121: Building a Destination with Tony Nigro, Tuscan Village Salem
Mar 5, 2025
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Tony Nigro, Senior VP of Design and Construction at Tuscan Village, shares his insights from over 30 years of experience in shaping vibrant communities. He discusses the transformation of Salem, NH, from an empty area into a multifaceted destination. Tony emphasizes the importance of qualitative experiences over mere financial gains and the value of leadership and teamwork in construction. With anecdotes from his military service, he highlights the role of collaboration and alignment in driving successful projects.
The transformation of Tuscan Village showcases a commitment to creating a vibrant, multifunctional community that enhances urban living in Salem.
Emphasizing qualitative experiences over immediate financial returns fosters long-term community satisfaction and sustainable development practices.
Collaboration and effective communication among diverse team members are essential for innovative problem-solving and successful construction project outcomes.
Deep dives
Vision for a New Community
The transformation of Salem, New Hampshire, from a rural setting to a vibrant city is a significant aspect of the development project. Over four years, the team worked on building infrastructure and vertical structures, turning a once empty area into a functional urban environment. The vision included creating a place where people could live, work, and play, filling a gap in the market for such a community in the region. This concept fosters a walkable environment that supports various activities, contributing to an engaging urban lifestyle.
Embracing Adaptability in Development
Flexibility and the ability to pivot were highlighted as essential skills in real estate development. The project’s original plans underwent changes as new opportunities arose, demonstrating that successful developers must be adaptable. As the team navigated the challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic, they learned to refine their approaches to meet emerging needs. The ability to rethink designs and strategies in real-time proved vital in moving the project forward and maintaining momentum.
Prioritizing Quality Over Profit
A defining characteristic of the development philosophy was the commitment to high standards and quality at the expense of immediate financial gains. Decisions were made to enhance the community experience, such as creating wider sidewalks and ensuring ample sunlight in public spaces, even if it meant sacrificing leasable area. The leader of the project, Joe Farrow, emphasized that his passion for excellence guided his vision, often leading to difficult decisions such as tearing down newly erected facades that did not meet his standards. This focus on long-term community satisfaction over short-term profits is a significant lesson in balancing qualitative and quantitative outcomes in development.
Learning from Experience in Construction
The importance of collaboration and effective communication in construction was underscored through the experiences shared by the team. As each member comprised various backgrounds and expertise, fostering a culture where everyone’s knowledge and insights were valued became critical. Examples from the speaker’s early career showed how understanding and leveraging the strengths of team members can lead to innovative solutions. This respect for expertise not only streamlined project workflows but also built trust and encouraged a proactive atmosphere.
The Journey to Tuscan Village
Joining Tuscan Village represented a culmination of experiences and an exciting new challenge for the speaker. Partnering with a local developer who had a clear vision allowed the speaker to work closely with someone who understood the community's needs. The opportunity to start from scratch and build something meaningful was a driving force behind the decision to get involved. This venture not only aligns with personal aspirations but also shapes the future of Salem, establishing a lasting legacy for residents and visitors alike.
Tony Nigro is the Senior Vice President of Design and Construction at Tuscan Village in Salem, New Hampshire. With over 30 years of experience in the industry, Tony has been an instrumental figure in the development of Tuscan Village—a significant project turning a once empty area into a vibrant city-like environment. Prior to his current role, Tony garnered substantial expertise at companies like William A. Berry and Suffolk Construction, working on large-scale projects such as the Boston Convention Center.
In this episode, Tony shares his experience and lessons learned under the mentorship of Joe Faro, the visionary principal behind Tuscan Brands. From understanding the importance of balancing qualitative experiences with quantitative results to ensuring quality control and thoughtful design, Tony brings to the forefront the essential elements of innovative development.
Key Takeaways:
Visionary Development: The creation of Tuscan Village reflects a commitment to excellence and community, transforming an empty space into a vibrant, multifunctional environment.
Balancing Quality: Joe Faro's approach to development emphasizes qualitative impacts over immediate quantitative gains, resulting in a more engaging and sustainable community.
Leadership and Teamwork: Tony Nigro draws on his extensive experience, including his military background, to highlight the importance of alignment, trust, and collaborative problem-solving in construction projects.
Quality Assurance: Successful projects like those Tony has led at Suffolk Construction and Mill Creek necessitate robust QA/QC programs that set clear standards and processes.
Career Evolution: Tony's journey across different sectors displays his adaptability and commitment to growth, reinforcing the value of pursuing new challenges and opportunities.
Notable Quotes:
"For him, his famous saying that I've learned painfully over and over is that he is incapable of building something that he doesn't love."
"It's amazing what you can accomplish when you don't care who gets the credit."
"What Joe Faro looked at and took his version of the best from all of those."
"You have to cut that waste out before you become a fan of Lean."
"Sometimes when you convince yourself that you can walk on water, every once in a while you kind of do."
Good to Great by Jim Collins: A book that inspired Tony's leadership style.
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