For the first time in nearly 30 years, Marcello Lalama headed out to work on February 4 and drove past the Meadowbrook Mall entrance.  Lalama, who served as Property Manager at the mall since 1990, accepted a new position with AB Contracting. As the new Regional Property Manager of Meadow Creek apartments and townhomes, his commute takes him right past the turnoff to Meadowbrook Mall, where he worked for the mall owners, the Cafaro family for the past three decades.

 

“I am so grateful to the Cafaro family for giving me the opportunity to be their representative in this great community,” said Lalama.  “They are a first-class organization and it was a tremendous experience to be a part of their team.”

 

Meadowbrook Mall opened in 1982 and is home to over a thousand employees.  Each day, thousands of customers visit the mall and it is an instrumental resource to the Bridgeport community.  As Property Manager, Lalama’s days were never predictable but did afford him the opportunity to hone his managerial and human relations skills while dealing with a wide variety of daily experiences.

 

“I have worked with wonderful people over the years,” he said.  “My staff is outstanding and working closely with store managers and employees made it really hard to say goodbye to this place.”

 

Although he was not actively seeking a career change, he did recognize that a new challenge would be beneficial.  When offered the job with AB Contracting, he welcomed his new responsibilities offered within the organization.

 

“Changing jobs was the most difficult decision I have had to make in my life,” said Lalama.  “That being said, I am very much looking forward to being the Regional Property Manager for the company.”

 

In addition to managing apartments and townhomes at Meadow Creek, located across from Bridgeport Country Club, Lalama will also be managing 250 units at the new Black Bear Village, located in the University Town Center in Morgantown.  Construction on the massive complex is nearing completion and is conveniently located across from the Monongalia County Ballpark, home of the West Virginia Black Bears baseball team.

 

Meadow Creek properties have one, two, and three-bedroom townhomes and apartments for long-term or short-term lease or purchase.  With an on-site heated pool, playground, fitness center and meeting rooms, the property is ideal for those seeking to locate in our area.

 

Black Bear Village will feature upscale, secure one and two-bedroom apartments complete with luxurious amenities in a prime location near WVU.  Lalama will oversee staff and operations at both properties.

 

“Getting into residential management is exciting.  I am working with another incredible staff dedicated to serving the communities in which the properties are located and I look forward to showcasing the innovation AB Contracting demonstrates in their homes,” Lalama said.

 

Editor's Note: Photo of Marcello Lalama by Ben Queen of www.benqueenphotography.com.