Insights

Bell Tower Commercial Real Estate Group Insights

The View from the Bell Tower

Our Story: Combining The Edge Group, Inc. and Bell Tower Management LLC

by | Dec 9, 2022

The Edge Group, Inc. and Bell Tower Management LLC are proud of their legacies and reputations as commercial real estate companies. When Fred Faust and Gary Sidell announced they were joining forces in January 2021, they cited the ability to build on each firm’s success in serving the Greater Lowell and Greater Lawrence communities. Since the announcement, Fred and Gary have worked together to identify and implement best practices and build on core capabilities. Now with expanded regional reach and additional staff, the two firms have merged and will operate as one entity: Bell Tower Commercial Real Estate Group.

Gary Sidell will serve as President of the company and Fred Faust will remain in the role of Principal and Broker of Record. Offices will remain in both Lowell and Lawrence to best serve our client base.  

“It’s an understatement to say that I am proud of our association and what we’ve been able to build in under two years,” said Sidell. “I think our clients have witnessed our additional capacities, as well. On a personal basis, Fred and I have found it rewarding to be able to share ideas, make sound decisions and work together to build a talented and caring team.”

To understand the success and passion behind Bell Tower and The Edge Group, one would need to go back some 20+ years.

Working with his father, the late Chet Sidell, the father and son team built – at times brick by brick – a loyal client base appreciative of their passion for quality and community. Additionally, Gary and Chet helped to develop and coordinate the renovation of multiple historic properties in Lawrence. At the time of the merger of the companies, Bell Tower held a management portfolio of approximately 450,000 square feet. Gary’s commitment to community is reflected in his service on multiple area boards. These include as Board President, Family Services of the Merrimack Valley, Founding Board Member of the Lawrence Partnership, as Member of the Mayor’s Economic Development Transition Team in Lawrence, and as a member of the Master Plan Advisory Committee in North Andover. In his rare spare time, Gary plays piano in a local band, just another note of interest in a versatile resume.

Fred Faust has a background in both the public and private sector. Within two years of arriving in Lowell, Faust signed on with then candidate for Congress Paul Tsongas and assisted with campaign media. Spending time as a legislative assistant in Washington and working on all of Paul’s campaigns, in 1980, Faust returned to Lowell to become the Executive Director of the Lowell Historic Preservation Commission. After a focus on real estate development, Faust established The Edge Group in 1997, becoming a go-to company for brokerage and property management services. In 2016, Faust, along with the Greater Lowell Community Foundation, founded the Lowell Waterways Action Initiative which has been responsible for the lighting of multiple historic properties and has encouraged more active use of Lowell’s national landmark waterways.

“Fred and I knew each other for some time,” according to Sidell. “We always had a great deal of mutual respect while running our own separate firms. When we first talked about working together, it seemed to make a lot of sense for us and our clients. In fact, by combining efforts, we’ve increased our capacity and our reach in the region. Most importantly, we’ve been able to build on our philosophy of doing business with a high level of energy and a personal touch. That’s the foundation point for both of our businesses.  We work hard, take great pride in and love what we do.”

Faust agrees. “Working with Gary for the past year or so has been extremely rewarding. He is thoughtful, dedicated and a very hard worker. Gary genuinely cares about everyone. Just ask any client about his loyalty and commitment to follow through. That we were able to combine our efforts and maintain an emphasis on both professional management and strong sales and marketing backgrounds, well that’s just a win-win. Now, together, we can focus even more comprehensively on the commercial real estate needs of our clients, giving us a unique set of skills and services to offer to our clients.”

We look to the future with excitement, with an ongoing focus on building relationships and delivering value for our clients.

Recent Insights

New Listing: 40 Church Street in Lowell, MA

New Listing: 40 Church Street in Lowell, MA

This new listing for office space for lease is in a great historic building in Lowell, MA with lots of space and lots of natural light! Features of the commercial space available for lease include: Seven offices including an executive office Large conference room Lots...

New Listing: Commercial Office Space for Lease in Lowell, MA

New Listing: Commercial Office Space for Lease in Lowell, MA

This conveniently located commercial space for lease in Lowell, MA is in move-in condition. Located off of Stedman Street at 70 Wilbur Street in Lowell, MA, this second floor office space is attractive, up-to-date and fully finished with furnishings, office systems...

Office suites available for lease in downtown Andover, MA

Office suites available for lease in downtown Andover, MA

63 Park Street is in the center of beautiful downtown Andover, MA. This location is ideal for businesses seeking convenience and accessibility as the building is near both Routes 495 and 93 and is blocks from Route 28. The transformation of this property is well...

Welcome to 63 Park Street Andover, MA, Wylde + Lowe Salon!

Welcome to 63 Park Street Andover, MA, Wylde + Lowe Salon!

Bell Tower Commercial Real Estate Group wants to extend a warm welcome to Wylde + Lowe Salon, our newest tenant who is all moved in and officially open at 63 Park Street in Andover, MA. We wish you much success as you launch! This prime downtown Andover location is a...

New Listing: Office Space for Lease at 6 Boston Road Chelmsford, MA

New Listing: Office Space for Lease at 6 Boston Road Chelmsford, MA

6 Boston Road in Chelmsford, MA is an attractive commercial building fit for professional and medical office use. The two-story building has parking onsite for any clients or customers and currently three first floor offices are available to lease! The location is...

Our Perspective on the Commercial Real Estate Market

Our Perspective on the Commercial Real Estate Market

Summer is here and we are seeing an active commercial real estate market. There is a widely accepted assumption that inflation pressure and higher interest rates have slowed the commercial market. While we may see this down the road, right now cash and demand are...

Our New View from the Boott Mill Complex

Our New View from the Boott Mill Complex

There’s a lot to like about our new Lowell office location. Bell Tower Commercial Real Estate Group moved our Lowell office to 130 John Street, part of the historic Boott Mill complex. Our office at Boott Mill is owned by Winn Development – a long time business client...

New Listing: Commercial Property for Lease on Broadway in Lowell, MA

New Listing: Commercial Property for Lease on Broadway in Lowell, MA

This commercial property at 688 Broadway Street in Lowell, MA is ideal for a trades business, heavy equipment storage and more! The space includes two offices, 13 parking spots, three garage bays, two bathrooms and a kitchenette. See more pictures and details of this...