About Us

A Delaware Company

Founded in 1989 by Paul and Linda McConnell, McConnell Development, Inc. is a privately owned real estate development and property management company serving Delaware and Maryland. Our portfolio reflects decades of experience creating high-quality properties tailored to the needs of the communities and businesses we serve

McConnell Development has completed eight residential communities, numerous build-to-suit industrial properties throughout New Castle County, including our flagship Centerpoint Business Complex in New Castle. Our portfolio also includes two buildings in the Upper Chesapeake Corporate Center in Cecil County, Maryland.

Today, we manage approximately two million square feet of industrial property in New Castle and Newark, Delaware, and Elkton, Maryland. Because we privately own and manage our properties, we can make decisions quickly, respond flexibly, and deliver attentive, high-quality service.

Customer service is our highest priority. We maintain our properties to excellent standards and build long-term partnerships with tenants ranging from small businesses to Fortune 500 companies.

Our build-to-suit experience spans decades. In 1999, we developed Amazon’s first East Coast facility, beginning a relationship that continues today as part of the company’s real estate portfolio.

McConnell Development more recently has continued to expand its portfolio of Class A warehouse properties in Elkton. In March 2021, we completed 1002 Konica Drive, a build-to-suit facility designed to help an existing client consolidate operations while supporting future growth and specialized fire-safety requirements.

Our development at 1003 Konica Drive added 263,500 square feet of modern industrial space to the Upper Chesapeake Corporate Center in 2023 which is currently occupied by two tenants.

Meet the Team

Our Founders

Native Delawareans Paul and Linda McConnell have spent nearly five decades shaping the region through commercial real estate, entrepreneurship, education, and community service.

A Shared Commitment

Together, Paul and Linda champion educational access, innovation, and entrepreneurship. They established the Paul and Linda McConnell Youth Entrepreneurship Initiative at the University of Delaware, helped inspire the Diamond Challenge, founded 1313 Innovation, supported Dual School, and continue to sponsor the Innovation Program at Ursuline Academy. They also founded the Science Center at St. Edmond’s Academy.

Through their business leadership and philanthropy, Paul and Linda remain dedicated to developing places, ideas, and opportunities that help people and communities thrive.

Paul McConnell

Paul began his real estate career in 1974, renovating and selling residential properties with his brother through McConnell Bros. He later expanded into office, residential, commercial, and industrial development, completing more than five million square feet across Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania. He founded McConnell Development, Inc. in 1989 and McConnell Johnson Real Estate in 2000.

A longtime business and civic leader, Paul has contributed to organizations including the Delaware Business Roundtable, the Wilmington Alliance, the Community Education Building, and Limen Recovery + Wellness. His service has been recognized by leading educational, business, and community organizations throughout Delaware.

Linda McConnell

Linda entered real estate in 1977 and developed expertise in land acquisition, planning and building design, leasing, and marketing. She was responsible for leasing more than 900,000 square feet of industrial space in New Castle County. In 1989, she and Paul founded McConnell Development, where they built residential communities and grew the portfolio they continue to own and operate.

Linda has also supported Nativity Preparatory School of Wilmington, Faithful Friends Animal Society, and Limen Recovery + Wellness. Her leadership reflects a longstanding commitment to creating opportunity and strengthening the Delaware community.

Shona Grace

President

(302) 225-7891

sgrace@mcconnelldevelopment.com

As President of McConnell Development, Shona Grace oversees the company’s real estate portfolio and strategic growth. With more than 25 years of commercial real estate experience, she brings deep expertise in operations, property management, leasing, and client service.

Since joining McConnell Development in 2001, Shona has held increasingly broad roles and now provides leadership and guidance across the organization.

Born and educated in England, Shona began her career with a national insurance company before moving to the United States, where she worked in customer service management prior to entering commercial real estate.

Shona is committed to strengthening the local business community and has served organizations including the Wilmington Renaissance Corporation, New Castle County Economic Development Council, British American Business Council, Dual School, and Delaware Military Academy.

She also supports many of the McConnell family philanthropic initiatives. Outside work, Shona supports local animal shelters and enjoys spending time with their adopted dogs.

Laurie Hoban

Director of Finance

(302) 225-7892

lhoban@mcconnelldevelopment.com

Laurie attended the University of Delaware for her BA and the University of North Florida for her MBA. She spent 13 years in the banking / financial services industry prior to joining the team at McConnell Development, where she is a liaison with our bank partners and handles our financial reporting and charitable giving.

Laurie is married and has three children. She lives in Newark where she enjoys reading, traveling, and outdoor activities.

Michael McConnell

Commercial Sales & Leasing Manager

(302) 225-7901

mmcconnell@mcconnelldevelopment.com

Michael is a graduate of La Salle University with a background in Environmental Science and Geology. He joined McConnell Development in 2009 and has performed various job duties including property management, office and industrial leasing, land acquisition and ground-up development. Michael holds a real estate license in the State of Delaware. He has worked with a variety of clients including Dollar General, the United States Attorney’s office, Highline Warren, Amazon, American Freight and Siemens. He enjoys working with our extensive network of Tenant, Consulting, Banking and Construction partners.

As Commercial Sales and Leasing Manager, Michael is responsible for overseeing all aspects of leasing for the industrial portfolio and the generation and management of new ground-up development opportunities.

Michael enjoys going to the beach with his family, golfing and Longwood Gardens.

Patrick Moran

Property Manager

(302) 225-7895

pmoran@mcconnelldevelopment.com

As Property Manager at McConnell Development Patrick is responsible for overseeing our current industrial portfolio of fourteen Class A warehouse facilities. Patrick enjoys working daily with the McConnell Development team and since starting in 2010, Patrick has built a solid tenant relation base, regularly visiting tenants and quickly resolving their questions and needs. Patrick graduated from Wilmington University in 2010 with a degree in Business Management and also currently holds his real estate license in the State of Delaware. Patrick along with his family and close friends are passionate supporters of DFRC and atTAck Addiction. Patrick was recently married in September of 2022.

Cindy Coletta

Account Specialist

(302) 225-7899

ccoletta@mcconnelldevelopment.com

Cindy joined the McConnell Development team in 2012 as an Account Specialist. Prior to this, Cindy worked in retail management for over 25 years. While raising her children she designed/created window and interior treatments for homes and she also handled the AR and AP for her husband’s company. Cindy has been a certified aerobic instructor for 28 years. She enjoys gardening and boating with her family on the Chesapeake.