Unique food hall model focuses on providing a platform for chefs to develop new restaurant concepts in the Twin Cities

MINNEAPOLIS, (March 7, 2019)  – United Properties is excited to announce that Galley Group will bring its critically acclaimed food hall concept to The Nordic. Already in four submarkets across the U.S., Galley Group will occupy 8,748 sq. ft. along Washington Avenue on the first floor of The Nordic mixed-use development in Minneapolis’ North Loop neighborhood. The food hall is scheduled to open in summer 2019.

The food hall will include four fully built-out kitchens, communal seating and an innovative beverage program at the 22-seat bar. The Galley will serve lunch, brunch and dinner upon opening its doors.

Galley Group aims to be fully rooted in the community and will be giving select local chefs an opportunity to launch a new restaurant concept in a low-risk, low-cost environment. Chefs are invited to apply for a kitchen space at www.galleygrp.com/apply. The application link is now live.

Galley Group not only offers chefs the space to bring their concepts to market, but also offers front of house staff, marketing and public relations, overhead equipment and business strategy support.

“We’re excited to be coming to Minneapolis, particularly the North Loop neighborhood,” said Tyler Benson, co-founder of Galley Group. “Minneapolis continues to gain the national attention it deserves when it comes to the culinary scene. We are looking forward to creating a lively space for the community where there will always be new offerings and experiences to be had.”

Located at 729 Washington Ave. N., The Nordic is a mixed-use, 10-story building with office, residential and retail tenants featuring onsite parking. The Nordic also includes an outdoor plaza that will feature specific programming throughout the year.

“The Nordic is the perfect home for Galley Group to bring their acclaimed food hall concept to Minneapolis,” said Gordy Stofer, vice president, office development, United Properties. “There is built-in demand within this mixed-use development, including residential and office components, and, along with the outdoor plaza, the food hall will solidify The Nordic as a signature destination in the North Loop.”

Galley Group will join fellow tenants WeWork, a co-working company, and Ovative, a digital marketing and analytics firm, when they open in The Nordic in summer 2019.

The Nordic project partners include RJM Construction; office design by Hartman Cox a nationally renowned architect and lead architect for the project; Galley Group food hall design by Studio BV; and Greco as the residential marketing agent and partner.

About Galley Group
Galley Group Inc. is a food hall development, management, and advisory company headquartered in Pittsburgh, PA. Galley Group partners with real estate developers, community leaders, industry veterans, and local restaurant operators to create extraordinary social experiences centered on food, drinks, and the arts. Galley Group currently has four locations: Smallman Galley and Federal Galley (Pittsburgh, PA), Ohio City Galley (Cleveland, OH) and Fort Street Galley (Detroit, MI). In 2019, the restaurant accelerator and food hall group will open in Chicago, IL and Minneapolis, MN. Visit www.galleygrp.com to learn more or follow @smallmangalleypgh, @federalgalley, @ohiocitygalley and @fortstreetgalley on Instagram for the latest news.

WeWork adds North Loop location to its expanding Twin Cities business

MINNEAPOLIS, (February 28, 2019)  – WeWork today announced it is expanding its Minneapolis presence with a new 60,000 square feet location at United Properties’ The Nordic, a mixed-use development currently under construction at 729 Washington Ave North in the North Loop neighborhood.

WeWork will occupy three floors (fifth through the seventh) of The Nordic’s ten-story, 200,000 sq. ft. retail and mixed-use project. WeWork members will receive 24/7 building access, micro-roasted coffee, community events, access to business services, as well as a private outdoor terrace on the sixth floor.

This will be WeWork’s third location in Minneapolis, adding to its current presence at Capella Tower in downtown Minneapolis and MoZaic East in Uptown totaling more than 200,000 square feet throughout the city. The expected opening is summer 2019.

In January 2019, it was announced that WeWork Labs will be coming to Minneapolis, the first Midwest location for WeWork’s innovation platform for early-stage startups. The program complements other partnerships and programs in Minneapolis such as WeWork’s Veterans in Residence Program powered by Bunker Labs which provides fully-sponsored workspace for veteran-entrepreneurs in 14 cities around the United States.

“We’re thrilled to announce WeWork 729 Washington Ave as our third Minneapolis location,” said Megan Dodds, Midwest General Manager for WeWork. “WeWork 729 Washington Ave will give our members beautifully designed workspace, great amenities, and great neighborhood with live, work and play.”

“WeWork is skilled at creating special environments, and their unique brand of coworking fits the environment we set out to create at The Nordic,” said Gordy Stofer, vice president of development for United Properties. “This cutting-edge concept for offices is appealing to not only startups and growing companies, but also to established companies that want different workspace options for their teams.”

When completed, The Nordic will include office, residential and retail tenants, as well as an outdoor plaza featuring special events programming.

“We are confident WeWork’s unique community-building amenities like common areas, professional and social events, and access to their global network, will appeal to North Loop residents and be a great addition to The Nordic.”

Emily Nicoll and Brandon Megal of CBRE represented WeWork in the transaction and Tom Tracy, Katie Tufford and Peter Fitzgerald of Cushman & Wakefield represented United Properties.

For more information on WeWork 729 Washington Ave, visit: we.co/thenordic.

About WeWork
WeWork provides more than 400,000 members around the world with space, community, and services through both physical and virtual offerings. WeWork’s mission is to help create a world where people work to make a life, not just a living. Founded in New York City in 2010 by Adam Neumann and Miguel McKelvey, WeWork currently has more than 425 physical locations in over 100 cities and 27 countries around the world. Follow us @WeWork on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook or visit www.wework.com to learn more.

AUTHORED BY COLE STERR

We’re proud of our UP employees; they’re movers and shakers in the commercial real estate industry, and their expertise extends well beyond the walls of our offices.

Let’s take a closer look at how some of our UP employees are helping to shape the industry through their commitments to real estate organizations at both the national and local levels.

UP is certainly well represented at NAIOP, the Commercial Real Estate Development Association. Richard Student, our executive vice president of asset management & finance, has just begun serving a three-year appointment to NAIOP’s corporate board. Senior Vice President Brandon Champeau serves as the 2019 NAIOP Minnesota chapter president. And real estate associate Connor McCarthy, currently the vice chair of Minnesota’s Developing Leaders, will serve as the chair in 2020.

The Urban Land Institute (ULI) is also well represented by UP. President Bill Katter is on the Industrial and Office Park Development Council (IOPC) for ULI Americas. Additionally, Mark Nelson, executive vice president of residential development, is on the ULI Housing Council for the Twin Cities region.

But it doesn’t end there – other UP employees are also involved in a number of different real estate organizations. Development Project Manager Carrie Eggleston is the president-elect for Minnesota Commercial Real Estate Women (MNCREW) for 2019. Controller Peter Ulstad is on the board of directors for NAREC, an organization for real estate finance professionals.

And in Denver, team members are also actively involved in the bustling Colorado real estate market. Development Manager Courtney Schneider is the Events & Advancement Committee Chair for CU Real Estate Center International Advisory Board. She is also actively involved on the organization’s Alumni Board and previously served as co-chair of the Board from 2015-2017. Schneider also participated on the Developing Leaders and Mentor Program Committees for NAIOP Colorado.

Development Manager Megan Turner is also an NAIOP Colorado member of the Developing Leaders Committee and participated as a Mentee in the 2017 Developing Leaders Mentor Program. Turner is involved in the Developing Leaders National Forum Program, where she learns from and networks with senior industry professionals and peers that represent a variety of commercial real estate disciplines at the national level. Additionally, she has been serving as the Membership Committee Co-Chair for the CU Real Estate Center Alumni Board since 2015. Finally, she has been a University of Colorado Leeds GOLD Board Member since 2017.

UP participation doesn’t end here but the point is, clearly, our UP team is creating their very own deep roots both nationally and in our communities of Minneapolis and Denver. When our team creates deep roots, we do more than just develop and own brick and mortar buildings, we also share our time and talents with these organizations to better serve the real estate industry and in turn, our communities.

Student to represent NAIOP MN at the national level

MINNEAPOLIS, (February 5, 2019)  – United Properties announced today that Richard Student, executive vice president, asset management/finance, has been elected to serve on the NAIOP Corporate Board of Directors for three years, effective Jan. 1, 2019.

Student, a 23-year veteran of United Properties, is the lead for all of United Properties’ financing and lender relationships. In addition, as the company’s most senior asset manager, he is responsible for many of the large assets in United Properties’ owned real estate portfolio. Within asset management, he provides supervision and direction to property managers and leasing agents and is responsible for lease underwriting, lease negotiation and lease execution, as well as the management of property capital investment.

NAIOP, the Commercial Real Estate Development Association, has more than 19,000 members and 51 chapters. Across North America and within local chapters, NAIOP provides advocacy, education and business opportunities to its members.

Student served on the board of directors for the Minnesota chapter of NAIOP for the past three years; prior to that, he served as treasurer for two years. As a member of the NAIOP Corporate Board, he will have the opportunity to represent NAIOP Minnesota, sharing information and ideas between the local chapter and the overall organization.

“I am honored to be a voice for our local commercial real estate community on the NAIOP Corporate Board,” said Student. “My work with NAIOP reflects United Properties’ commitment to strengthening communities at both locally and across North America.”

Prior to United Properties, Student held financing positions at Allstate Life Insurance Company, the Balcor Company and The Griffin Companies. A certified public accountant, he holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Washington University and a master’s degree in business administration from the University of Wisconsin.

AUTHORED BY COLE STERR

The aging process is a time of new discovery. Despite the limitations aging may inflict upon us, we have more opportunities to experience the joys of life for a more fulfilled and unburdened lifestyle. At United Properties, we embrace those joys of aging through exceptional care and programming at our Cherrywood Pointe (CWP) memory care and assisted living communities.

Every month at the Cherrywood Pointe operations meetings, heartfelt stories of the residents and their experiences with the senior living community are shared. Last month, we received a special mission moment from John who was touched by the care for his mother from the Cherrywood Pointe staff in Plymouth, MN.

John’s CWP Experience
John noticed that the Cherrywood Pointe staff strived to help his mother embrace the joy of aging. “Her health was failing by the day, but they did absolutely everything that they could to lift her up…to help her enjoy every day, despite the challenging situation.” He also explains that the whole CWP staff – including nurses, administrators, building maintenance, chefs and assistants – knew his mom, not just her immediate care team.

The Cherrywood Pointe staff also ensured his mother, as well as John himself, became part of the Cherrywood Pointe family. From Easter celebrations in common rooms to small family gatherings, the Cherrywood Pointe staff made sure that John and his family were always taken care of.

“The Cherrywood Pointe team appreciated my mom for who she was … They saw a strong, successful and beautifully humble human being,” explains John. He also goes on to say that Cherrywood Pointe became an extension of his mother’s family and for that, he is “forever grateful.”

Ray Oborn, president of Cherrywood Pointe Investments, emphasizes the importance of this mission moment. “It’s a powerful reminder that in this business, our buildings become the residents’ home and the Cherrywood Pointe team members part of the residents’ family,” says Oborn.

Here at United Properties and Cherrywood Pointe, we put our residents at the forefront of our mission, and we’re happy to do that. We’re even happier when we know that our care and mission execution has strengthened a family – and a community.

And we’ll continue doing just that with all our senior living communities so that the joy of aging can be embraced.

To learn more about Cherrywood Pointe, visit cherrywoodpointe.com

Phase I complete; Phase II on track to open spring 2019

MINNEAPOLIS, (December 4, 2018)  – United Properties announced today that Phase 1 of the Prime Therapeutics’ LLC (Prime) new IT and operations campus, located at Interstate 494 and Dodd Road in Eagan, is now complete; Phase 2 is underway and on track with occupancy set to begin spring 2019. The 47-acre site overlooking Lake Shanahan is home to the new facility known as Prime Landing which will consolidate four of Prime’s current office locations in Minnesota. Prime is a pharmacy benefit manager serving 22 Blue Cross Blue Shield plans nationally.

“We are proud to partner with Prime Therapeutics on Prime Landing and pleased that approximately 900 employees have already found a new home in the Phase 1 portion of the project,” said Gordy Stofer, vice president, development, United Properties. Phase 2 occupancy is set to begin in the spring of 2019 – a full five months ahead of schedule.

Once completed, the entire facility will span nearly 400,000 sq. ft., offering state-of-the-art office spaces for employees of the growing pharmacy benefit management company.

Representing one of the largest office projects built in the Twin Cities this year, Prime Landing features a flexible, light-filled office environment with numerous conference rooms and meeting space options to promote internal mobility and collaboration. It also includes a meeting center featuring a 300+ seat auditorium for employee meetings; a fully-equipped fitness center and outdoor walking paths with views of Lake Shanahan; and a full-service cafeteria offering healthy, artisan food, a Caribou Coffee and visiting chain food options, with an expansive dining area and deck overlooking Lake Shanahan.

“The Prime development is part of the exciting and explosive growth happening in this area of Eagan,” Stofer noted. “This is a great example of United Properties’ ability to work on large, complex projects with a discerning client like Prime Therapeutics, and we are proud to support them as they consolidate four separate locations into this new, state-of-the-art facility at Prime Landing.” The final phase of the project will be completed in early 2020.

The project team includes:

• United Properties, lead developer
• HGA, architect and engineer
• R.J. Ryan Construction, general contractor – core and shell construction
• Greiner Construction, general contractor – tenant build out construction, and
• CBRE – investment sale brokers

MINNEAPOLIS, (November 27, 2018)  – United Properties has promoted Chief Financial Officer Eric Skalland to chief financial and administration officer, and Janelle Hielscher has joined the firm as the new vice president of accounting, it was announced today.

“Eric’s promotion recognizes his many talents and contributions to United Properties over the years,” said Bill Katter, president of United Properties Development. “Eric has consistently excelled at every assignment since he joined United Properties, and we are pleased that he will add these significant responsibilities to his leadership role. He is a trusted advisor with a deep understanding of both the investment and development businesses.”

Skalland will assume responsibility for managing the internal shared services teams that support both the development and investment groups of United Properties, including human resources, operations and administration, accounting, IT and risk management. In this role he will report to Bert Colianni, chief executive officer, Marquette Companies.

Skalland began his career with United Properties in 2007 as assistant controller, advancing to controller, chief accounting officer and most recently, chief financial officer. Prior to joining United Properties, he served as a senior financial analyst at CBS Radio, Inc., and as a senior associate with accounting firm Grant Thornton. Skalland holds a Bachelor of Science degree in accounting from the University of Minnesota – Carlson School of Management and is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA). He lives Maple Grove with his wife and daughter.

Janelle Hielscher named VP, accounting
Janelle Hielscher has joined United Properties as its new vice president of accounting, reporting to Skalland.

Hielscher began her career at RSM, spending nine years in the assurance services group. After leaving RSM, she spent a year as the director of corporate accounting at Walser Holding Company and most recently served for two years as the vice president of accounting at Sherman Associates. In her new role for United Properties, she will oversee accounting functions for the firm, and report to Skalland.

“Janelle brings a strong background in accounting and leadership,” said Skalland. “We are excited to have her join the United Properties team.”

Hielscher holds a Bachelor of Science degree in accounting from Winona State University and is also a CPA. She lives in Maple Grove with her husband and two dogs.

MINNEAPOLIS, (November 14, 2018)  – Matt Van Slooten joins United Properties today as co-president and chief investment officer of United Properties Investment LLC (UPI). Van Slooten will replace Eva Stevens, who will work with Van Slooten to ensure a smooth transition before she retires in December.

Most recently, Van Slooten served as president of commercial properties for CSM Corporation. Prior to that, he spent 25 years with Carlson Real Estate Company, advancing to the role of president, a post he held for thirteen years.

As co-president, Van Slooten will share responsibility for United Properties with co-president Bill Katter, who also serves as president and chief investment officer of United Properties Development (UPD), for leading and guiding the combined United Properties organization into the future. As chief investment officer for UPI, Van Slooten will be responsible for all aspects of portfolio and asset management of the company’s stable portfolio which represents more than 7 million sq. ft. across several markets, including Minnesota, Colorado, Wisconsin and Florida.

“Following a thorough national search, we are delighted that Matt will join United Properties in this critically important role,” said Bert Colianni, chief executive officer of Marquette Companies, LLC, a Pohlad holding company that owns UPI. “Matt brings many years of outstanding commercial real estate investment experience to United Properties, and we are confident he has the complementary skills and vision to partner with Bill to chart United Properties’ course into the future.”

“I am delighted to welcome Matt to United Properties and look forward to working closely with him and the entire United Properties team on our many exciting projects in the days, months and years ahead,” said Katter.

VERO BEACH, (August 23, 2018)  – Watercrest Senior Living Group and United Properties announce their partnership’s second senior living development in the groundbreaking of Watercrest Sarasota Senior Living Community. Walker and Company will begin construction of the 198-unit, luxury senior living campus this fall, with scheduled completion in Summer 2020.

Ideally located at 4141 Desoto Rd, Watercrest Sarasota will be a signature Watercrest product, offering 72 independent living, 96 assisted living and 30 memory care apartments with resort-style service and world-class care. The architecture and design will boast a stunning promenade, fireplace, signature water wall, multiple dining options, pool, salon and spa, grand balconies, and Florida-style outdoor living spaces. Watercrest’s uniquely designed Market Street Plaza will showcase an ‘outdoor’ streetscape with numerous LifeBUILT programming touches; a highlight and crucial element of their multi-sensory memory care programming.

“As one of the nation’s most desirable places to live, Sarasota provides the idyllic setting for our signature Watercrest senior living community,” says Marc Vorkapich, Principal and CEO of Watercrest Senior Living Group. “We are offering an unparalleled experience which mirrors the upscale amenities and enriching lifestyle seniors are accustomed to enjoying while ensuring their safety through exceptional standards of care.”

With multiple senior living communities in development across the southeast, Watercrest principals, Marc Vorkapich, CEO, and Joan Williams, CFO, are setting new standards of quality for seniors and their families in the development of upscale senior living communities. This is the second senior living development project partnered between Watercrest and United Properties. Their first project, Watercrest Naples Assisted Living and Memory Care is currently under construction and on schedule to welcome residents in Summer 2019.

“It’s gratifying to see the synergies between United Properties and Watercrest build as our partnership evolves,” said Ray Oborn, president of Cherrywood Pointe Investment. “Together, we’re committed to excellence in creating inspired communities where seniors can find joy in aging.”

Founded in 1916 and based in Minneapolis, United Properties has developed nearly 200 projects totaling more than 20 million square feet and nearly $1 billion over the last 30 years, including 17 senior housing communities in the Minneapolis/St. Paul, Denver and Naples markets, with five more under development.

“United Properties is pleased to have the opportunity to serve seniors in our second community in Florida,” said Mike Dailey, senior vice president of development for United Properties. “We look forward to completing this signature project and expanding our senior housing program that provides homes to many.”</p

Watercrest Senior Living Group specializes in the development and operations of assisted living and memory care communities, market repositioning and advisory services, and the growth of servant leaders. For information, visit www.watercrestslg.com

Company plans search for a replacement

MINNEAPOLIS, (June 28, 2018)  – Eva Stevens, president of United Properties Investment (UPI) and chief operating officer, says she will retire as of Dec. 31, 2018, ending a 17-year tenure with the company and a 40-year career as a trailblazer in the commercial real estate industry.

Since beginning her commercial real estate career in 1978, Stevens has been a standout professional, rising through the ranks and succeeding at a time when few women led commercial real estate firms.

Since 2015, Stevens, 63, has co-led United Properties with Bill Katter, president of United Properties Development and chief investment officer. In her role as president and chief operating officer of UPI, Stevens is directly responsible for portfolio and asset management of United Properties’ 7 million sq. ft. of owned assets. She also oversees all aspects of company operations, including accounting, financial analysis, insurance, IT, governance, administration and human resources and is a member of the Investment Committee and the Board of Governors.

“Eva has been an outstanding leader in our organization since day one,” said Bert Colianni, CEO, Marquette Companies, LLC, the Pohlad family company that in turn owns UPI. “We look forward to her continuing leadership and guidance as we move into the second half of an important year for United Properties. And, when the time comes, we will wish her well in her retirement.” The company plans to search for a replacement, he said.

“I have loved working closely with Eva on all aspects of United Properties as co-presidents,” Katter said. “She is one of best and brightest commercial real estate leaders in the country today, and it will be difficult to find someone who can fill her shoes.”

Within United Properties, Stevens has led a number of innovative initiatives designed to drive productivity, increase transaction efficiency and reduce financial risk. A natural teacher, she has been a champion for developing the next generation of leaders for the organization as well as mentoring many outside of UPI.

When Stevens joined the real estate industry and didn’t see many women at industry events, she joined a small women’s networking group – Women in Real Estate – that still meets monthly to this day. She has been an active member of NAIOP, having served for several years on boards and committees at both the local and national levels. The NAIOP Minnesota chapter honored Stevens with the 2014 President’s Award, the association’s highest honor for individuals.

In the Twin Cities community, Stevens has parlayed a personal experience fighting cancer into a mission of helping others. A 29-year breast cancer survivor, she led the charge in the real estate community to help build Gilda’s Club Twin Cities, serving as a member of the Board of Directors and chair of the Clubhouse Committee. Today she continues her board involvement with Gilda’s Club Twin Cities, and recently joined the board of CommonBond Communities.

“I have absolutely loved my job, the company and, most of all, my colleagues at United Properties,” Stevens said. “But it’s time for me to make room for the next generation of leaders ready to embrace rapid change in our industry with curiosity, agility and energy. I look forward to spending more time with my family and nurturing my interests outside of work.” She is looking forward to continuing her nonprofit board work; fishing with her dad; riding her horse, Doogin; and spending time with her husband, Dick, as he builds their new home in Ely, Minnesota.