AUSTIN, Texas (March 25, 2021) — United Properties announced today that Chris Mase has joined United Properties – Austin as vice president, construction management, effective March 15, 2021. Mase will report to Renee Kirscht-Rascher, senior vice president, development operations, United Properties.

Mase brings more than 15 years of experience in commercial real estate project management, development and construction to his new role. He will be responsible for managing all projects in the Austin market and overseeing the construction process through all phases of development. Mase is the third member to join the team at United Properties – Austin, which was established in April 2020.

“We are pleased to welcome Chris to our growing team in Austin,” said Kirscht-Rascher. “Chris brings a diverse skill set to our team with his background in structural engineering, construction management and development. We have several projects in the pipeline where his expertise will be put to good use.”

Most recently, Mase served as the senior project director, development and construction, for Kushner Companies in New York City where he was responsible for overseeing and leading all phases of the company’s ground up multi-family residential, hospitality, office and retail projects. Previously he held positions with GFI Capital Resources Group, Turner Construction Company and McLaren Engineering Group.

Mase holds a Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering from the University of Delaware. He is a LEED AP Building Design and Construction accredited professional and a licensed professional engineer in New York state.

MINNEAPOLIS (March 24, 2021) – As RBC Gateway continues to rise over the Twin Cities, a new partnership between renowned Chef Gavin Kaysen, United Properties and Four Seasons Hotel Minneapolis will drive the development of the world-class dining experiences there.

An award-winning chef and founder of the Soigné Hospitality Group, Kaysen will oversee the creation of two unique dining experiences on the property: a full-service restaurant and bar, as well as a café. Kaysen will lead concept development for all aspects of the project, from food and wine to ambiance and decor. The restaurants are expected to open in the spring of 2022 when the building is complete.

“We all feel how dramatically restaurants and the city of Minneapolis have transformed in the past year,” says Kaysen. “I see this partnership with United Properties and Four Seasons Hotel Minneapolis as an opportunity to uplift our community and bring two neighborhoods—the North Loop and Downtown—together. We’re building this with a lot of intention and thought for what the future of hospitality looks like.”

According to Rick McKelvey, senior vice president for United Properties, they didn’t have to look far to land on Kaysen as the right person to lead restaurant development. “We wanted to form a partnership with someone very special, and Gavin was our first choice right from the start,” he says. “We are confident that when Gavin’s restaurant opens in a little over a year from now, our community will embrace his vision for a wonderful, world-class restaurant and café.”

Kaysen is a two-time James Beard award winning chef celebrated locally and nationally for his ability to create hospitality-driven dining experiences as well as his leadership and vision for the future of the culinary profession. His restaurants in the North Loop include Spoon and Stable, a 2015 James Beard Award Finalist for Best New Restaurant; Demi, an intimate 20-seat tasting menu experience named one of “The 10 Best New Restaurants in North America” by Robb Report; and Bellecour Bakery at Cooks of Crocus Hill, celebrated for its array of French bistro inspired fare. His catering company, KZ ProVisioning, created in collaboration with Chef Andrew Zimmern, fuels the Minnesota Wild and the Minnesota Timberwolves.

Additional details about the restaurant concepts will be announced in the months ahead, including the name, design, beverage and culinary concepts. A third bar and restaurant, located on the fourth-floor pool deck, will be managed by Four Seasons Hotel Minneapolis.

“When I think about what makes a restaurant successful, it’s having the opportunity to build relationships with our guests and bring them joy through food,” says Kaysen. “In this space, we’ll have guests from the hotel, the neighborhood, and Four Seasons Hotel and Private Residences Minneapolis. I’m looking forward to being part of a project that helps all of them create memories.”

About Gavin Kaysen

Gavin Kaysen is the two-time James Beard Award winning chef and owner of Soigné Hospitality Group, which includes three restaurants in the North Loop: Spoon and Stable, Demi, and Bellecour Bakery at Cooks of Crocus Hill. His catering company KZ ProVisioning, created in partnership with Chef Andrew Zimmern, fuels the Minnesota Timberwolves and the Minnesota Wild. Kaysen hosts a bi-weekly live, interactive cooking class called GK at Home and is the co-founder of Heart of the House Foundation, a non-profit organization created to sustain the growth, health, and prosperity of the Soigné Hospitality family now and in the future. Follow him on Instagram.

About Four Seasons

Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts opened its first hotel in 1961, and since that time has been dedicated to perfecting the travel experience through continual innovation and the highest standards of hospitality. Currently operating 119 hotels and resorts, and 44 residential properties in major city centres and resort destinations in 47 countries, and with more than 50 projects under planning or development, Four Seasons consistently ranks among the world’s best hotels and most prestigious brands in reader polls, traveller reviews and industry awards. For more information and reservations, visit fourseasons.com. For the latest news, visit press.fourseasons.com and follow @FourSeasonsPR on Twitter.

MINNEAPOLIS (March 23, 2021) – United Properties announced today that Sarah Veith has been promoted from senior vice president to executive vice president, organizational development and human resources, effective immediately.

In her role, Veith is responsible for overseeing United Properties’ talent retention and recruitment, building and advancing company culture, and leading internal and external communications. She will continue to report to Bill Katter, president and chief investment officer, United Properties Development.

Since joining United Properties in 2016, Veith has played a key role in the company’s growth and development. “Sarah is a careful steward of company culture, and she is always attuned to the needs of everyone in the organization,” said Katter. “She has been a tremendous asset to United Properties by translating business objectives into organizational solutions and creating an inclusive culture. We are confident that under her leadership, she will continue to guide us to even greater success in these areas.” Veith is a member of the four-person Executive Leadership Council at United Properties, making her the second woman in the company’s history to serve on the council.

Veith is a planning member for the NAIOP Diversity and Inclusion Roundtable, and speaker at the Urban Land Institute’s Real Estate Diversity Initiative, a program that aims to advance the careers of professionals of color and women in real estate industries. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in management, with an emphasis in human resource management, from St. Cloud State University, as well as Senior Professional in Human Resources, and Society for Human Resource Management – Senior Certified Professional certifications.

Veith was recently recognized as a 2021 “40 Under 40” honoree by the Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal for her accomplishments.

MINNEAPOLIS (March 16, 2021) – After 19 years of dedicated service to United Properties, it was announced today that Keith Ulstad, senior vice president of retail investment and development, will retire on July 1, 2021.

A highly visible and charismatic leader in the retail development field, Ulstad has led United Properties’ retail and mixed-use acquisition, development and redevelopment efforts since joining United Properties in 2002.

Ulstad’s career accomplishments include the acquisition of a significant number of suburban grocery-anchored retail centers that propelled United Properties into the retail business, as well as the pioneering development of several successful mixed-use projects such as Lyndale Green and Penn & American, both in Bloomington. He has overseen the acquisition, development and redevelopment of more than 25 shopping centers, as well as other notable projects such as Plaza VII, a mixed-use development in downtown Minneapolis.

“Keith has cemented an indelible legacy, both at United Properties and within the commercial real estate industry,” said Bill Katter, co-president and chief investment officer, United Properties Development. “He has had a significant impact on all of us who have been fortunate enough to work with him. We have benefited from his strategic thinking and focus on execution, as well as the personal touch he brings to every conversation,” he said, adding that Ulstad has served as a mentor to many development professionals at the firm.

“Keith’s expertise in building strong relationships in the industry and with the communities we serve is unparalleled,” Katter said. Ulstad has been active in the International Council of Shopping Centers, Urban Land Institute and Minnesota Shopping Center Association.

Ulstad’s retirement plans include enjoying life outside of work with his wife, Mary, and keeping busy with recreational flying, spending time at the family cabin on the North Shore of Lake Superior and fishing in Alaska.

DENVER (March 2, 2021) – United Properties is bringing its highly successful and well-established Applewood Pointe senior cooperative communities to the Denver market, with the first project slated for Westminster.

First established in 2004, there are now 15 Applewood Pointe senior cooperative communities in Minnesota, with an additional four planned in 2021. Developed and managed by United Properties, the cooperatives are owned collectively by homeowners and operate independently under their own board of directors.

United Properties’ first senior cooperative living project in Colorado, Applewood Pointe of Westminster, will be on the southwest corner of 108th Avenue and Wadsworth Parkway. Located on a 10-acre site, the community will include 85 homes, average size 1,500 sq. ft. Groundbreaking is planned for summer 2022, with an anticipated late 2023 completion date.

United Properties is currently accepting priority reservations, an important first step to securing a home. Alex Hall, senior vice president, said they are seeing strong initial interest in the development, with more than 25 reservations to date — a trend they expect will continue. “We’ve been part of the commercial real estate development community in Denver for over 15 years, and given our market knowledge and passion for creating distinguished, resident-focused environments for active adults, we believe this is a great opportunity to expand our highly successful Applewood Pointe senior cooperative communities here,” Hall said.

Applewood Pointe of Westminster will feature 85 cooperative homes, all with two bedrooms, two bathrooms, a private deck or patio, and a laundry room. Some floor plans will also include a den or sunroom. These cooperative homes will offer open-concept living with large windows and plenty of storage. Homeowners will be able to select their home’s interior finishes and choose from a variety of upgrades to suit their personal tastes.

“Senior housing is a flourishing area within United Properties, and we are pleased to give Coloradans an excellent option of home ownership as well as the joy of a carefree lifestyle, without the hassle and expense of home upkeep,” said Eric Chekal, senior development manager.

A host of amenities abound in beautifully designed shared spaces, including a great room, library, club/game room, fitness center, guest suites, woodworking shop, craft room, heated underground garage with a carwash bay, and spacious outdoor living spaces with a large deck and patio, fully functional kitchen and a fire pit gathering area for outdoor dining, relaxation and socialization.

“We’ve picked a fantastic location for Applewood Pointe of Westminster, with expansive mountain views of the Front Range and easy access to a wide variety of lifestyle-enhancing amenities,” said Chekal. Located between Broomfield and Arvada, near U.S. Highway 36, Applewood Pointe of Westminster is within five miles of 1,700 acres of parks, open space and Standley Lake, in addition to shopping at FlatIron Crossing mall or Westminster Promenade, restaurants, hiking trails, dog parks and many other recreational activities. Walnut Creek Golf Preserve is a beautiful, award-winning golf course and Audubon Certified Signature Sanctuary that is only five minutes away.

Information sessions will be held Wednesday, April 7 at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. at Walnut Creek Golf Preserve. For more information, visit www.applewoodpointe.com/westminster, call 720-898-5970 or email info@applewoodpointe.com.

DENVER (Feb. 11, 2021) – After 16 successful years leading United Properties – Denver operations, Kevin Kelley has made the decision to step down from his senior leadership role, effective Sept. 30, 2021.

Kelley, who serves as executive vice president, Denver commercial development, has overseen the growth and development of United Properties – Denver since he joined the firm in 2005. “During his time leading our Denver office, Kevin has built an outstanding team and helped us to become a recognized market leader by developing millions of square feet of successful projects that have reshaped the Denver area,” said Bill Katter, co-president and chief investment officer, United Properties Development.

“I am proud of my accomplishments over my 16-year tenure, having built the office from scratch in 2005 into the second largest commercial developer as ranked by the Denver Business Journal in 2020. In addition, we assembled a very accomplished team of development associates that I am confident will continue the growth of United Properties’ presence well into the future,” Kelley said.

“Finally, I appreciate the support that the United Properties leadership team gave me to grow the operation into the success we enjoy today,” he added. Signature projects during Kelley’s tenure include Enterprise Business Center, Tower Business Center, INOVA Dry Creek, Marketplace at Austin Bluffs, Plaza Las Americas and Interpark Corporate Center, among others.

Beyond Kelley’s strong work as a developer and leader, Katter cited his continued community involvement in CRE organizations such as NAIOP and others, including his recent role mentoring a diverse group of students interested in CRE careers through Denver Public Schools’ CareerConnect program. “We’ve been so proud of Kevin’s leadership, both in the office and, even more importantly, in the community. We will miss him greatly,” he said.

Kelley noted that this represented the right time for him to step back due to the strength of United Properties’ market position and its Denver team. Key members of the team, including Jamie Pollock, Megan Turner and Alicia Rhymer, will step into new or expanded roles over the next several months. “We are fortunate to have such a fantastic team ready to step up as Kevin steps back — another hallmark of his strength as a leader,” Katter said.

Jamie Pollock, currently senior vice president, asset management, will assume the role of senior vice president, asset management, and director – Denver operations, and continue reporting to Matt Van Slooten, co-president and chief investment officer, United Properties Investment. In his new role, which is effective immediately, Pollock will be responsible for managing Denver office operations and implementing corporate initiatives, working in close coordination with the development team.

Megan Turner, currently director of development, will step into the role of vice president of development, effective March 15, 2021. Reporting directly to Katter, Turner will be responsible for industrial and office development in the Denver market. Turner has recently overseen key aspects of Interpark Broomfield, Tower Business Center and U.S. AutoForce. (Feb. 11th release incorrectly stated effective date of July 1, 2021)

Alicia Rhymer, senior vice president, retail development, will be expanding her current role, effective July 1, 2021, reporting to Katter. Rhymer has overseen United Properties’ successful retail net lease business in Colorado and will be pursuing opportunities to bring this strategy into other markets throughout the U.S.

Over the next several months, Kelley will continue to oversee development activities, working closely with his team while he looks forward to the next chapter.

Thanksgiving season is one of the busiest times of the year for food banks, and as the pandemic continues to impact more families, food insecurity is steadily skyrocketing across the nation. With service to others as part of United Properties’ core, UP is fortunate to make charitable donations this year in lieu of holiday gifts to several food banks in the communities we serve.

Minneapolis, Minnesota

United Properties supported Second Harvest Heartland, one of the largest hunger-relief organizations serving the Upper Midwest. Second Harvest Heartland has stepped up distribution this year due to the hunger crisis exacerbated by the coronavirus. From emergency food boxes and emergency grocery pop-ups to extra food deliveries, donations help ensure families receive the food and support they need especially during the cold winter months.

“Your gift offers hope and comfort to neighbors who are experiencing unemployment. They feel a sense of relief during these uncertain times after visiting a local drive-through food distribution,” said Allison O’Toole, Second Harvest Heartland CEO.

Because of your support, more of our neighbors across the heartland will be able to access the food they need to thrive. Without you, our work would not be possible. Thank you for your gift,” she added.

Denver, Colorado

Food Bank of the Rockies provides food and supplies to more than 600 hunger-relief programs in Colorado. Since the first wave of the pandemic hit in the spring, their food distribution has significantly increased as more people need food assistance. A new survey shows one in seven Coloradans are struggling with food insecurity and one in five Colorado kids are facing hunger.

United Properties’ donation to Food Bank of the Rockies will help keep food on the tables of those struggling during the pandemic. “Unfortunately, we are seeing an incredible amount of demand at FBR but it is incredible seeing the overwilling amount of support from groups like United Properties to allow us to serve people in need. Thank you for your donation,” said Ryan Good, Food Bank of the Rockies Executive Vice President.

“Thank you for partnering with FBR to help us nourish our neighbors,” noted Mitch Jelniker, Food Bank of the Rockies Corporate Relations Manager. “Your generosity comes at a critical time. Your donation will help us provide 60,000 nutritious meals for families in need. Thank you.”

Austin, Texas

United Properties also partnered with Central Texas Food Bank, the largest hunger-relief charity in Central Texas. With many people reaching out for assistance, Central Texas Food Bank adapted their distribution model for COVID-19 to allow for larger drive-through distributions through the Mobile Food Pantry Program.

The food bank is serving about 340,000 people a month, a 43% increase over previous monthly client numbers due to the pandemic. At the height of pandemic response in May 2020, the food bank served almost 370,000 individuals in one month. There was also a surge in first-time clients – in September they served nearly 13,000 households who had never visited a food bank before.

“Thank you so much for thinking of the Food Bank for this donation. We are so grateful that you wanted to help,” said Amelia Long, Director of Community Engagement. Other ways gifts will be instantly put to use are through CTFB’s summer programs, support for partner agency networks and referrals to community resources.

The tradition of giving back and giving thanks continues at United Properties, enriching and uplifting the local communities where we work and live.

MINNEAPOLIS, Minnesota (November 10, 2020) – United Properties announced today that it has closed on the purchase of eight acres of land at 801 Carlson Parkway in Minnetonka. Five acres are slated for a new 55-plus independent living rental community, ThePOINTE Minnetonka; the remaining three acres will be slated for development at a future date.

ThePOINTE Minnetonka marks United Properties’ third location for the senior living brand, offering maintenance-free living with a variety of floor plans, from spacious one-bedroom units to three-bedroom units. The senior living community will have six floors and 186 units. A portion of the units, of various floor plans, will be designated as affordable to meet the needs of the community.

“We chose this location because it allows us to create an oasis for our residents in the existing lush and serene environment while still offering immediate proximity and easy access to the greater Twin Cities metro,” said Rick McKelvey, senior vice president. “The location fulfills our goal to provide beautiful homes in a community that frees residents of many duties of home ownership so they can spend more time doing what they love.”

ThePOINTE Minnetonka will feature quartz countertops, stainless-steel appliances, underground heated parking and more. The rental fee is all-inclusive (with the exception of electricity), making it an ideal option for seniors looking to budget monthly costs.

The senior community will also feature a variety of lifestyle amenities, such as a state-of-the-art golf simulator, an outdoor pool and hot tub, community gardens, art and fitness studios, an expansive community room and a sky lounge. The location offers easy walking access to Carlson Towers restaurants and businesses, in addition to convenient access to Interstates 394 and 494.

United Properties recently opened its first ThePOINTE location in Roseville and began construction on the second location in Bloomington. Both locations have been received exceptionally well by their communities, and United Properties also expects strong interest in the Minnetonka location.

“We look forward to building on our recent senior living successes with ThePOINTE Minnetonka,” said McKelvey. “We have experienced strong preleasing success at our other locations in Roseville and Bloomington, and we hope to continue that momentum with this new offering.”

Groundbreaking is slated for spring 2021, with occupancy in early 2023. Preleasing will be available when construction begins on the project.

Project partners include ESG Architecture & Design and Weis Builders.

Associated Bank provides $29m construction load for senior living development in Bloomington, MN

Associated Bank has provided a $29 million loan for the construction of a 133-unit senior living development in Bloomington. Dubbed ThePOINTE Bloomington, the independent living community is the second of a two-phase project on a 7.5-acre site. Phase I, currently under construction, is the 118-unit Cherrywood Pointe community that features assisted living and memory care. ThePOINTE will rise five stories. Amenities will include a pickleball court, outdoor pool, clubhouse, community room, fitness center, kid’s playroom, craft room, business center and rooftop deck. United Properties is the developer. Jim Vitt of Associated Bank handled the loan closing.

High above Hennepin Avenue, harnessed construction workers in yellow vests scrambled as a towering United Properties crane hoisted giant ceiling partitions up 17 floors, swung them overhead and inched them into place atop the growing RBC Gateway tower.

The hustle atop the burgeoning tower — one that will be home to a Four Seasons Hotel and permanently alter downtown Minneapolis’ skyline — comes as workers try to reach to the goal of building 22 stories before the end of the year.

The construction site at Hennepin and Washington avenues should reach its full 37 stories by February 2022, said Rick McKelvey, senior vice president of United Properties, the company developing the $433 million project.
After many hurdles and years of delays, the project that broke ground in June 2019 is slated to become Minneapolis’s ninth tallest building.

“We’re excited to be doing this. It’s great to be part of a landmark project,” said McKelvey.

Glass windows are already installed on the first seven floors on the east side, he said, and skyway additions are going up by Nicollet Mall and 3rd Street.

The tower will house the new headquarters of RBC Wealth Management and a 222-room Four Seasons Hotel.

More than 30 full-service condos — called the Four Seasons Private Residences — are planned for the top six floors, with commanding views of the city and the Mississippi River.

About 85% of the high-rise’s office space is already leased.

In addition to RBC, six of the Pohlad Companies — including its United Properties real estate arm, Carousel Motor Group, Pohlad Family Foundation and Pohlad Investment Group — also will move in. United Properties is in discussions to lease the remaining 80,000 square feet of office space to two prospective tenants, McKelvey said.

“Interest in this transformative project continues to be strong from prospective tenants and residents, and our community. And we anticipate continued positive forward momentum,” McKelvey said.

The historic project suffered few delays from the coronavirus pandemic, although the construction site did revamp safety protocols to protect workers, McKelvey said.

The building also has safety features worked into it. Once completed, the building will feature virus-killing air handling systems known as needlepoint bipolar ionization. The tower also will have touchless bathrooms and “Destination Dispatch” elevators that should help prevent the transmission of the coronavirus.

RBC Gateway is the largest single-building project undertaken by United Properties, which also recently developed the Nordic office building in the city’s North Loop and is codeveloping the Dayton’s Project office building in the former department store home.

United Properties owns about a 5% stake in the Dayton’s Project. In contrast, it is full-in on the RBC Gateway.

As construction progress mounts, city officials are increasingly upbeat, even as real estate development experts ponder how long the pandemic will last and keep office workers at home.

Even with concerns over coronavirus, “the RBC Gateway project is an exciting development in downtown Minneapolis,” said Hilary Dvorak, principal city planner at Minneapolis Community Planning and Economic Development. “The city is excited to see another development project being constructed on a former surface parking lot downtown.”

The project — being built by McGough Construction and designed by architects at Smallwood, Reynolds, Stewart, Stewart & Associates — joins a flurry of smaller construction projects popping up around Minneapolis, including the new eight-story Thrivent headquarters on Portland Avenue, the six story Sora apartments next door and the new Public Services Building at 504 S. 4th Ave.

Freshly sprouted offices and apartment buildings also dot Portland Avenue, Hennepin Avenue, the Mill City District and Washington Avenue.

RBC should reach its critical 22nd floor by December. It’s a key mechanical and “transition” floor because it will hold separate heating, cooling and water systems for the hotel and condos and “step back” from the thicker footprint of the lower floors.

The slimmer profile of the hotel and condo floors allows guests and condo owners to have more window lit spaces, McKelvey said.

Right now, a sales office for the Four Seasons condos is being readied near 7th Street and Nicollet Mall. Once that opens next year, condo prices will be published, officials said.

The Four Seasons hotel will take up the 23rd through 30th floors and is expected to have the city’s first five-star rating. Condos will be on the 31st through 36th floors, with the top floor reserved for mechanical systems.

The RBC Gateway project is expected to have plenty of amenities, including underground parking, street-level restaurants, a public plaza, an indoor and an outdoor pool.

Downtown boosters are delighted by the high-end development.

“It’s one of my ‘go-to’ talking points about the future of downtown being bright, despite the negative impacts we are seeing this year,” said Minneapolis Downtown Council head Steve Cramer. “Walking around the site is a day brightener to see the construction activity and workers, and the tower rising.”

Cramer called the entire project “pivotal for downtown,” because it landed the Four Seasons, helped retain a major employer in RBC, and added a “graceful linkage” to the central business district from just north of Nicollet.