Boston Retail & Mixed-Use

Diane is a franchise brands business executive consultant specializing in bringing restaurant brands to market for non-traditional venues such as airports, toll roads, colleges and universities, healthcare and business and industry. Diane utilizes market research and financial analysis for cost-effective financial return and real estate maximization. She is skilled in all phases of contract negotiations with past experience with such brands as Starbucks, Dunkin Donuts, Einstein's Bagels, Taco Bell, Chick-fil-A, Subway, Moe's Southwest, Papa Johns, Pinkberry, Qdoba, Chili's and others.

Commercial transactions, including representation of clients in connection with the acquisition, financing, disposition and leasing of real property are the focus of Melissa Rivers’ practice. Melissa is a Senior Attorney in the firm’s Real Estate group. Prior to joining Goulston & Storrs, Melissa was part of the legal team at a major national retailer, where her focus was on new store leases and related matters. Melissa has also worked for a major national REIT where she handled leasing and property matters associated with both new development projects and operating retail shopping centers. In addition, Melissa worked for a successful real estate development company where she was involved in many complex projects including multi-property acquisitions and dispositions, development and leasing of mixed use projects and ground leasing and financing of shopping centers anchored by supermarkets and home improvement stores. Her career spans 17 years dedicated to the real estate industry. Melissa is also a member of the adjunct faculty at North Shore Community College and Suffolk University.

Primarily tasked with identifying and analyzing new development opportunities for the Company throughout its target markets, Mr. Feldman participates in every element of the development process to facilitate its direction, from project master planning and design, to budgeting and leasing, permitting and financing. At the corporate level, he participates in the overall direction and growth of the Company, including property acquisition and disposition, project selection, asset management and general corporate affairs. Prior to joining Feldco, Mr. Feldman worked in the motion picture industry as a writer/producer in conjunction with many of the major movie studios including Paramount Pictures, Spyglass Entertainment, Miramax Films, The Weinstein Company, Walt Disney Pictures and Sony Pictures. His experience in identifying and securing material for film, shepherding the creative process, packaging the project with financial resources and talent, and ultimately overseeing the production of the picture provided the tools necessary for a real estate career. He holds a real estate degree from The University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) and a Bachelor of Arts degree from Northwestern University.

An expert in all aspects of complex, mixed-use urban development, Abe Menzin is fascinated by the interdisciplinary nature of the field. “I love complex projects,” he notes, “early in my career I managed the construction of large projects, but having a hand in shaping the direction of the project is what drew me to development.” Abe arrived at Samuels & Associates in 2010 with the desire to, in his words, “work with the best people in the industry.” He’s passionate about working on projects, like the Van Ness, Landmark Center and Parcel 12, which make a positive impact on the community. He’s especially fond of those ventures that require large teams, many moving parts and meticulous planning. While not building communities for thousands of Boston residents, Abe can be found spending time with his four kids and, in the winter, perfecting his backyard skating rink. Abe holds an undergraduate degree from Tufts University and two master’s degrees, one in real estate development and the other in civil engineering, from MIT. He has served as co-Chair of the CJP’s Real Estate team and was a pro bono real estate advisor for Cradles to Crayons.

As the leader of Bohler Engineering's Boston office, Steve has 20 years of experience in site civil engineering, permit expediting and construction oversight. With an extensive knowledge of the regulatory processes in the City of Boston, he has guided dozens of prominent projects from due diligence through construction. Steve’s project team is currently managing some of the largest and most complex developments in the City, including Tremont Crossing, the highly anticipated two million square-foot, mixed-use redevelopment.

POER’s Managing Consultant, John Ryder has over 19 years of experience in the property tax industry, representing an enormous variety of property types throughout the eastern seaboard from Maine to Maryland. His valuation skills combined with an extensive background in real estate development and property management are invaluable assets for taxpayers seeking proactive tax management.

As President and Co-Founder, David Chilinski has been guiding the firm for over 35 years with an infectious entrepreneurial spirit and unwavering commitment to creating vibrant, sustainable community places – from commercial and retail developments to housing and academic facilities. David is a leading force in PCA’s vision of designing “places” that enlighten and enrich people’s lives. A passionate advocate of the “24 hour city,” David has spearheaded many urban planning and design projects with complex approvals processes and high levels of community involvement. Educated at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, he holds a National Council of Architectural Registration Boards Certificate with registration in 17 states. In the community, David sits on the Harvard Square Business Association and Agassiz Neighborhood Council Boards. He also serves on the Mass College of Art Corporate Advisory Group and the United Way Real Estate Committee, and has presented as a guest lecturer at MIT, Harvard’s Graduate School of Design, Rhode Island School of Design, Roger Williams College, BU’s School of Management and the Boston Architectural College.