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

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

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

Buy a Pair, Give a Pair

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

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

More Holiday Efforts

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

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

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

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

AUTHORED BY COLE STERR

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

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

Out With the New and In With the Old

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

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

Other Renovations

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Right Location

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

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

A State-of-the-Art Facility

Prime Landing is a great example of United Properties’ ability to work on large, complex projects with a discerning client like Prime Therapeutics, and we are proud to support them as they consolidate four separate locations into this new, state-of-the-art facility at Prime Landing.

Representing one of the largest office projects built in the Twin Cities this year, Prime Landing features a flexible, light-filled office environment with numerous conference rooms and meeting space options to promote internal mobility and collaboration. It also includes a meeting center featuring a 300+ seat auditorium for employee meetings; a fully-equipped fitness center and outdoor walking paths with views of Lake Shanahan; and a full-service cafeteria offering healthy, artisan food, a Caribou Coffee and visiting chain food options, along with an expansive dining area and deck overlooking Lake Shanahan.

Delivering on – and ahead! – of schedule

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

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

Learn more about Prime Landing on its project profile page.

Phase I complete; Phase II on track to open spring 2019

MINNEAPOLIS, (December 4, 2018)  – United Properties announced today that Phase 1 of the Prime Therapeutics’ LLC (Prime) new IT and operations campus, located at Interstate 494 and Dodd Road in Eagan, is now complete; Phase 2 is underway and on track with occupancy set to begin spring 2019. The 47-acre site overlooking Lake Shanahan is home to the new facility known as Prime Landing which will consolidate four of Prime’s current office locations in Minnesota. Prime is a pharmacy benefit manager serving 22 Blue Cross Blue Shield plans nationally.

“We are proud to partner with Prime Therapeutics on Prime Landing and pleased that approximately 900 employees have already found a new home in the Phase 1 portion of the project,” said Gordy Stofer, vice president, development, United Properties. Phase 2 occupancy is set to begin in the spring of 2019 – a full five months ahead of schedule.

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

Representing one of the largest office projects built in the Twin Cities this year, Prime Landing features a flexible, light-filled office environment with numerous conference rooms and meeting space options to promote internal mobility and collaboration. It also includes a meeting center featuring a 300+ seat auditorium for employee meetings; a fully-equipped fitness center and outdoor walking paths with views of Lake Shanahan; and a full-service cafeteria offering healthy, artisan food, a Caribou Coffee and visiting chain food options, with an expansive dining area and deck overlooking Lake Shanahan.

“The Prime development is part of the exciting and explosive growth happening in this area of Eagan,” Stofer noted. “This is a great example of United Properties’ ability to work on large, complex projects with a discerning client like Prime Therapeutics, and we are proud to support them as they consolidate four separate locations into this new, state-of-the-art facility at Prime Landing.” The final phase of the project will be completed in early 2020.

The project team includes:

• United Properties, lead developer
• HGA, architect and engineer
• R.J. Ryan Construction, general contractor – core and shell construction
• Greiner Construction, general contractor – tenant build out construction, and
• CBRE – investment sale brokers

MINNEAPOLIS, (November 27, 2018)  – United Properties has promoted Chief Financial Officer Eric Skalland to chief financial and administration officer, and Janelle Hielscher has joined the firm as the new vice president of accounting, it was announced today.

“Eric’s promotion recognizes his many talents and contributions to United Properties over the years,” said Bill Katter, president of United Properties Development. “Eric has consistently excelled at every assignment since he joined United Properties, and we are pleased that he will add these significant responsibilities to his leadership role. He is a trusted advisor with a deep understanding of both the investment and development businesses.”

Skalland will assume responsibility for managing the internal shared services teams that support both the development and investment groups of United Properties, including human resources, operations and administration, accounting, IT and risk management. In this role he will report to Bert Colianni, chief executive officer, Marquette Companies.

Skalland began his career with United Properties in 2007 as assistant controller, advancing to controller, chief accounting officer and most recently, chief financial officer. Prior to joining United Properties, he served as a senior financial analyst at CBS Radio, Inc., and as a senior associate with accounting firm Grant Thornton. Skalland holds a Bachelor of Science degree in accounting from the University of Minnesota – Carlson School of Management and is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA). He lives Maple Grove with his wife and daughter.

Janelle Hielscher named VP, accounting
Janelle Hielscher has joined United Properties as its new vice president of accounting, reporting to Skalland.

Hielscher began her career at RSM, spending nine years in the assurance services group. After leaving RSM, she spent a year as the director of corporate accounting at Walser Holding Company and most recently served for two years as the vice president of accounting at Sherman Associates. In her new role for United Properties, she will oversee accounting functions for the firm, and report to Skalland.

“Janelle brings a strong background in accounting and leadership,” said Skalland. “We are excited to have her join the United Properties team.”

Hielscher holds a Bachelor of Science degree in accounting from Winona State University and is also a CPA. She lives in Maple Grove with her husband and two dogs.

MINNEAPOLIS, (November 14, 2018)  – Matt Van Slooten joins United Properties today as co-president and chief investment officer of United Properties Investment LLC (UPI). Van Slooten will replace Eva Stevens, who will work with Van Slooten to ensure a smooth transition before she retires in December.

Most recently, Van Slooten served as president of commercial properties for CSM Corporation. Prior to that, he spent 25 years with Carlson Real Estate Company, advancing to the role of president, a post he held for thirteen years.

As co-president, Van Slooten will share responsibility for United Properties with co-president Bill Katter, who also serves as president and chief investment officer of United Properties Development (UPD), for leading and guiding the combined United Properties organization into the future. As chief investment officer for UPI, Van Slooten will be responsible for all aspects of portfolio and asset management of the company’s stable portfolio which represents more than 7 million sq. ft. across several markets, including Minnesota, Colorado, Wisconsin and Florida.

“Following a thorough national search, we are delighted that Matt will join United Properties in this critically important role,” said Bert Colianni, chief executive officer of Marquette Companies, LLC, a Pohlad holding company that owns UPI. “Matt brings many years of outstanding commercial real estate investment experience to United Properties, and we are confident he has the complementary skills and vision to partner with Bill to chart United Properties’ course into the future.”

“I am delighted to welcome Matt to United Properties and look forward to working closely with him and the entire United Properties team on our many exciting projects in the days, months and years ahead,” said Katter.

AUTHORED BY COLE STERR

Here at United Properties, we are committed to supporting the communities where we live and work, as reflected by our tree-like logo and brand statement of “Creating Deep Roots.”

We support organizations and missions that coincide with our company values – which is why we’ve partnered with The Nature Conservancy, an organization dedicated to conserving our nation’s lands and waters to better the health of our communities. Since we began our relationship with The Nature Conservancy in 2017, we have been working with the organization to evaluate and choose locations that need tree-canopy replacements in both Colorado and Minneapolis.

Together, we’re imagining possibilities of what not only trees and nature can provide, but what real estate and we humans can do to improve the health and well-being of the communities we serve.

Imagining Possibilities in Colorado

The Colorado Nature Conservancy is imagining possibilities with us and creating deep roots – literally!

The organization is committed to a tree planting effort in Globeville, a neighborhood of significant need in North Denver, Colorado. The community faces significant challenges that puts its environment and well-being at risk.

Back in October, The Colorado Nature Conservancy partnered with the Elyria-Swansea Coalition and The Park People for a neighborhood-wide tree planting day. This project began in the spring of 2018 and with intentional and direct community outreach, a block-scale and community-defined planting event blossomed. With more than 300 flowers, 60 trees and 400 shrubs planted, more than 120 community members and volunteers helped transform approximately 30 properties in the area.

Talk about leaving a lasting legacy!

Now, nearly a month later, TNC is following up with the area, ensuring that it is maintained with quality care and respect it deserves. With our donations, TNC has imagined possibilities by completing four tree plantings in the area, leaving 600 new plants in the ground and more than 130 trees.

Possibilities at a Local Level

We are also working with The Nature Conservancy here in Minneapolis to lead urban reforestation efforts in the Camden Neighborhood, located in North Minneapolis. The area was greatly affected by the path of the 2011 tornado, which incurred significant tree loss. TNC is working toward a full community tree-planting effort to increase forest diversity and transform the affected area into a highly usable and tree-filled space.

We have financially supported the The Nature Conservancy’s two chapters in 2017 and 2018 as part of our charitable giving program.

Together, we’re imagining possibilities of cultivating healthier, stronger communities.

United Properties and our valued partner Ebenezer were among the sponsors and participants at the 12^th Annual Senior Housing Summit, presented by Minnesota Real Estate Journal on October 25, 2018. The four-hour event gave an excellent overview of local and national trends, as well as insights from leading experts in the industry, including our very own Ray Oborn, President of Cherrywood Pointe Investments.

Let’s look at a few takeaways from the event and how the senior housing industry, as well as United Properties, is strengthening communities for today’s senior citizens.

Today’s seniors are savvy consumers.

Senior housing developers are competing not only with each other but with a boom in construction of general occupancy apartments. (One general occupancy property manager noted over 50% of his tenants are seniors.) To attract consumers to their properties, developers have had to become much more creative in building in next-generation amenities like pet spas and makerspaces.

Create a lifestyle, not just a place to live

That was the advice of Joyce Stupnik of bdh+young. Joyce identified four key components necessary to creating a lifestyle: engagement, enrichment, experience and enjoyment. She emphasized that design is not just a visual exercise, but one that should involve all five senses. And forget about bingo! Today’s program directors should think of a variety of enriching and engaging activities like wine tastings or bringing in speakers from the local university.

Details matter

Architect Chris Pakowitsch of BKV Group suggested site-specific differentiators. One California complex is planning an on-site vineyard, for instance. He also encouraged developers to think how branding can come into play in their projects. As an example, he showed a communal table with raw wood accents, which was created specifically for an outdoors-themed community.

The importance of community

Mari Strong, Chaplain at The Fountains of Hosannah!, shared moving stories of how communities can bring purpose and joy to seniors’ lives. One resident, whose handmade quilts were no longer needed at a local hospital, was able to redirect her donations to a global children’s charity, thanks to the resources and guidance of The Fountains of Hosannah!

Put seniors at the center of development

It seems obvious that the consumers come first, but several presenters acknowledged the difficulty of doing so while trying to “value engineer” projects. A few shared eye-opening experiences of helping their own parents choose senior housing and how it has changed their approach to their work. Ray Oborn challenged the group to invite actual residents to future Seminars, so attendees could hear first-hand from the people the industry serves.

These are just a few of the highlights from the Summit, which underscored the enormous opportunities – and real challenges – facing developers because of the “silver tsunami” that’s just beginning to hit the marketplace. Increased competition demands that developers continue to innovate, differentiate and stay up-to-date in the industry.

United Properties strives to be the best in-class real estate provider for seniors choosing to move into a community-based solution. By providing quality living spaces and keeping up with the senior housing trends, we aspire to bring joy to the lives of the seniors we serve.

AUTHORED BY COLE STERR

October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month. On this final day in October, we’re looking at some of the cool features implemented in buildings, including some of our own developments, to honor hard-working employees with disabilities nationwide.

First, every public accommodation needs to be up-to-code based on mandates from the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Common accessibility features include wheelchair ramps, elevators, retrofitted restroom stalls, automatic doors and braille communications.

However, there are some features that go above and beyond what’s mandated by law to accommodate employees with disabilities. Consider the following innovative features from The Guardian, a British daily newspaper:

• Quiet HVAC systems to cater to the needs of people with autism, who can be hypersensitive to sound, light and movement and help them feel at ease while in a public building.
• Simple, neutral and clean interior design to help employees feel a sense of calm.
• Adjustable height sinks and accessible toilets to accommodate those who are disabled so they can easily wash their hands and use the bathroom comfortably and efficiently.
• Drive-through lifts so that employees who use wheelchairs don’t have to turn around and position themselves in an elevator to get from one floor to the next.
• Ceiling hoists to lift and/or move employees who are disabled for increased efficiency and comfort.
• Beacon navigation systems that provide directions to people who are visually impaired while in a building. These systems usually provide audio cues via Bluetooth like “approaching escalator on right” or “automated doors on left.”

For more information, you can view the full article titled What would a truly disabled-accessible city look like? on The Guardian’s website.

Creating Deep Roots in Our Properties

At United Properties, we’re working to create deep roots with employees and tenants who are disabled so they can do what they do best in our properties.

Take the Kickernick building, for example. With its recent renovations, we gutted the lobby and re-routed the new entrance to accommodate disabled tenants and building visitors. We’ve also installed new push buttons and wheelchair ramps to make the new entrance more accessible. Additionally, there are heart defibrillators available in the building that can be tracked by an app on your phone in case anyone needs medical assistance.

As another example, at Prime Therapeutics, we included mental health notices on electronic message screens to encourage Prime employees to prioritize their mental health. This implementation encourages a healthy mental state in the workplace to accommodate those who may be dealing with stress on the job.

The Importance of Accessibility

Accessibility matters. It’s crucial that public space can be accessed, used and enjoyed by everyone using spaces, regardless of their physical abilities.

At United Properties, we’re striving to ensure our properties are inclusive and available for employees who are disabled so that we can fulfill our mission of creating deep roots within our communities. That said, happy National Disability Employment Awareness Month!

AUTHORED BY COLE STERR

Earlier this year, Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal featured our office on its MSP Cool Offices website page. After 35 years in Bloomington, our office moved to the heart of downtown Minneapolis, right in the middle of the skyway system. We were ecstatic to join the hustle and bustle of the innovative and modern downtown Minneapolis – with an office to match, too!

With a renovated office complete with branded interior, open concepts, collaboration and communal spaces, artwork and unbeatable views, we’re stoked that our office is considered “cool.”

But wait. What is a “cool” office anyway?

Let’s look at some of the most popular office trends of 2018 that make an office “cool.”

The Emerging Trends

Some of the main emerging office trends include increased collaboration and communal spaces, improvised working stations and brand visibility. Let’s break these down.

• Increased collaboration: Many offices now designate spaces that are meant for collaboration between co-workers. This includes pop up seating areas, technology-infused conference spaces and even bean bag chairs and ping pop tables to foster comfortable working environments. Take a look at one of our communal spaces – called the UP Park – for example.

• Hoteling: This trend reflects the fast-paced and flexible environment that working professionals oh so crave today. As more professionals have the option to work remotely, our clients channel efficiency and fiscal responsibility with a concept known as “hoteling.” This practice employs unofficial seating arrangements where employees don’t have an assigned cubicle, but rather come into the office and work anywhere for the day. This trend eliminates unnecessary office space and thus, reduces costs and allows room for efficiency and flexibility for busy employees. Huh, what a concept.
• Brand visibility: Ah, what a trend branding has become in the last decade. It’s now common – and almost expected – that a company’s office integrates brand elements throughout its space. Take a look at our brand wall below that features our signature work and key messages:

But wait, there’re more. Consider the following:

• Biophilic design elements: Oooh, fancy word. Biophilic basically means any natural elements incorporated into a design space whether that’s greenery, water features or rooftop gardens.
• Accessibility improvements to better suit employees with physical disabilities. This includes translation devices for employees who are hearing impaired, adaptive desks and wellness/meditation rooms.

Keeping Up with the Office Trends

As these office space trends normalize, we continue to imagine possibilities of providing comfortable and high-quality working environments for our clients, helping foster collaboration and teamwork.

We’re proud that we have imagined these possibilities and cultivated an inclusive, collaborative – and “cool” – office that matches our drive for innovation and desire to not only strengthen our own community, but the communities we serve, as well.