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

We are proud to be ranked No. 1 in the 2018 Top Real Estate Developer list published this week by Minneapolis St. Paul Business Journal, marking the fifth consecutive year that United Properties has topped the list. Co-presidents Bill Katter and Matt Van Slooten, were both humbled and proud by the recognition around our ongoing list status.

“It’s an exciting and busy time for United Properties. Securing the top-ranking position for five straight years is a direct testament to our amazing team who work hard every day to create deep roots in the Twin Cities community,” said Bill Katter, president and chief investment officer, United Properties Development.

“In my short tenure here, I’m already seeing how our unique, collaborative approach makes United Properties the leader in this market,” said Matt Van Slooten, president and chief investment officer, United Properties Investment.

This accomplishment would not have been possible without the support of United Properties’ owner The Pohlad Companies, as well as the incredible efforts from the United Properties Minneapolis and Denver employees.

United Properties looks forward to creating more deep roots within the Twin Cities communities in 2019.

The holiday season is right around the corner, and here at United Properties, we’re strengthening our communities through some holiday giving efforts.

As the holidays approach, our United Properties “elves” are busy finding ways to spread holiday cheer – loud and clear for all to hear!

In both the Twin Cities and in Denver, the focus is on giving back to our communities.

Buy a Pair, Give a Pair

United Properties chose to purchase and send Bombas socks for its 2018 effort. The popular, trendy socks from Bombas include a “buy a pair, give a pair” philanthropic component. Bombas started when the founders learned that socks are the most requested clothing item at homeless shelters.

Working with the Pohlad Family Foundation, with its focus on helping to end homelessness, the company identified and chose St. Stephens Homeless Shelter in Minneapolis, an organization the Foundation supports. And in Denver, we chose Volunteers of America Colorado Chapter, a local organization that the team has supported for several years.

More Holiday Efforts

But the efforts don’t end there. In both offices, employees are also pitching in to provide more holiday cheer for those in need. For several years, the Denver team has adopted a family through Volunteers of America. This year, the team will be gifting a single mom and her four children. The team is also buying for a group of young men currently in transitional shelter housing, knowing that older teens and young, single men are often overlooked when it comes to holiday donations.

Minneapolis employees are also pooling their own funds toward the purchase of “comfort baskets”, for elderly residents at Ebenezer’s Loren on Park, an assisted living facility in Minneapolis. Many of these residents have little or no family support so these donations go a long way in bringing smiles to the faces of these vulnerable seniors.

We are proud to support our neighboring communities that contribute and enrich the places we call home.

From all of us at United Properties, we wish you all a safe and happy holiday season.

AUTHORED BY COLE STERR

The historic Kickernick building in the Minneapolis Warehouse District has gone through quite the renovation. This past May, an extensive lobby renovation plan that would enhance the historic charm of the 150,000-sq.-ft. building, “kicked” into full swing.

Now, six months later, the renovation is complete, and voila! Our tenants are ready to start kickin’ it back at Kickernick with a new interior!

Out With the New and In With the Old

Built in 1896, the seven-story building was originally a factory and warehouse, which was later occupied by a lingerie company called Kickernick – hence, why the building is now called Kickernick.

Throughout its six-month renovation, it was a goal to imagine possibilities of restoring the building’s history by exposing more of its existing brick and timber construction. Additionally, with the elimination of the added dropped ceilings and drywall, the building’s original 19^th-century materials were exposed.

Other Renovations

The new lobby took on the open concept with collaboration stations and a more eminent entryway off First Avenue. New elevators, bathrooms, bike storage and showers have also been added onto the first floor.

The renovation also included a full demolition of a multi-tenant floor into a refurbished single tenant floor plate. Other floors in the building received new bathrooms and upgraded corridors.

At United Properties, we strive to imagine possibilities through renovations. With the Kickernick building, we reinforced its historic character to implement unique office spaces for a charming and visually appealing interior.

We will continue to envision such possibilities so that our communities, clients and tenants can have welcoming and enjoyable working spaces.

Last month, Prime Landing welcomed its first employees from Prime Therapeutics, as Phase 1 of the company’s new campus was complete. This significant milestone in a fast track project means 900 employees of the prominent pharmacy benefit management company can now call Prime Landing home.

As the lead developer, United Properties worked closely with Prime to create a vision for a facility that will eventually consolidate four of Prime’s current office locations in Minnesota, housing their IT and operations teams.

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

The Right Location

From the beginning, finding the right location for Prime to consolidate their Twin Cities operations was key. The location at Interstate 494 and Dodd Road in Eagan offered exactly what Prime was looking for.

The 47-acre site overlooking scenic Lake Shanahan offers an exceptional location for Prime’s new corporate campus. In addition to its natural beauty, the site is adjacent to the Vikings Lakes development and offers access to a wide variety of restaurants, entertainment and other amenities.

A State-of-the-Art Facility

Prime Landing 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.

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, along with an expansive dining area and deck overlooking Lake Shanahan.

Delivering on – and ahead! – of schedule

Phase 1 of the project – 225,000 square feet – was completed on schedule. Phase 2 is underway and on track with occupancy set to begin in spring 2019 – a full five months ahead of schedule. The third and final phase of the project will be completed in early 2020.

The Prime Landing project is one of many examples of how we transform imagined possibilities into reality. At United Properties, we execute possibilities into exciting, innovative and impactful results for properties that will leave a lasting footprint in our communities.

Learn more about Prime Landing on its project profile page.

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