike traditional leases, a ground lease allows long-term use of land without transferring ownership. This arrangement provides unique advantages and risks for both...
What are good practices for negotiating commercial leases?
Commercial lease agreements are important for businesses and landlords. These agreements outline the terms for renting a commercial space. Good negotiation skills can help both parties reach an agreement that works. Understanding lease terms Before negotiations begin,...
How remote work changed commercial offices and property use
Remote work has changed how businesses use office space. Many companies no longer need large offices, which affects lease agreements and landlord-tenant relationships. As more employees work from home, businesses and property owners must adjust to new leasing needs,...
How do zoning laws affect commercial property development?
Zoning laws play a big part in deciding how to build commercial properties. These laws say where businesses can go and set rules for how to use buildings, how big they can be, and where they can sit on the land. In Massachusetts, each town and city has its own zoning...

