Whether it’s the Worcester Business Development Corp.’s acquisition of 51 acres of the Saint-Gobain manufacturing campus, the ongoing development of the area surrounding the $160-million Polar Park stadium, or the development of over 750,000 square feet of commercial and industrial space in Shrewsbury, including the $53-million development of Edgemere Crossing at Flint Pond, it’s hard to follow Central Mass. real estate developments without frequently seeing Mark Donahue’s name.
Donahue has played a role in major real estate development projects in his nearly four decades with Fletcher Tilton, earning himself a selection as one of the best lawyers in America in 2023 by Best Lawyers, the oldest peer-review publication company in the legal profession. As the region’s real estate has attracted wider interest, Donahue’s local knowledge becomes a critical component of any project.
It’s not just development deals, as Donahue assists businesses with other types of support, including assistance with navigating the creation of joint ventures, receiving debt and equity financing, and any other topic a business owner might need advice on. Despite his longevity, he stays up-to-date with new types of businesses sprung up in Central Massachusetts, helping cannabis businesses navigate the myriad permits, licenses, and other red tape necessary to open.
Donahue has risen to the moment of unexpected difficulties; in 2021, when the Fletcher Tilton office was impacted by an electrical fire, he quickly worked to relocate into an alternative space, keeping the 202-year-old law firm running.
Donahue’s knowledge of the Worcester business scene hasn’t gone unnoticed, as he’s frequently asked to moderate or contribute to events hosted by the likes of the Worcester Bar Association and the Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce.Â
