AUTHORED BY COLE STERR
Innovation has always been at the forefront of our agenda. Whether weâre developing a new property or giving back to the community, strengthening communities and exercising a forward-thinking dynamic to the industry sets us apart.
One unique example of channeling innovation is our interest in repurposing materials when developing or repositioning projects. Letâs look at some key â and cool â examples of properties where those materials have been, or are currently being, transformed to enrich a buildingâs aesthetic.
Overlap of Organizational Impact
Take the Be The Match (BTM) headquarters in the North Loop, for example. Three tables within the BTM building were repurposed from fallen trees by Wood from the Hood (WFTH), a local business that reclaims discarded trees from urban neighborhoods to create âbeautiful, high-quality wood products.â One of which is a 42-foot Silver Maple conference table in the employee gathering space (pictured below). The other two tables are located in another gathering space and the 5th Street Station restaurant.
Kristine Fisher, the Director of Facilities Management and Real Estate for BTM, explains that the recommendation to use recycled materials for the property came from the interior architect. Supporting a local business with a purposeful cause seemed like the perfect choice for BTM, an organization that also has major influence and acts for the greater good of humanity. Collaboration between the two companies resonates well with the space as the repurposed wood complements the interior of the building, as well as the mission of the national marrow donor program.
WFTH is an innovative way to utilize trees that might otherwise go to waste. This creative, local business even crafted wood products from fallen trees from the 2011 North Minneapolis tornado. With their work, they are able to decrease urban waste and raise consumer awareness about tree removal. WFTH also supplies green materials to builders and architects to potentially strengthen the communities where these trees once lived.
A more detailed look at Wood from the Hoodâs work can be seen on its website.
Maintaining Historic Charm
Other UP developments have ties to repurposed materials, too.
At the Nordic construction site, old printing plates were discovered and will now be displayed as art in the front lobby of the WELL-registered building. This discovery will add character and historical flavor to the multi-tenant establishment.
At the Kickernick Building, described as a âdiamond in the roughâ by VP of Construction Management Bill Jundt, hidden gems continue to be uncovered throughout its construction process. Built in 1896 and previously a womenâs lingerie factory, all the wood is currently being returned to its original luster. Repurposing the building itself and exposing its original materials will strengthen its overall aesthetic and foster a stronger working community.
A Repurposed Purpose
Repurposing materials can be seen in different ways, as well.
Before United Properties began developing The Venue in Chanhassen, the former Frontier Building Center that occupied the site in the 1960s, 70s, and 80s supplied lumber to construct homes and establishments throughout the city. Throughout its time there, the Frontier Building Center strengthened the Chanhassen community with its lumberyard, multi-tenant leasing, and entertainment venues.
Last April, the Chanhassen Fire Department and the Tri-City SWAT Team received permission from United Properties to use the space for a different purpose than what it was once known for: law enforcement training. To simulate realistic situations and scenarios, the two teams conduct training sessions in buildings that will eventually be demolished. In this case, the Frontier Building Center was repurposed to accommodate their training needs and ultimately strengthen Chanhassen.
The in-process Venue Apartments will now take over as the landâs main tenant, sitting on land that has left a lasting legacy to the city of Chanhassen.
The Impact
The commitment to repurposing materials has profound impact on the communities where we live and work; itâs more than just reusing materials for a new development. Itâs about preserving memories, enhancing historic charm, supporting local businesses, protecting the environment, and of course, strengthening our communities.
About United Properties
United Properties has been creating deep roots in the commercial real estate industry for more than 100 years. The company imagines new possibilities in real estate to help enrich communities and create lasting legacies. United Properties provides market expertise for ground-up development, redevelopment and acquisitions of value-add and stable investments. The company invests in and develops office, industrial, retail, mixed-use and senior housing properties. United Properties is owned by the Pohlad Companies and is headquartered in Minneapolis, with offices in Denver and Austin, Texas.