Combining experience and a practical and pragmatic approach, Dennis helps guide his clients through complex developments and transactional deals. He understands how to get a deal done, while still protecting his client's interests. Dennis has been involved in some of the larger real estate deals in the State, from the current redevelopment of a 100,000 square foot warehouse on the waterfront to Class A open space, to the acquisition and subsequent disposition of one of the largest office building portfolios in Maine valued in excess of $50M. Dennis was lead counsel in the disposition of a $100M portfolio of office/warehouse airport buildings, which portfolio comprised of 13 properties in seven different states.
Prior to joining Pierce Atwood in 1984, Dennis practiced with the large Denver Colorado firm of Holme, Roberts & Owen, specializing in real estate development. Since coming to Pierce Atwood, Dennis has been instrumental in the establishment and growth of Pierce Atwood's Real Estate Department to become one of the top real estate practice groups in the State and region. Pierce Atwood is recognized as one of the three "Band 1" real estate departments in the State. Dennis was the head of the Real Estate Practice Group for approximately 15 years, beginning in the early 90's.
Recent Experience
- Lead negotiator for lease of Pierce Atwood's headquarters in Portland Maine, involving $13M renovation of historic warehouse building, negotiation of tax increment financing with the City of Portland and coordination of development
- Represents regional supermarket chain in development of stores in Maine, New Hampshire and New York State, including development of first Platinum LEED certified supermarket in the country
- Represents Houston-based European owned company is the development of wind farms in Maine and New Hampshire, including leasing, land use and permitting
- Represented Madison Paper Industries in the $35M sale of Hydro-Kennebec Facility, a hydroelectric generating plant, comprised of approximately 15.4 MW of generating capacity and related flowage and easements, located in Kennebec and Somerset Counties, Maine
- Represented Finnish company in the sale of a paper mill situated in Alsip, Illinois for approximately $10M
- Represented buyer in the purchase of a medical office condominium in mixed use project situated in the East Side of Manhattan
- Represented seller in the $30M sale of three office building and parking garage complex in downtown Portland, being the final transaction in the disposition of a larger portfolio of office and retail buildings and multiple parking garages that Dennis assisted in the acquisition for a sum in excess of $57M disposition of a larger portfolio of such complexes that Dennis advised on
Honors & Distinctions
Dennis is listed in Chambers USA. He is one of only four attorneys in Maine who is rated by Chambers USA in the top tier of real estate lawyers.
Dennis has been listed in every edition of The Best Lawyers in America, since 2006 for Real Estate. In 2010, he was selected by Best Lawyers as the Portland Real Estate Lawyer of the Year.
In 2011, Dennis was awarded the Robert B. Patterson Jr. Founders' Award by the Maine Real Estate & Development Association for his significant contributions to responsible real estate development in the State of Maine.
Professional Activities
Member, International Center for Shopping Centers
Secretary, Member of the Board of Directors and Executive Committee, Maine Real Estate & Development Association
Member, Maine, New Hampshire and Colorado Bar Associations
Civic Activities
Member, Falmouth Zoning Board of Appeals
Former Board Member, Ingraham, a non-profit community based organization that provides crisis intervention and shelter