MINNEAPOLIS (Oct. 16, 2023) — United Properties reaffirmed its commitment to social and environmental responsibility today with the formalization of its environmental, social and governance (ESG) initiatives and guiding principles. The company also promoted Janelle MacLean to the role of ESG manager last year, expanding on her extensive involvement in diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) and ESG within the commercial real estate industry.

Over the past year, MacLean has begun spearheading the growth and development of United Properties’ ESG strategies, working in close collaboration with company leaders to help identify and measure ESG practices, risks and opportunities.

“United Properties has been on a path to make a bigger and better impact on the communities where we live and work through strategic initiatives such as charitable giving, diversity and inclusion, and sustainability efforts,” says Matt Van Slooten, chief executive officer, United Properties. “In just a short time, Janelle has been instrumental in building on these efforts with the goal that we ensure everything we do is influenced by our core ESG principles.”

MacLean chairs the company’s ESG Advisory Group, in addition to UNITED Together, the company’s DEI committee. She also led the development of six ESG focus groups for green building certification, electric vehicle (EV) charging, vendor and supplier diversification, solar, governance and policy, and marketing and communications. The focus groups, comprised of internal experts, examine the company’s approach to each area and identify ways to update, refine and fill in gaps. MacLean is also leading a company-wide benchmarking project which will track and monitor the energy, water, waste, greenhouse gas emissions and ESG capital of each building operated by United Properties. This information will then be used to set reduction goals across properties.

“Our goal is to have ESG considerations incorporated in every practice and department at United Properties,” says MacLean. “And we’re taking concrete steps to realize our vision. Through our focus groups and benchmarking projects, we’re identifying best practices for how we build and operate our buildings in an efficient and responsible manner.”

MacLean brings over 15 years of well-rounded commercial real estate experience to her new role. She joined United Properties in 2018 as a senior investment analyst, where she performed investment analyses and partnered with asset management for both the operating and development portfolios. Prior to this, MacLean served as an asset manager at both CSM and Welltower. She has experience in asset management, property management and operations.

“My diverse experience in commercial real estate means that I know how different departments will be impacted by certain requests or initiatives,” adds MacLean. “We’re committed to being thoughtful about how we can create win-wins for all of us as we work toward a more equitable, sustainable future.”

MacLean is an active member of the Real Estate Racial Justice Committee, Racial Equity in Real Estate Stakeholders, Commercial Real Estate Diversity Collaborative (CREDC) and serves on the board for ROHO Collective. She holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Minnesota – Twin Cities, a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from the University of St. Thomas and her Real Property Administrator (RPA) designation.

Learn more about United Properties’ ESG initiatives at uproperties.com/esg.

MINNEAPOLIS (July 25, 2023) — CBRE has arranged the sale of the office component of RBC Gateway Tower, a newly constructed mixed-use tower in Minneapolis, Minnesota, for $225 million to San Francisco-based Spear Street Capital.

The transaction involves the 525,000-square-foot office space, the ground floor office lobby and 296 executive below-grade parking spaces. The seller, Minneapolis-based United Properties, was represented by Ryan Watts, Tom Holtz, Brandon McMenomy, Steven Ward, Greg Greene, and Harrison Wagenseil of CBRE.

“RBC Gateway Tower is a crown jewel in the Gateway District, with unmatched location and amenities. Premier properties like this offer exceptional workspaces that cater to the needs of modern employees, making them highly desirable as companies adapt to new workplace trends,” said Mr. Watts.

The 1.2 million-square-foot building, located at 250 Nicollet Mall, houses Minnesota’s first five-star hotel — the 222-room Four Seasons Minneapolis — and 34 luxury Four Seasons Private Residences on the uppermost floors. Three restaurants are also on-site, including Chef Gavin Kaysen’s Mara, a full-service restaurant and bar, and Socca Café. The office space is currently 99% leased to six tenants, including anchor tenant RBC Capital Markets, United Properties and Pohlad Companies.

“Our team set out to create a development that would add to — and invest in — the future of the city that we call home, ” said Chris Pohlad, chief of staff, United Properties. “We are proud to have added new energy to downtown by creating a connection point between the Central Business District and the North Loop.”

The sale did not include the Four Seasons Hotel & Spa or luxury condos located in the building.

About CBRE Group, Inc.

CBRE Group, Inc. (NYSE:CBRE), a Fortune 500 and S&P 500 company headquartered in Dallas, is the world’s largest commercial real estate services and investment firm (based on 2022 revenue). The company has approximately 115,000 employees (excluding Turner & Townsend employees) serving clients in more than 100 countries. CBRE serves a diverse range of clients with an integrated suite of services, including facilities, transaction and project management; property management; investment management; appraisal and valuation; property leasing; strategic consulting; property sales; mortgage services and development services. Please visit our website at www.cbre.com.

MINNEAPOLIS (July 19, 2023) — United Properties is pleased to announce the grand opening of Amira Minnetonka, its newest 55-plus active adult rental community, located at 801 Carlson Pkwy. in Minnetonka. This is United Properties’ third Amira community to open; locations in Bloomington and Roseville are fully leased.

“We are thrilled to welcome residents to their new home at Amira Minnetonka,” says Naomi Ohnstad, development director, United Properties. “Our aim is to have best-in-class communities that give older adults — including Baby Boomers looking to downsize — the freedom to focus their time and energy on what matters most: community, family, friends and their interests.”

Amira Minnetonka features 186 spacious, light-filled units ranging from alcove studio to three-bedroom floor plans. All rental units feature walk-in closets, in-unit washers and dryers, individual climate control and more. Many homes include a flex room that can be used as an office or hobby space, and most units feature private outdoor areas. Nineteen units are affordable, and rental fees for every unit are all-inclusive, except for electricity — making it an ideal option for 55-plus adults looking to budget monthly costs.

The active adult community’s on-site team manages day-to-day maintenance, freeing up residents’ schedules to utilize the community’s indoor and outdoor amenities, which include a golf simulator, library, yoga and fitness studios, an outdoor pool and hot tub, community gardens, fully furnished community rooms, a club room and sky lounge. Residents also have access to daily events and activities, such as community happy hours or an outing to a Twins baseball game.

Citing a recent surgeon general’s warning about the epidemic of isolation and loneliness, Ohnstad notes, “I’ve seen people move into our buildings and find a fresh vibrancy and zest for life after just a few weeks. Amira Minnetonka offers more than housing — it’s a true community.”

Conveniently located near Interstates 394 and 494, Amira Minnetonka has easy access to Carlson Towers, nearby walking and bike paths, dining and shopping. The location is also within three miles of downtown Wayzata, which offers local restaurants and retail, and picturesque views of Lake Minnetonka.

Additionally, Amira Minnetonka is United Properties’ first residential building to feature solar panels. The 40-kilowatt system will offset electrical costs in common areas while supplying power back to the electrical grid.

The community is professionally managed by Great Lakes Management. Additional project partners include Weis Builders, ESG Architecture & Design, Brue Baukol Capital Partners and Bremer Bank.

More information is available at www.amiraminnetonka.com.

MINNEAPOLIS (May 17, 2023) — United Properties today announced the appointment of Judy Jandro to vice president of capital markets. In this role, Jandro will work closely with Eric Skalland, chief financial officer and executive vice president of capital markets, to source third-party equity for new developments, acquisitions and recapitalizations.

“We’re thrilled to welcome Judy to the United Properties team,” says Skalland. “Her extensive commercial lending experience, strong business and financial acumen, and proven success building trusted relationships while being active in the community will be invaluable assets to us.”

As part of the capital markets team, Jandro will lead and coordinate all due diligence requests from prospective third-party capital partners to ensure timely closings, monitor equity capital markets, maintain strong contacts and manage capital relationships as a representative of United Properties. Her capital market monitoring responsibilities will include providing feedback to management regarding capital market trends, rates and structures, and sources to support decision-making and strategy.

Jandro joins United Properties with over 20 years of experience in the banking industry with a passion for providing capital to developers and small businesses around the country. Most recently, she was senior vice president of small business lending at Community Reinvestment Fund, USA, where she led a team of 15 people and was responsible for pipeline management, department planning, budget management, talent development, customer relations and vendor relationships.

Jandro holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the Wisconsin School of Business and a Master of Business Administration degree from Bethel University.

MINNEAPOLIS (May 9, 2023) — United Properties, one of the largest real estate investment and development companies in the Midwest, is pleased to announce the promotion of Laura Rogers to general counsel, senior vice president.

In her new role, Rogers will join the Strategic Leadership Team and provide legal guidance to management and transactional oversight. She and her team will focus on improving the efficiency of legal services provided by outside firms and streamlining internal processes. Rogers will also continue to manage the company’s insurance portfolio and claims, as well as the company’s dispute resolution needs.

“Laura is very insightful and provides a wealth of legal and industry knowledge,” says Matt Van Slooten, chief executive officer, United Properties. “I am pleased to recognize her talents and leadership with this well-deserved promotion.”

Rogers joined United Properties four years ago as the organization’s first in-house legal counsel, where she established a strong legal team and implemented strategies to effectively manage risk. During her tenure, Rogers has successfully helped navigate major legal milestones, such as the closing of the RBC Gateway loan and the licensing of the Four Seasons Hotel, the company’s expansion to the Austin, Texas, market and more.

“Laura has become a key member of our United Properties team, and I am excited to see her expand her role in our organization,” Van Slooten adds.

Rogers previously served as senior counsel at Empire State Development, where she worked on complex multi-party real estate development projects in the New York City metro area. She also served as in-house counsel to the Lower Manhattan Development Corporation for the post-9/11 redevelopment of the World Trade Center and revitalization of Lower Manhattan.

Additionally, Rogers worked as an assistant general counsel for the New York City Department of Transportation and legislative counsel for the New York City Council.

Rogers holds a bachelor of arts and a juris doctor degree from Indiana University Bloomington.

MINNEAPOLIS (May 1, 2023) — Minneapolis Glass Company celebrated the groundbreaking today of their new company headquarters at 610 Junction – West, a new Class A industrial development in Brooklyn Park. The project is being co-developed with Minneapolis-based real estate investment and development company United Properties.

“This exciting design-build project has been a true partnership between United Properties and Minneapolis Glass,” says Connor McCarthy, vice president, industrial development, United Properties. “We are delighted to create a state-of-the-art new home at 610 Junction – West for this dynamic, family-owned and operated company.”

Established in 1937, Minneapolis Glass is a woman-owned glass and glazing fabrication company that provides manufacturing, installation and distribution services. Their new headquarters at 610 Junction – West will house expanded glass and metal fabrication, global sourcing and distribution facilities, administrative offices and a consumer showroom.

“Our vision is to expand capacity, create efficiencies and bring our workforce under one roof,” says Jennifer Lang, owner and president, Minneapolis Glass. “It’s a dream come true to make our vision a reality.”

The new Brooklyn Park headquarters and centralized manufacturing facility will consolidate operations, and expand the company’s footprint to 115,000 sq. ft. With more space and new innovative equipment, Minneapolis Glass will increase capacity by over 50%. “A glass tempering line will enable us to vertically integrate our supply chain and meet the growing demands of our customers,” says Lang.

When looking at locations for this project, Brooklyn Park was an optimal choice for operational logistics, employee engagement and community involvement. 610 Junction – West is strategically located at the intersection of U.S. Highways 169 and 610, and is close to retail, restaurants and other amenities.
All 100 full-time employees will move to the new space, and the company plans to hire additional positions once moved in. “We have been a part of the broader Minneapolis community for over 80 years, and it is essential that we build our forever home right here in the metro,” Lang added.

The new headquarters is expected to be completed in 2024. Project partners include the City of Brooklyn Park, Lampert Architects, Sambatek and R.J. Ryan Construction.

About Minneapolis Glass Company

Minneapolis Glass is a woman-owned glass and glazing fabrication company that has provided manufacturing, installation and distribution services for their clients for more than 80 years. By continuously innovating manufacturing and installation processes, they eliminate the runaround to make business a little bit easier and a lot more predictable, and their craftsmanship experience ensures the best fit and function every time. Their integrated technology automates production, capacity planning, and project management for fewer surprises and faster fixes. Feedback and insights accelerate solutions that deliver not just great glass but exceptional experiences.

MINNEAPOLIS, MN (April 10, 2023) — United Properties, one of the largest real estate investment and development companies in the Midwest, is pleased to announce the hiring of Phil Cattanach as executive vice president of commercial development and the promotion of Karla Carlson to executive vice president of Amira, the company’s senior living brand.

Cattanach has an extensive background in development and market knowledge, having spent the last 13 years at Opus as a senior vice president and general manager, leading and managing the Minneapolis and Des Moines development offices. In this role, he will be responsible for pursuing development opportunities in all product types, helping United Properties grow and succeed in new areas, and preparing the next generation of development leaders. He will also be a part of the executive team, helping to shape and implement the company’s strategies and expansion plans.

“I am excited to welcome Phil to the United Properties team,” said Matt Van Slooten, chief executive officer, United Properties. “His breadth and depth of experience in the commercial real estate industry will be instrumental in identifying key growth opportunities as we continue to execute on our long-term vision for the company.”

Cattanach, a graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point and holder of a master’s degree in business administration from the University of St. Thomas, served seven years in the U.S. Army before joining Opus.

Carlson is being promoted to executive vice president, having previously served as vice president of capital markets. She will lead United Properties’ senior living team, strategizing, raising capital, and overseeing execution of the strategic plan to create outstanding senior living communities and meet investor requirements, supporting the company’s growth objectives. Carlson had a 14-year tenure at Capital Real Estate Inc., where she was a partner/vice president of development, before joining United Properties last year.

“Karla has had a tremendous impact at United Properties since joining the team a year ago, and I am pleased to announce this well-deserved promotion,” said Van Slooten. “She formed strong relationships internally and externally, and demonstrated strategic collaboration to create efficiencies. I am confident that Phil and Karla will excel in these new roles, build on United Properties’ established success, and lead us into a new phase of growth and innovation.”