About James C. Dragon
James C. Dragon is a successful commercial real estate developer and entrepreneur who has worked in the industry for over 30 years. He also worked as an attorney for nearly 15 years. Since 2000, he has been involved in commercial real estate development with his wife, Euphemia “Effie” Poulakos Dragon, in Greater Boston. Dragon is currently the managing partner and owner of Central Plaza Realty and Development Company, a position he has held since 2003. His passion lies in commercial real estate development, especially within Lowell, the third-largest in Greater Boston and the fifth-largest in Massachusetts.
As an owner and managing partner, Dragon had many successes, including acquiring the Central Plaza shopping center in 2000. This location was almost half-vacant and in need of repairs and some reconstruction. However, the Dragons had a vision of creating a shopping center catering to nearby Lowell residents’ needs. With property management support from their son William, a licensed commercial real estate agent, James C. Dragon and Effie Dragon eventually developed a plaza that was not only 100% occupied but also maintained that occupancy throughout the coronavirus pandemic. The downtown Lowell property was sold for nearly $11 million at the end of 2021.
Before the sale, Central Plaza Realty had several other successes, including opening a Foodland International store, a Vinfen health, and human services organization, and a Discount Valley dollar store. Dragon also had other real estate experiences, including being a co-trustee of Athenaeum Realty Trust, which bought a high-rise building in Lowell that was to be renovated as the law school for Emerson College. Although the project was canceled, Dragon’s passion for commercial real estate was evident.
Dragon and his wife also owned a minority interest in the New Bedford Bay Sox, a baseball team that played in the New England Collegiate Baseball League. He has always loved sports, especially baseball, and has played on amateur teams in Lowell. Dragon has also coached youth basketball teams and organized and managed Tewksbury’s first-ever American Legion baseball team.
In addition to his professional and sports accomplishments, James C. Dragon is also an active member of various organizations, including the International Council Shopping Center of Owners and Managers, the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church Board of Directors, and the Whistler House Museum Board of Directors. Dragon and his wife have supported many causes, including the Greater Lowell Habitat for Humanity, the Ironstone Horse Farm of Andover, the ALS Foundation, and the Kiwanis International Club of Greater Lowell.
Dragon received his bachelor’s degree from the University of New Hampshire and his law degree from the New England School of Law in 1983.
James C. Dragon 