2020 Year in Review: Steven King, Quonset Development Corp.

What was your greatest professional accomplishment or most notable project, deal, or transaction in 2020? My greatest professional accomplishment in 2020 was taking a leadership position in Rhode Island governor Gina Raimondo’s COVID-19 personal protective equipment procurement task force. This team, with dedicated members from the Quonset team and other Rhode Island state agencies, helped to secure 25 million gloves, 4 million N95 respirator masks, 20 million surgical masks, over 700,000 face shields, nearly a million surgical gowns and several hundred thousand coveralls for citizens and first responders in our state. This effort was truly satisfying, knowing that our team made an impact in keeping Rhode Islanders safe.

What was the most difficult part of working during the pandemic of 2020? As the managing director of a business park that hosts more than 12,000 people working at over 200 companies, we saw the pandemic create uncertainty and instability for businesses large and small. 

This only reinforced how serious our role was in supporting these companies during the current challenges. To do that, over the course of the year the Quonset Development Corp. team has made progress in upgrading our rail infrastructure, port facilities and roads. Ensuring that our companies have access to world-class infrastructure has a direct impact on their stability and growth potential. 

What are your predictions for commercial real estate in 2021? In 2021 we expect companies to start welcoming their teams back to the office and planning for the future – that means move-in ready space will be key. Our Flex Industrial Campus will offer both office and flexible manufacturing or warehouse space between 25,000 and 50,000 s/f. They will be equipped with office spaces, restroom facilities, and high bay space for manufacturing, assembly or warehouse use, with ceilings up to 24 feet, as well as a loading dock. Each building was designed to allow tenants to customize spaces based on their own unique needs.