AUTHORED BY COLE STERR

We’ve galvanized an awakening of the North Loop since the beginning of the neighborhood’s renaissance. From the Ford Center and Be The Match to Loose-Wiles, Kickernick and Target Field Station, there’s no doubt we’ve left a staggering vitality in the area. The Nordic, a retail/mixed-use property that will become the neighborhood’s “living room and backyard,” is one of our most recent advancements.

Just last week, a video of vice president Gordy Stofer was released on the North Loop Neighborhood Association’s website highlighting how the mixed-use tower is taking shape.

“The whole goal of the Nordic was to recreate the authenticity of a classic warehouse-style building with the modern efficiencies of a twenty-first century building,” says Stofer. This includes fostering a friendly public plaza with yard games making it a “consistently active environment,” a potential rooftop bar and private event space and maintaining the century-old brick character.

Some tenants of the building include WeWork, which will take up four floors of the building and Ovative Group, who is already working in the office. There’s also a residential component of this project called Sable, which is for-sale condos that will be the first of its kind in the North Loop, that adds a more modern authenticity.

The project is expected to be completed by Labor Day.

To keep up with more updates on The Nordic, follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn. You can also stay up-to-date with the North Loop neighborhood by following the North Loop Neighborhood Association’s Twitter page and visiting its website.

When event organizers put together the premier Doors Open event for the Twin Cities (held this past weekend across the City), they were banking on hearty Minnesotans flooding the open venues, rain or shine. And rain it did! But that didn’t deter visitors from coming out by the thousands, interested in a behind-the-scenes look at more than 100 buildings in the City of Minneapolis that are architecturally, culturally, or socially significant.

For example, at The US Post Office and the Federal Reserve Building, subject matter experts gave guided tours illustrating why these venues, and the people that work in them, are such marvels. At some of these venues, visitors waited up to 30 minutes at peak times for that behind-the-scenes look. You may have seen some of these tours showcased on television news segments over the weekend.

As one of the event’s contributing sponsors, United Properties held its Doors Open at The Kickernick, The Nordic, and Ford Center. While there were no waiting lines, there was definite interest in these UP-owned and operated spaces, with more than 1,000 people visiting our three open venues overall.

And the UP buildings didn’t disappoint. The Nordic’s beautiful, roaring fire in the lobby was an inviting spot for people to warm up before venturing out for another round of tours. Many Nordic visitors commented on how the building’s aesthetic definitely made it appear to have been standing, along with its neighbors, for more than a century. We heard kudos about how United Properties had definitely “done things right”, often noting that this isn’t always the case when new construction buildings are added to a historical landscape.

Among its steady stream of visitors at The Kickernick Saturday morning, the team welcomed Urban Sketchers of the Twin Cities. Urban Sketchers is a global network of artists who draw the cities where they live, along with destinations on their travel lists. The group included an architect who designed Ovative’s space at The Nordic, along with his talented elementary school-age son, who spent time drawing the Kickernick lobby and its surroundings. One of his drawings is included here!

And at Ford Center, HGA’s Bill Blanski welcomed more than 500 people over the two-day event, often sharing the Ford Center story to 30 people at a time. Bill shared that some people were hoping to see a restored Model T, and not just a restored lobby that used to show Model T’s!

Doors Open Minneapolis is a collaboration between the Minneapolis chapter of the American Institute of Architects and the City of Minneapolis. This year’s premier event offered the community a chance to explore the buildings that tell our city’s story. United Properties is proud to be a part of that story as we continue to enrich the community through commercial real estate.

Condos already 70 percent reserved; available units hit MLS this week

MINNEAPOLIS, (May 7, 2019) – United Properties and its partner Greco announced today that Sable, the residential component of The Nordic, will now be offered as for-sale condominiums. These residences were originally planned to be rental units. Sable has a total of 57 units and more than half of them have already been reserved without any formal marketing campaign. The remaining units will be available on the MLS this week. Sable is located on the Third Street side of The Nordic project, United Properties’ modern warehouse-style mixed-use development located at 729 Washington Ave. N.

“Sable is a unique opportunity to own a piece of downtown Minneapolis,” said Gordy Stofer, vice president, office development, United Properties. “We’re pleased to offer the first new construction condominiums available in the North Loop in 10 years and have seen strong interest from prospective buyers so far.” Units will be ready for occupancy in June 2019.

Sable’s model of ownership offers residents owner-occupied living with more flexible HOA terms than others on the market. “Sable is poised to fill a gap in the market, offering increased flexibility and affordability for owners. Because of this, Sable has been especially attractive for millennial buyers who have been previously priced out of the market,” said Stofer.

Condos range from $250,000 to $975,000 with spaces beginning at 450 sq. ft. to more than 1,500 sq. ft. While the majority of units are offered as studio and one-bedroom units, seven larger two-bedroom units are also available. Sable features a rooftop deck with two outdoor fireplaces, two outdoor kitchens and uninterrupted views of downtown Minneapolis. Other features include a first-floor members’ lounge, fitness center, same-level parking for each floor and loft-style aesthetics, including 10.5-ft. exposed concrete ceilings and polished concrete floors.

“In addition to its loft-style aesthetics, Sable offers buyers the flexibility to rent their units out on a short-term basis in one of the most desirable neighborhoods in Minneapolis,” said Josh Brandsted, president, Greco. “Sable will strengthen the neighborhood by providing new opportunities for ownership.”

The Nordic will feature an active public plaza intended for outdoor seating, lawn games, winter ice curling and food trucks in addition to condominiums and office space. Ovative is the first tenant to occupy The Nordic; spaces for WeWork, Galley Group and Thr3 Jack are all currently under construction with expected completion this summer.

Joe Grunnet with Downtown Resource Group is the listing agent and can be reached at joe@drgmpls.com or 612-244-6613. More information is available at sablempls.com.

First Neighborhood Restaurant and Indoor Golf Venue Planned for North Loop

MINNEAPOLIS, (April 8, 2019)  – Thr3 Jack invites guests to eat, drink and take a swing at North Loop’s first restaurant and indoor golf venue this summer. The 200-seat dining destination will feature elevated contemporary American food, along with state-of-the-art golf simulators designed for year-round play for guests of all levels. Thr3 Jack is the first restaurant and entertainment endeavor for owners and brother and sister duo, Lucy Robb and Bo Massopust.

“Bo and I have wanted to open a business together for as long as I can remember,” says Lucy Robb, owner of Thr3 Jack. “We noticed a gap in the market here in the Twin Cities. Our community loves golf, but unfortunately, the game is absent for six months out of the year. I’m not an avid golfer like my brother, so we wanted to create a space that will appeal to everyone.”

An upscale neighborhood bar and restaurant, Thr3 Jack elevates familiar dishes and brings excitement to comfort food. The thoughtfully-crafted menu offers refined, contemporary American cuisine, from craveable appetizers to classic entrees. Thr3 Jack will be open for lunch and dinner every day, along with brunch on Saturday and Sunday.

The cocktail program, created by Jesse Held of Earl Giles, will have playful twists on country club classics with a heavy rotation of seasonal flavors. Additionally, the drink menu will include local beers, a selection of wine and low and no-proof cocktails for those looking for something less powerful. The indoor / outdoor bar concept that Jesse designed will open up to a 50 seat patio, along with three ergonomic stations for service without the wait.

Nathan Rostance, previously of The Bachelor Farmer and Marvel Bar, has been brought on board to help with opening operations and logistics. “Bo and Lucy have assembled an incredibly talented team to help bring their idea to life,” he says. “I’m excited to be working with them to bring an elevated hospitality experience to the game of golf, and another great restaurant to the North Loop.”

Golfers will be able to reserve some of the simulators at an hourly rate, while a few will remain open to walk-in guests. The simulators will feature more than 70 world-renowned golf courses including Pebble Beach, St. Andrews, and Whistling Straits as well as target-based games, closest to the pin, and long drive contests. A PGA pro will be on staff during select nights to offer lessons and tips to those looking to improve their swing. But the simulators are not just limited to traditional golf, as additional parlor-style games will also be available – think golf-based versions of darts, corn hole, ski ball and a hunting game similar to Buck Hunter. Additionally, simulator rooms will be available to rent for screenings, private parties and special events.

Designed by award-winning firm, ESG Architecture & Design (ESG), Thr3 Jack embraces a welcoming and classic atmosphere of an authentic country club with a new spin. Wood moldings, plaid fabrics, rich leather seats and playful patterns are all intertwined with nods to the sport of golf. Complete with an 8,000 golf ball feature, indoor/outdoor bar, and a rentable private dining room with a golf simulator, Thr3 Jack encapsulates good golf vibes, without the grass upkeep.

Located in the new development by United Properties, The Nordic, Thr3 Jack will be located in 9,200 sq. ft. of space on the first floor, adjacent to an outdoor plaza. The Nordic also includes office space by WeWork, a food hall from Galley Group, nearly 60 residential units, and approximately 450 parking spaces.

Thr3 Jack will be open from 7am to 11pm Sunday through Thursday and from 7am to 1am Friday and Saturday. For more information visit Thr3Jack.com and follow on Instagram and Facebook @thr3jack.

Friendly introductions, coffee, nametags, picture-taking, and co-op home-hopping, all with much anticipation and excitement. Think college freshman orientation, but way better – 62 years of age or better to be exact. It’s all part of the process as future Applewood Pointe of Eagan residents see their new homes for the first time during the buyer walks.

As a cooperative community is nearing completion, United Properties and partners conduct eight days of buyer walks. During this critical stage of the buyer experience, project partners from Applewood Pointe, United Properties, and Weis Builders join the buyers with a detailed checklist to examine each of the units, confirm “options” (e.g., upgrades like granite countertops, hardwood floors, dark wood cabinets), and ensure quality. Each walk lasts two and a half hours.

“Each room is reviewed for cosmetic and functional imperfections several times,” said Residential Project Manager Lynn Mattioli. “It’s a big deal because the future residents actually own a share of this property, and that’s something many of them are proud of.” Lynn represents United Properties as the developer working with general contractor Weis Builders. She serves as an important liaison between these parties and the new buyers.

“This is going to be a fun group – it’s a really social bunch,” said Applewood Pointe Sales Manager Trudi Whitson. “It’s actually the only new resident group that got a social community together before we facilitated it. They call themselves the APES: Applewood Pointe Eagan Social. They’ve been meeting for months and don’t move in until this summer.”

“Our new friend Randy and his wife Debbie just took it on themselves to start gathering our third-floor neighbors’ contacts and getting things rolling,” future resident Andy Blaho shared. “We have meetings once a month where you come if you want to come. You see 30-40 people show up for lunch just to gab. It’s pretty cool!”

Once a week for eight weeks after move-in, United Properties staff host more structured coffee socials with the residents to get them acquainted and educated on everything from how to use the appliances to making the most of the amenities. United Properties senior management serve as the co-op board until the loans close and residents are settled and trained in their elected roles.

“We do help create structure based on residents’ interests,” Trudi shared. “We ask residents if they’re interested in the craft room or the hobby shop or the library. We gather those people’s information and share it with others who have similar interests. They often form committees from there, and it’s all run by an elected board of five, which operates on a budget with HUD [U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development] oversight. After we step away, it’s all maintained by the people who live here.”

This sense of ownership within a cohesive, controlled community seems to be a draw for many Baby Boomers looking to downsize.

“We looked at lots of places, not all of them were co-ops,” Andy said. “Condos, too, and these were nice places. More square footage than this and less expensive, but there’s no sense of community in those places. Here, everybody is 62 or older, and everybody comes from professions for the most part, so you already have a lot in common. Most people come here to stay active and connected – everyone is ready to meet new people in the same stage of life.”

Andy and his wife, Dee, weren’t planning to move in the short-term, but they received a mailer two years ago, saw “maintenance-free” and thought they would check it out. Dee shared their thinking behind the decision to downsize to a co-op instead of a townhouse after living in their home for over 30 years:

“It’s a different chapter for us, and we don’t have as much in common with young professionals or people with children – the more diverse residents you see living in townhomes. It can be more difficult to meet people and develop those close relationships when they’re off to work or school functions. What we’re looking for now is a broader sense of belonging with peers who are excited to contribute to the community we are all part-owners in. We want to enjoy this time together before we have to move to the nursing home.”

The opportunities to bump into neighbors while enjoying the amenities are what make co-op life appealing for those entering their golden years – again, like freshman year when everyone is settling into their social circles (just less stress and more fun). “They have Thirsty Thursdays and coffee every morning. They have a pool table downstairs, and in the back there’s going to be bocce courts and a putting green,” Andy shared. “It’s a social thing more than anything. When I go, I want my wife to have friends around her.”

A note from the author: This is a story that celebrates the women of United Properties. It’s not about defining anyone as just “a female in the industry.” It’s about acknowledging that though historically women have not filled leadership roles in commercial real estate, we have made progress toward achieving gender-balance and undoing hundreds of years of inequity. Congrats, UP, and cheers to the future!​

A CRE TREND TO CELEBRATE

In the world of real estate, the only constant is change. But there’s one real estate trend we’re especially excited to celebrate this week: the rise of women. In honor of International Women’s Day (IWD) Friday, March 8, we would like to give a special shout-out to the talented women of United Properties in Colorado and Minnesota. Despite the industry status quo, you are here – 41 women strong – contributing to projects that create lasting legacies for our communities.

Since 1911, IWD has been a day to celebrate the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women while bringing light to the inequities that persist. This year’s theme is #BalanceForBetter, and the campaign runs all year long. Gender-balanced workplaces don’t materialize overnight – we all have a role to play every day. World-renowned feminist, journalist, and activist Gloria Steinem said it best:

“The story of women’s struggle for equality belongs to no single feminist nor to any one organization, but to the collective efforts of all who care about human rights.”

Over the years, United Properties’ workforce has shifted from 52% women in 2016 to 59% today. After 41 years of work at United Properties in various roles, Corporate Compliance & Insurance Coordinator Ina Rae Noethe offered context on this data: “In the last decade, I’ve seen women promoted to higher leadership roles that at one time were strictly male-dominated. We have seen a trend where more women are working as developers, real estate brokers, department managers, and executive team members.”

While the progress is unmistakable, old habits (and ways of thinking) die hard. Prior to her start at United Properties, Development Manager Carrie Eggleston and a male colleague met with a potential client who would not acknowledge her when she spoke.

“He would not look at me and made several inappropriate comments about women throughout the site tour,” Carrie shared. “My coworker could not believe it. When the meeting was over, he was beside himself. All he could say was ‘I’m so sorry.’ That was an extreme case, but women do still face these things, so I was able to shake it off. My male colleague had never witnessed anything like it before. He couldn’t sit with it.”

​WOMEN RISE TOGETHER

Carrie joined United Properties in early 2017 and has been making an impact ever since. She now serves as president-elect for Minnesota Commercial Real Estate Women (MNCREW). She says her involvement in the organization has been invaluable, as the women of MNCREW opened doors she didn’t know were there.

“Whenever anyone reaches out for coffee, I never say no. Others in the industry – men and women – did it for me. But you can’t underestimate the power of working alongside other women and helping each other out,” Carrie said. “It’s not all about business either. I’ve made many lasting friendships through MNCREW.”

This sense of comradery among women is felt throughout the Minneapolis office: “I’ve found mentorship and support in my team. Brenda Arnold, Julie Hughes, Eva Stevens, and Marge Barenthin – my first boss at UP,” Development Accounting Manager Roxy Lutz said. “I never worried about asking for help or advice.”

In Denver, Vice President of Retail Development Alicia Rhymer has encountered many women in executive roles throughout her career. Her perspective suggests that perceptions truly are shifting: “I worked at 7-Eleven corporately for 5 years, and it’s more common to see women in retail development roles compared to office or industrial. The vice president of our entire development team was a woman, so I’ve never really noticed or felt that women were treated any differently.”

In the U.S., development roles are still occupied primarily by males. Women make up 32% of development jobs (CREW Network, 2015), compared to 20% in 2000. Alicia and Carrie are two of six women in development company-wide, including Courtney Schneider, Megan Turner, Mona Douillard, and Naomi Ohnstad. When Sr. Business Analyst, AVP, Lynn Camp started in 2015, only two women held development roles. Since then, all of these women have been on the rise, even through life’s big milestones.

“Growing up in southern Missouri in the late 1960s and early ’70s, women would hide their pregnancies until they no longer could, at which time they were typically fired or asked to resign from their position,” Executive Administrator Pequita Jordan shared. “When Lynn was on maternity leave with her third child, a much-deserved promotion was in the works! That would have never happened in the past. Being pregnant and taking maternity leave was seen as a problem.”

According to a study cited by LeanIn.org, motherhood still “triggers assumptions that women are less competent and less committed to their careers. […] Studies show that the ‘maternal wall’ women face when they have kids is the strongest gender bias.”

Pohlad Companies grants 12 weeks maternity and paternity leave – a progressive move that works toward a gender-balanced workplace. Roxy reflected on this sentiment: “I’ve noticed that today, men are taking time away from work to care for their children, just like I did as a mom.” ​

COMMUNICATION STYLES & PERCEPTION

According to LeanIn.org, a study of performance reviews indicated that while 66% of women received negative feedback on their personal style such as, “You can sometimes be abrasive,” only 1% of men did. The same report concluded that men interrupt women on average almost three times more often than they do other men.

A study of reviews reported by Fortune reflects this sentiment. Of 248 reviews collected from 28 different companies (including large corporations, mid-size, and small companies), 59% of reviews evaluating men contained critical feedback, while 88% of reviews evaluating women contained such feedback. Overall, “Men are given constructive suggestions. Women are given constructive suggestions – and told to pipe down.”

Why is this? Fact-check with yourself: Would the comment feel abrasive if a man were speaking? Is she being interrupted and responsively raising her voice? When women speak up, try not to interrupt or mistake confidence for abrasiveness. Silence doesn’t indicate passivity or lack of confidence either. According to Forbes, she’s probably just listening.

“I’m not the one who needs to be the loudest voice in the room,” Carrie said. “I participate and provide input, but my style is to sit back, listen, and learn from everyone around me. Sometimes this may be perceived as lack of confidence when that is not the case. But if your role calls for you to speak up more, you need to push yourself out of your comfort zone – I’m still working on that myself!”

Carrie’s first love was social work. Through her experience in child protection as a new grad, she learned how to build a case and hold herself accountable to decisions that had powerful impact on children’s lives.

“Business is the same in some ways,” she shared. “I’ve used my social work skills throughout my entire career. In development, there is no one right answer, but you do have to understand the rules, build a case, and persuade. You won’t always be right, but you must be assertive and confident in what led you to your decision, regardless of how it’s received.”

Alicia views her communication style and how she is perceived as a woman in development as an advantage: “Women inherently think differently, and I feel we bring a unique perspective into the industry. There’ve definitely been moments in my career where I’ve felt being a woman was an advantage. To me, success in the industry has more to do with earning respect through proving your knowledge and abilities in finding, establishing, and moving developments through the process and less about gender.”

Alicia also expressed that at times she must adjust her approach, depending on how her directness is being received.

“I’m not in my male colleagues’ heads, but I do think about how I am perceived. I’ve had to work on my approach because sometimes people don’t take it well if you’re direct and to-the-point. So sometimes I’ll soften it or add a lot of fluff. My directness has not been taken favorably by some men in the past. It’s very individually based and depends on the man, their perception, and we’re they are at.”

Advice and insights from UP women to those starting out in real estate:

Sr. Development Manager Courtney Schneider: “Work your tail off and be the ‘yes’ person – put your head down and earn your stripes. Don’t act as though you are above any task that needs to be done. Be a team player and chip in wherever necessary. Treat others with respect and act with integrity. Be the most valuable person to your boss and someone others want to be around, both personally and professionally.”

Development Manager Megan Turner: “Work harder than the person next to you, step out of your comfort zone, and don’t hesitate to provide your input.”

VP of Retail Development Alicia Rhymer: “Don’t climb too fast. I attribute so much of my success to the fact that I started from the ground and worked my way up through all aspects of the development industry. From paralegal, to construction, to entitlements and putting deals together. Those experiences helped me advance faster in the long-run – learning the different pieces, how they all fit together, and making the relationships along the way. Once you have the experience and gain that respect, the individuals who helped you grow – man or woman – will become your biggest champions.”

Proposed multi-building development slated for office and industrial use

DENVER (March 7, 2019)  – United Properties is pleased to announce that it has acquired an additional 43 acres to expand its successful INOVA Business Park in Centennial.

Located at the intersection of Lima Street and Easter Avenue in Centennial, the 43-acre, multi-building site will be named INOVA Aero and be slated for both office and industrial use, following on the heels of the development of INOVA I and II.

Initial plans for the new site include up to 480,000 sq. ft. of industrial or 300,000 sq. ft. of build-to-suit office space and an additional 225,000 sq ft. of industrial. INOVA Aero represents the last infill site in the southeast market that is west of the Centennial airport and is zoned for these uses, making it an attractive location for many potential tenants, according to Matt Oermann, senior development manager, United Properties.

“We’ve been very pleased with the response to INOVA to date, and we are excited to continue that momentum,” said Oermann. “The flexibility of uses allows us to consider multiple site plans and attract interest from a variety of clients.”

In United Properties’ first phase of development, INOVA Office I and II, tenants responded positively to the proximity and easy access to I-25, higher parking ratios and highly efficient floor plate designs. INOVA Aero will follow a similar template, Oermann said, adding that, “Many tenants still desire parking ratios at 6 per 1,000 and higher. We can provide that, while still being within a mile and half of I-25.”

INOVA Aero’s first phase will have two industrial buildings totaling 157,000 sq. ft. with anticipated completion during second quarter 2020.

Jason Addlesperger and Dave Lee of Newmark Knight Frank handled the transaction and are representing United Properties in leasing and build-to-suit opportunities.

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.