A plan to redevelop 48 acres along the north Minneapolis riverfront has picked up momentum after it secured $12.5 million from the state to build its centerpiece concert venue.

The transformation of the Upper Harbor Terminal, a decaying and largely unoccupied industrial zone along the Mississippi River, was billed as the top capital priority for the city before the coronavirus pandemic brought major projects to a halt. A community advisory group stopped meeting temporarily and planning and construction milestones were delayed. Now the project has restarted after the Legislature, in a fifth special session, passed a $1.9 billion infrastructure bill that included $12.5 million for the Upper Harbor Terminal. The advisory group has met with increasing frequency in recent weeks, and the city released a draft of a project plan set to go before the City Council in February. “With the information on the bonding bill, that’s going to be able to help give some clarification on the designs of the music venue,” said Council Member Phillipe Cunningham, who represents the area. “But overall, the process is on track.”

“I just know that what we’re going to end up getting is going to be something amazing, that’s really going to be such a cultural icon here in north Minneapolis,” he added.

The $12.5 million from the state was less than the $20 million the city had lobbied for at the beginning of the session. Still, project leaders believe it is enough to help build a concert venue that can hold 7,000 to 10,000 people with a section that can stay open year-round. “I think it’s symbolic to show that this is a statewide significant investment,” said Erik Hansen, the city’s director of economic policy. “It is putting the North Side on the map of importance.”

First Avenue Productions, which is facing an uncertain future posed by the coronavirus pandemic, would own the venue and be responsible for matching the state grant, Hansen said. In response to an interview request, First Avenue CEO Dayna Frank provided a statement that said the match would be “a mix of capital campaign, tax credits and private contribution.” This is the second infusion of bonding money for the project, which received $15 million for basic infrastructure in 2018. The design process for the venue would begin next year, Frank said.

Meanwhile, more details about the Upper Harbor project were included in the coordinated plan draft released this month.

In addition to development partners First Avenue Productions and United Properties, the city is now consulting with Building Blocks, a local nonprofit developer founded by former NBA player Devean George.

The estimated cost for the redevelopment has risen from $200 million to more than $300 million. This includes the concert venue, housing, urban agriculture, manufacturing and nearly 20 acres of park space.

“That back-of-the-envelope estimate is getting more refined,” Hansen said.

Ownership of the several parcels in the Upper Harbor Terminal, as well as assurances that the project would benefit the North Side, were major concerns of an appointed committee that has discussed the plan this year, Hansen said. Members of the committee contacted by the Star Tribune did not return requests for comment.

According to the coordinated plan, the city would own the land and lease it to developers to build housing and other commercial structures. The property where the concert venue would go would be sold to First Avenue and a community entity, who would then lease it back to the city, Hansen said.

Money from the ground leases and a $3 ticket fee at the venue would be used to subsidize commercial spaces, fund arts programming and support “anti-displacement efforts” in the North Side.

A large park that extends across the riverfront would be accessible from Dowling Avenue and owned by the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board.

The community advisory committee will review the coordinated plan Wednesday. The city will solicit feedback on the plan starting in December, according to a recently released timeline. It is expected to go before the City Council on Feb. 26. Still, questions about the project persist on the North Side, said Colleen O’Connor Toberman, the river corridor director for Friends of the Mississippi River. People had raised concerns about noise from the venue and traffic to the site, she said, both of which were expected to be addressed in an environmental review that would be released after the council votes on the coordinated plan.

“It’s disturbing that the environmental review will be done after they vote on the plan,” O’Connor Toberman said.

Friends of the Mississippi River is funding a new campaign to raise awareness of the project and push for a different redevelopment.

MINNEAPOLIS, Minnesota (October 20, 2020) – As RBC Gateway takes shape and rises above the historic corner of Washington and Hennepin Avenues in downtown Minneapolis, the iconic building — the first such high-rise project in downtown Minneapolis in more than two decades — is making good on its promise to revitalize the landmark location.

When completed in 2022, the 37-story tower will be home to RBC Wealth Management’s U.S. headquarters; Minneapolis’ first five-star hotel, Four Seasons Hotel and Private Residences Minneapolis; as well as a public plaza and street-level dining.

According to Rick McKelvey, senior vice president, United Properties, construction is on schedule, despite the challenges of the global pandemic. He noted that contractors are placing concrete on the 17th floor, and the building is expected to rise an additional five levels by year-end. Contractors also are installing exterior windows on the lower levels of the building, providing a glimpse of what the tower will look like once completed. Skyways connecting RBC Gateway at both Third Street and Nicollet Mall have been installed and will be completed next spring. Landscaping on the public plaza will begin spring 2021.

“As RBC Gateway claims its space in the downtown skyline, we are optimistic about the future of the project and how it will shape Minneapolis for many generations to come,” said McKelvey. “Interest in this transformative project continues to be strong from prospective tenants and residents, and our community, and we anticipate continued positive forward momentum.”

The office portion of RBC Gateway is already 85% preleased, with tenants including RBC Wealth Management, for which the tower is named, and the Pohlad Companies — including United Properties, Carousel Motor Group, Pohlad Family Foundation and Pohlad Investment Group. Approximately 80,000 sq. ft. of office space is still available for leasing. Details are available at www.RBCGatewayMpls.com.

In addition to the Twin Cities’ first five-star hotel, 33 Four Seasons Private Residences will occupy the top six floors of the tower. “We look forward to building a community of residences that will have their own exclusive bird’s-eye view above the beautiful downtown Minneapolis skyline, as well as access to all of the amenities that only Four Seasons can offer,” McKelvey said.

Key benefits to the city of Minneapolis from the project include a new public plaza for all to enjoy, proceeds of $10.4 million from the sale of the land to support affordable housing programs, and significant annual revenue to the city once the project is complete.

“Together with our owners, the Pohlad family, United Properties remains committed to the health and well-being of downtown Minneapolis,” McKelvey said. “We believe strongly that RBC Gateway will enhance downtown as a vibrant place to live, work and play.”

In an effort to foster greater diversity and inclusion in the commercial real estate industry, NAIOP Colorado partnered with Denver Public Schools CareerConnect for a summer internship program. This new program was designed to provide enrichment opportunities for students from diverse backgrounds and introduce them to a possible future career path.

When COVID-19 hit and the program was in jeopardy, NAIOP Colorado President Tim Schlichting was determined not to abandon the kids enrolled in the program and began making plans to conduct the internships remotely.

At United Properties – Denver, Kevin Kelley, a former NAIOP Colorado president, was onboard and agreed that United Properties would participate as one of three CRE companies. United Properties mentored two interns out of the 10-15 high school students who participated.

“Students sat in on meetings, met with African American CRE leaders, and had the opportunity to learn more about what goes into urban planning,” Kelley commented.

The students were busy throughout the six-week program, which had two stages. First, the students developed and presented a career or business plan. In the second stage, they developed and presented a site proposal for a half-acre lot that is currently under development. Students learned about zoning and developed site use and marketing plans.

“The students were totally engaged and really enjoyed the experience,” said Kelley. “This gave them a greater sense of what CRE can do to transform a community.”

Kelley was proud that United Properties participated in the inaugural program and applauded NAIOP Colorado for making it happen despite the pandemic. “It’s our responsibility to the next generation to share our expertise so they’re aware of these career opportunities. We can overcome whatever challenges are thrown our way in order to keep moving forward.”

He added that the program was successful and is likely to continue, possibly at the college level through the University of Colorado or University of Denver, in addition to the high school program.

MINNEAPOLIS (Aug. 27, 2020) — United Properties announced today that it has broken ground on ThePOINTE Bloomington, a 55-plus independent living rental community, located at 5601 American Blvd. W. ThePOINTE Bloomington will have five stories and 133 units; it will be available for occupancy in spring 2022.

“Our second ThePOINTE development is in a great location to meet the needs of active seniors in Bloomington,” said Mark Nelson, executive vice president, residential development, United Properties. “As we see demand for senior living continue to grow, we’re confident ThePOINTE’s many amenities will draw strong interest.” United Properties’ first ThePOINTE location recently opened in Roseville.

The new senior community will offer maintenance-free living for people 55-plus, with a variety of apartment sizes and floor plans. Units include one-bedroom, one-bedroom plus den, two-bedroom, two-bedroom plus den, and three-bedroom floor plans. The rental fee structure is all-inclusive (with the exception of electricity), making it ideal for seniors looking to budget their monthly costs.

ThePOINTE Bloomington will feature stainless steel appliances, quartz countertops, underground heated parking and many lifestyle amenities, including a clubhouse, outdoor pool, art studio, fitness studio, workshop and outdoor kitchen. It is positioned between Normandale Lake and Hyland Lake Park Reserve, and the location is close to State Highway 100 and Interstate 494 for easy access to amenities such as the airport, medical facilities and shopping.

ThePOINTE Bloomington will also feature an enclosed connection to the nearby Cherrywood Pointe, a United Properties-owned senior apartment community offering independent living, assisted living, memory care and enhanced care. This connection will offer ThePOINTE residents access to additional amenities such as Cherrywood Pointe’s pub and dining room.

Pre-leasing has already begun. The leasing office is located at 8331 Norman Center Drive in Bloomington and can be reached at (952) 835-2000. Visit www.yourpointe.com for more information.

The project was designed by Kaas Wilson Architects, with interior design by Banko Design. The community will be constructed by Weis Builders and managed by Great Lakes Management.

At United Properties, we’re about more than just bricks and mortar; we strive to create deep roots within the communities we call home. Whether we are revitalizing a historic neighborhood, transforming a site or renovating a building, or collaborating with community partners, we consistently strive to make a positive impact in all that we do.

Leaving Lasting Legacies through Tree Planting

Last month, United Properties partnered with The Nature Conservancy (TNC) and Tree Trust to plant more than 80 trees in two neighborhoods in St. Paul, one at the Duluth and Case Recreation Center and the other at Johnson Parkway.

Due to the pandemic, members from TNC and Tree Trust physically planted the trees, while United Properties funded the project, and the Forestry Unit of St. Paul’s Parks and Recreation Department supported the event as well. The trees (19 different species) were chosen for their ability to endure climate change, provide wildlife habitat, and benefit people. Some of the benefits of trees include alleviating heat, storing carbon to help offset carbon emissions, improving air and water quality, and reducing the risk of flooding. Lasting legacies, indeed!

The Nature Conservancy, one of United Properties’ key community-relations partners, has been developing a science-based mapping tool to identify sites within the Twin Cities metro area most in need of tree-planting. As part of our planning process, we worked with TNC to select our planting site from options identified by the mapping tool. Read more about The Nature Conservancy’s approach using the mapping tool in a recent story in the Star Tribune.

A Community UPLift

Planting trees is just one way United Properties works to leave lasting legacies in our communities. Even amid a pandemic, we strive to make a difference where we can. The tree planting was part of our recent launch of UPLift, a platform for sharing our charitable giving and corporate social responsibility initiatives that “plant the seeds of positive change” in this case, literally!

Be sure to keep up with our UPLift progress by following us on our social media channels, where we share photos and blogs detailing our community relations work. You can also follow The Nature Conservancy on Twitter and Facebook and Tree Trust on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook to stay updated on the important work they’re doing here in the Twin Cities.

MINNEAPOLIS (June 10, 2020) – In response to the murder of George Floyd and the deeply ingrained systemic racism in our country, the Pohlad Family announced today that it is committing $25 million to racial justice, bringing to bear resources of the Pohlad Family Foundation, Pohlad family members, and Pohlad Companies in a two-phased, community-based approach.

“Black people have experienced oppression and racism for far too long in this country,” said Bill Pohlad, president of the Pohlad Family Foundation. “We condemn racism in all its forms, and we are firmly committed to helping to enact meaningful change. We know this will take time and effort, and we are committed to this work beyond this seminal moment in our country’s history.”

In the short term, the Pohlads are focused on providing immediate relief and rebuilding organizations in impacted communities. In addition to encouraging employee volunteerism and matching employee donations across Pohlad Companies, the Pohlad Family Foundation will support grassroots organizations doing this important work. The Pohlad organization also plans to work with local government, philanthropic organizations and the business community to help rebuild businesses that have been destroyed, with the goal of ensuring the continued cultural diversity and affordability of the local areas.

Over the long term, the Pohlad family will focus on impacting structural change through the Foundation. They will partner with other equally committed organizations to help change the systems that create racial inequities and marginalize people of color.

The commitment of $25 million is in addition to the ongoing work of the Pohlad Family Foundation in the areas of homelessness and housing stability.

“As we undertake these additional efforts in racial justice, we will take the time to listen and learn from the community first. We believe that people are experts in their own lives, and to make lasting change, we must learn from their lived experience,” said Susan Bass Roberts, vice president and executive director, Pohlad Family Foundation. “Our goal is to work in community to identify and support solutions that reflect the input of those closest to the issue and address their greatest needs.”

“While we are determined to help affect change in our community, we also know that any real change must start from within,” added Pohlad. “And so, we acknowledge that we have our own work to do and are working to strengthen diversity and inclusion in our organization.”

About Pohlad Family Foundation

The Pohlad Family Foundation’s mission is to improve the quality of life and opportunities for those most in need in the Twin Cities region. Our strategic focus is to improve housing stability with the goal of preventing and ending homelessness among families and youth in the Twin Cities. We use four strategies: 1) catch youth and families before they experience homelessness; 2) fund housing affordability solutions; 3) address systemic change; and 4) create awareness and galvanize support. To learn more about the Foundation’s history and focus, visit pohladfoundation.org.

About Pohlad Companies

Founded by Carl R. Pohlad in the 1950s, the Pohlad Companies had its start in the banking and soft-drink bottling industries. Now managed by his three sons Jim, Robert and Bill, with third generation family members actively involved, the organization has four primary business groups. Operating Companies includes ownership and management of firms in diverse industries such as commercial real estate mortgage banking (NorthMarq), automobiles (Carousel Motor Group) and automation (PaR Systems); Real Estate includes commercial real estate development and investment activities, principally through United Properties LLC.; Sports and Entertainment comprises investments in the sports and entertainment industries including the Minnesota Twins Major League Baseball Club; and Investments includes direct and non-control investments in privately held companies and in financial instruments of varying duration and type. The Pohlad family and the Pohlad Companies have a deep commitment to the communities where they live and work, demonstrated through the Pohlad Family Foundation, along with the giving and engagement initiatives of its operating businesses and employees. To learn more, visit pohladcompanies.com.

MINNEAPOLIS (June 10, 2020) – United Properties is pleased to announce that Simpson Strong-Tie has signed a lease for all 80,000 sq. ft of Building 1 at InverPoint Business Park, located at 8450 Courthouse Blvd. in Inver Grove Heights. Simpson Strong-Tie creates structural products for the construction of safe, strong homes and buildings.

The groundbreaking for the build-to-suit project took place in late May, with completion expected in November. Building 1 is the first phase of InverPoint Business Park, which spans approximately 45 acres and will accommodate 460,000 sq. ft. when fully developed.

Simpson Strong-Tie is headquartered in Pleasanton, California, and currently has warehouse, manufacturing and training space in Eagan. All Eagan employees will move to the new space at InverPoint, which will feature office, manufacturing and warehouse space. The move will be an expansion of the existing office.

“We’re thrilled to welcome Simpson Strong-Tie to InverPoint Business Park,” said Connor McCarthy, development manager, United Properties. “The new development provides an ideal location for their expansion, offering excellent visibility and proximity to their current location. It has been great to build a relationship with Simpson Strong-Tie, as we have learned a lot about their business through the development process. We look forward to the continued relationship and for continued success at InverPoint Business Park.”

Bryan Van Hoof with CBRE represented Simpson Strong-Tie in the transaction. R.J. Ryan Construction is the builder on the project, and Pope Architects is the architect.

About Simpson Strong-Tie Company Inc.

For more than 60 years, Simpson Strong-Tie has dedicated itself to creating structural solutions and technology to help people design and build safer, stronger homes and buildings. Considered an industry leader in structural systems research, testing and innovation, Simpson Strong-Tie works closely with construction professionals to provide code-listed, field-tested products and value-engineered solutions. Our engineered products and solutions are recognized for helping structures resist high winds, hurricanes and seismic forces. They include structural connectors, fasteners, fastening systems, lateral-force-resisting systems, anchors, software solutions, and product solutions for repairing, protecting and strengthening concrete. From product development and testing to training and engineering and field support, Simpson Strong-Tie is highly committed to our customers’ success. For more information, visit strongtie.com and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and LinkedIn.

MINNEAPOLIS (May 27, 2020) – United Properties announced today that Al Petrie has joined the company as vice president of accounting, effective May 11, 2020. In this role Petrie will report to Eric Skalland, chief financial and administrative officer.

Petrie is a Pohlad Companies veteran since 1999. He brings more than 20 years of experience in accounting and a strong history of financial leadership and strategic planning to this role. He began as an accounting supervisor at NorthMarq (formerly United Properties) and was promoted to corporate controller in 2004. In 2018 Petrie transitioned over to PaR Systems, where he served as corporate accounting manager. During his time at NorthMarq and PaR Systems, he played critical roles in real estate, construction, development and service company acquisitions.

As vice president of accounting at United Properties, Petrie is responsible for oversight and leadership for accounting, financial reporting, budgeting, forecast projections and compliance.

“Al has a proven track record of forecasting budgets, implementing integral financial programs and providing valuable oversight to development projects and acquisitions, and we are excited to welcome him back to United Properties,” said Skalland.

Petrie holds a Bachelor of Science degree in accounting from Winona State University in Winona, Minnesota.

Enjoy Business as Unusual Part I & Part II.

There’s no doubt that the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted nearly every aspect of our lives. The office world was thrown into an intensely different routine in a matter of days, and it may be some time before institutions return to any semblance of normal. With that in mind, we understand the pandemic’s toll on our people as we continue to adapt to this “new normal” during our ninth week at home.

Since the mid-March office closures, leadership, human resources, communications and the IT team have all banded together to swiftly transition the team to a work-from-home format. The message from the top has been this: Business will go on, but the health of you and your families comes first — you are safe and secure.

Though the show goes on, we cannot pretend we are the same and are not expected to. At the foundation of our business is our people, and people everywhere are struggling with change and uncertainty. Here are a few ways United Properties is mindfully caring for its people during this unprecedented time:

Clear & frequent communication

Our Executive Leadership Council has frequently sent out emails updating the team and reminding people we need to be flexible during this time understanding that we are all juggling different circumstances, that we should expect communication and responses from team members to perhaps come outside of normal business hours and respecting that people are working different hours to manage life at home, and providing weekly tips and tricks to keep us sane. Encouraging us to go for a walk, take a break, or take PTO whenever we need it is at the forefront of our communications.

Top-notch tech support

Long before the pandemic, our IT team had already equipped the United Properties team with laptops and work-from-home capabilities such as accessing important company databases and tools used every day, which has allowed employees to work remotely when appropriate. Post-closures, video conferencing centers, digital signatures, and vCards were swiftly socialized and adopted, and some employees have gone entirely paperless with the help of OneNote and other programs. That said, we were well equipped to transition into a long-term work-from-home format.

Connecting through Facebook group

A few days into the transition, we launched a private Facebook page as a company forum dedicated to mutual support, sharing and fun. So far, about 60 percent of employees have joined, and we’ve reacted to each other’s posts more than 1,500 times! Sharing photos of our kids, pets, plants and even company memories are keeping us all connected (and a little sane, if we’re being honest).

A focus on health & wellness

United Properties put its employees first early on by declaring a wellness day in which the whole company was given a Friday to prepare for the shelter-in-place order to take effect and spend time with family. This month, Human Resources jumpstarted the Wellness Wednesday initiative, which includes a weekly webinar or activity aimed to improve physical, mental and/or emotional health. Last week, we learned about how sleep impacts all other aspects of health from sleep medicine expert (and BizJournal’s 2019 Women in Business honoree) Sarah Moe!

Digital happy hours

Last but certainly not least, we don’t miss the opportunity to gather the full team for happy hour every once in a while! Our Executive Leadership Council has been hosting popular Skype happy hours to share company updates and maintain that distinct company culture and sense of team that we oh so miss experiencing in person.

Bottom line

United Properties has spent the last 103 years creating deep roots in the communities where we do business, and those deep roots are now more important than ever. United Properties and The Pohlad Companies (the company that owns United Properties) have made significant donations to local food banks and nonprofits focused on providing pandemic relief for our communities who need it most. COVID-19 has shown us what’s important in life, and together we will continue to preserve and write our history as the company continues to evolve in the face of change.

To all our partners, clients, neighbors and friends, look out for one another! It’s okay to feel unsure of what to do as we’re all living through a historic pandemic. Right now, we are all making history.

In solidarity,

The People of United Properties

Enjoy Business as Unusual Part I here.

Unprecedented times call for unprecedented kindness.

A lot has changed in a short time, and we are all trying to grasp the catastrophic impact coronavirus has wreaked around the world. What keeps us going is a reframing: This is an opportunity to demonstrate again that United Properties is resilient, and our relationships with our communities, our owner and one another are supportive and strong. We can adapt to this new normal.

Now is the time we most need kindness, yet we must be apart to curb the spread of the virus. For us, individually and as an organization, the important question is how can we be there without physically being there?

Here are just a few creative ways the employees and partners of United Properties unite in the wake of the pandemic to care for each other, our families and friends, as well as the communities where we live and do business.

1.   Love notes to our seniors

When our senior living communities began restricting family visits, Laura Peterson (associate asset manager, senior living) and her daughters channeled their creative energy into 10 handmade cards for resident members at one of our Cherrywood Pointe communities. Their thoughtful project brought many smiles!

5.   March food drive

We’d like to give a shout-out to Pequita Jordan (executive administrator) for her community giving leadership of United Properties’ March food drive. She and Lynn Camp (AVP & director of business development) refused to let the initiative slip, pursuing it through the closures. Read more about the response in Part I.

“It weighed heavily on my mind when we got sent home,” Pequita shared. “I did not want the food drive to sit, but I also did not want to overwhelm staff as folks are dealing with their own new reality.”

The Sheridan Story’s executive director recently called Pequita to express thanks for the donation and food collection. He reported that Sheridan has been providing 100,000 meals a week — five times the usual.

7.   New tricks & tools

We don’t know about you, but since the closures, our inboxes have been inundated. Early adopters within the office say that using a channel- or thread-based communication tool outside of Outlook has both relieved their inboxes and improved project efficiency. For example, Microsoft Teams allows users to organize conversations into threads by team or project. Team members then share files, thought processes and inspiration within that central hub, which allows for focused collaboration and simplified workflows.

Screen-shares, video conferences and electronic signatures have also become more intrinsic than ever before. Throughout the past five weeks, everyone has learned new tricks to maximize efficiency and maintain connection to teammates through this period of remote work.

8. The gift of “face-to-face”

Heartfelt thanks to the caregiver at our Cherrywood Pointe community who set up FaceTime for a resident after her memory care unit was placed under lockdown. The resident often does not remember her daughter, but when her daughter’s face appeared on the screen, the resident’s face lit up and she called out her daughter’s name. Truly priceless.

9.   Coping with loss

One of our own at United Properties lost her grandpa during the shelter-in-place. Grandma was beside herself, so our employee fixed up her old iPhone for Grandma. Despite anxieties over the senior living lockdown and figuring out her first cellphone, Grandma looks forward to Facetiming her three grand-girls throughout the week, talking about her day and remembering her sassy-sweet soulmate. Rest peacefully, Grandpa Richard!  1932­–2020

Trying times bring out the worst and the best — they bring out individuals’ and companies’ true colors. We must look out for one another and strive for the best. For us, this is what it means to create deep roots in the communities where we live and do business.

In solidarity,

The people of United Properties