The Art of Revitalizing Communities with Bruno Group

"Just like we thoughtfully model and underwrite projects,
we thoughtfully review the feasibility in a lot of different
areas to ensure that we can truly unlock the value and have a
clear path to a successful project." — Elliot MacNeil


Adaptive reuse is better for the environment, contributes towards
increasing supply in densely populated and competitive urban
centers, presents interesting design challenges for architects,
and saves developers money. At least, that is what today's guests
believe! Please join us in welcoming Joe Nickerson and Elliot
MacNeil. Joe is the Vice President and Partner and Elliot is the
Founder and President of Bruno Group, a Nova Scotia-based
design-build company that helps growing families and businesses
reimagine and expand their space.


In this episode, we reflect on the case that they make for
adaptive reuse versus new construction and learn how the Bruno
Group is creating memorable spaces that highlight existing
features, preserve historical structures, and focus on character
as part of their creative vision. We also touch on the affordable
housing crisis, what they are doing to combat it, and the pros
and cons of converting commercial spaces into mixed-use or
residential, as well as the impact that COVID has had on Joe and
Elliot's mixed-use area redevelopment strategy. Joe and Elliot
also share their advice for those looking to build or invest in
Nova Scotia and the role that knowing and understanding their
market has played in their success. Tune in today to learn more!


Key points from this episode:


An introduction to Elliot MacNeil, his background, and his
obsession with building things

Learn more about Joe Nickerson, his career path, and how he
and Elliot met

Find out how their mixed-use area redevelopment strategy was
impacted by COVID

Some of the pros and cons of converting commercial spaces
into mixed-use or residential

Elliot and Joe on why maintaining original character is part
of their strategy with every conversion and adaptive reuse play

What they look for in an area redevelopment project,
including location and the numbers

Joe on what the Bruno Group is doing to tackle the affordable
housing crisis in Nova Scotia

Some of the red tape that makes accessing grant money and
subsidies difficult

Learn more about the creative vision behind their projects
and why they love existing builds

Why character is key; the value of highlighting existing
features in a redevelopment project

Advice for those looking to build or invest in Nova Scotia:
focus on per square foot rates

Why Joe says that knowing and understanding their market has
been key to their success; get boots on the ground rather than
reading reports

Elliot elaborates on the benefits of understanding
construction and starting small

The challenges of scaling in this business; don't be afraid
to ask for money!

Hear from Joe and Elliot about their growth and expansion
plans for the Bruno Group

The importance of staying focused in the face of
ever-expanding opportunities