UNITED PROPERTIES’ FORD CENTER RECEIVES LEED® GOLD CERTIFICATION

MINNEAPOLIS (Dec. 20, 2012) – United Properties announced today that Ford Center has been awarded LEED Gold certification. The LEED rating system, developed by the U.S. Green Building Council, is the foremost program for buildings, homes and communities that are designed, constructed, maintained and operated for improved environmental and human health performance.

Located at 420 Fifth St., Minneapolis, Ford Center received LEED Gold certification based on a number of important achievements, including high-efficiency mechanical systems that utilize a state-of-the-art under floor air delivery system; extraordinary daylight due to Ford Center’s large, fully restored windows; proximity to mass transit such as LRT and commuter rail services; and use of sustainable remodeling materials.

“Achieving LEED Gold certification was always one of our goals with the renovation of Ford Center, so we’re very pleased to have achieved Gold certification on this historic building,” said Bill Katter, executive vice president, United Properties.

Ford Center was built in 1912 and previously home to Ford Motor Company’s vertical assembly plant and showroom. United Properties recently completed a historic renovation of the 265,000-sq.-ft. building. The office building is 99.5 percent leased.

About United Properties
United Properties, based in Minneapolis, MN., specializes in commercial real estate development and investment. Since 1975, United Properties has provided development services for the retail, residential, office, medical and industrial sectors. In addition to a large presence in the Minneapolis-St. Paul market, United Properties’ Colorado division develops retail properties as well as office and industrial buildings. Formed in 1916, the United Properties investments group acquires, manages, finances and disposes of the company’s real estate investments, which includes nearly 60 offices, medical, industrial and retail assets in Minnesota, Wisconsin and Colorado. For more information, visit www.uproperties.com.

Media Contacts
Jessie Folkens
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jessie.folkens@marquettere.com

Martha Nevanen
952-893-7539
martha.nevanen@marquettere.com