2022 NAIOP Awards: Minnesota’s Distinctive Building Projects
The Minnesota Chapter of NAIOP, the Commercial Real Estate Development Association, has selected 17 projects for special recognition. Announcements of these winning projects were made Sept. 22 during the 39th Annual Awards of Excellence event at the Metropolitan Ballroom in Golden Valley.
Eight of the 17 awards were won by suburban projects. Three winning projects are located in St. Paul and one apiece in Grand Rapids and Rochester. Two Minneapolis projects won a total of four awards. The RBC Gateway building won two awards and the Four Seasons Hotel, located in the RBC Gateway, won in the hospitality category.
A total of 45 entries were considered this year for NAIOP awards. The judges evaluated the buildings on project development, function and design, architectural integrity, market feasibility, sustainable attributes, and unique project challenges. The winning properties are profiled below.
Four Seasons Hotel Minneapolis
Category: Hospitality
Location: 250 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis Owner: Gateway Hotel, LLC Developer: United Properties General Contractor: McGough Architect: Smallwood interior designer: N/A Size: 1,200,000 square feet
The 222-room Four Seasons is the only five-star hotel in Minnesota. The building is targeted to corporate travelers and leisure guests, including Twin Cities-area residents and Minnesotans who are making trips to Minneapolis. The hotel has the largest outdoor pool terrace in the city and features a bar, restaurant, and spa. In the landmark hotel, interior designers incorporated bright and calming colors, marble tabletops set against woolen carpets, and half-wall wood panels accented by brass details. Rooms are located on floors 23 to 30.
Kindeva Drug Delivery Corporate Headquarters
Category: Industrial, Build-to-Suit
Location: 11200 Hudson Rd., Woodbury Owner: Kindeva developer: Ryan Companies General Contractor: Ryan Companies Architect: Ryan A+E, Inc. (Core and Shell) and HGA (Interiors) Interior Designer: HGA Size: 137,897 square feet
Kindeva is a global supplier of development-driven pharmaceutical delivery solutions. Its new corporate headquarters was the first development in the Woodbury Lakes Business Park. The two-story headquarters provides space for corporate leadership and critical support functions, including research, development, and clean manufacturing. The project is set on a 12-acre parcel and required a complex capitalization structure, while the location needed extensive off-site improvements on a tight timeline. An agreement involving Kindeva, Ryan, and the city of Woodbury was negotiated to fund infrastructure improvements.
Golden Triangle Corporate Center
Category: Industrial, Bulk Distribution
Location: 7350 Golden Triangle Dr., Eden Prairie Owner: Opus Development Company, LLC Developer: Opus Development Company, LLC General Contractor: Opus Design Build, LLC Architect: Opus AE Group, LLC Interior Designer: Opus AE Group, LLC Size: 130,152 square feet
Functional industrial space in Eden Prairie was in short supply for more than 20 years. Located in the city’s Golden Triangle, this large building provides convenient access to I-494 and Highways 212, 169, and 62. The Class A building features 28-foot clear height, 19 dock doors, 182 parking stalls, and electric vehicle charging stations. The building includes flexible space customized to meet the needs of a variety of tenants. Glass curtain walls on the center’s north and east sides bring natural light into the building.
Cretex Medical
Category: Light Industrial, High Finish
Location: 8700 94th Ave. N., Brooklyn Park Owner: Cretex Medical Developer: United Properties General Contractor: R.J. Ryan Construction Architect: Lampert Architects Interior Designer: Mohagen Hansen
Size: 245,000 square feet
The facility houses stamping, molding, and tool design capabilities as well as advanced engineering and assembly services. The project allowed Cretex to consolidate key business operations into one modern, environmentally-sustainable facility. It also positions Cretex for accelerated growth in the medical device contract manufacturing market. The build-out offers an industrial look through the use of metals, while employing wood tones and pops of color in finishes and materials to provide warmth. The office includes collaboration spaces and offers coffee bars and comfortable seating.
InverPoint Business Park, Building No. 3
Category: Light Industrial, Low Finish
Location: 8360 Courthouse Blvd., Inver Grove Heights Owner: United Properties Developer: United Properties General Contractor: RJ Ryan Construction Architect: Pope Architects Interior Designer: Pope Architects Size: 108,000 square feet
InverPoint Business Park Building No. 3 was constructed in Inver Grove Heights. The structure is located west of Inver Hills Community College. The business park is a five-building master planned development that will ultimately provide about 475,000 square feet of industrial space. The building’s visibility and immediate access to Highway 55 positions it as a great location for a range of users. Demand for industrial space has been robust in recent years across the metro area. This project was designed at 180-feet deep.
Xchange Medical
Category: Medical/Medical Office
Location: 6099 Wayzata Blvd, St. Louis Park Owner: Xchange MOB Partners, LLC Developer: Davis General Contractor: Timco Construction Architect: Synergy Architecture Studio Interior Designer: BDH Size: 78,000 square feet
The Class A medical facility opened in November 2021 after six years of analysis and planning. Xchange Medical is home to a full-service ear, nose, and throat practice, a surgery center with six operating rooms, specialty ophthalmology services, and a laser practice. The facility features an exterior healing garden, a two-story living wall, and a timeless and modern design. The building exterior is crafted primarily of honed stone and locally-sourced brick. Large floor-to-ceiling windows allow for natural lighting and showcase the beauty of the outdoors.
RBC Gateway
Category: Mixed Use
Location: 250 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis Owner: UP Gateway, LLC Developer: United Properties General Contractor: McGough Architect: Smallwood Interior Designer: N/A Size: 1,200,000 square feet
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The 37-story RBC Gateway houses the U.S. headquarters of RBC Wealth Management, the Pohlad Companies, and a Four Seasons Hotel. It also includes 34 private residential condos, a public plaza with green space, and a street-level restaurant. After the murder of George Floyd and onset of the pandemic, RBC Gateway became a symbol of optimism for the city’s future. It was the most ambitious mixed-use development undertaken in Minneapolis in several decades. The project establishes the north end of Nicollet Mall as a premier destination.
Eleven
Category: Multi-Family Apartments/Condos, High-Rise (8+ stories)
Location: 1111 West River Pkwy., Minneapolis Owner: Eleven Minneapolis, LLC Developer: Arcadia, LLC, and Ryan Companies US, Inc. General Contractor: Ryan Companies US, Inc. Architect: Robert A.M. Stern Architects (design architect) and Ryan A+E, Inc. (architect of record) Interior Designer: Martha Dayton Design, RAMSA Interiors, and Ryan A+E, Inc. Size: 628,000 square feet
Eleven is the first building in Minnesota designed by Robert A.M. Stern Architects of New York City. Based on classical principles reinterpreted for modern living, the design was inspired by the simplicity of historic warehouse buildings along the Mississippi riverfront. Common areas evoke the feeling of New York high rises with high-end finishes and furnishings. Eleven features 120 homes ranging from 1,600 to 11,000 square feet with oversized windows, private terraces, and elegantly crafted interiors. The 42-story residential tower is located in the Mill District.
Carrick Tonka Bay
Category: Multi-Family Apartments/Condos, Low-Rise (1–4 stories)
Location: 5603 Manitou Rd., Tonka Bay Owner: Doran Development Developer: Doran Development General Contractor: Doran Special Projects, LLC architect: Doran Architecture Interior Designer: Doran Architecture Size: 187,989 square feet
Carrick Tonka Bay is a multi-family community located within walking distance of Lake Minnetonka, coffee shops, restaurants, and shopping. It’s minutes from downtown Excelsior. Each of the units offers its own private balcony or terrace, oversized windows, and top-of-the-line cabinetry and countertops. Building amenities include a fitness center with sauna, clubroom, entertainment suite, bike repair, and outdoor terrace. Exterior materials feature lake-life color themes of blues, whites, and grays on Cape Cod-style lap and shingle siding. The project is near pedestrian and bike pathways.
Alvera
Category: Multi-Family Apartments/Condos, Mid-Rise (5–7 stories)
Location: 337 West 7th St., St. Paul Owner: Ackerberg & Northland Real Estate Group Developer: Ackerberg & Northland Real Estate Group General Contractor: The Opus Group Architect: DJR Architecture Interior Designer: E. Christen Design Size: 129,389 square feet
Art is a defining element of this 193-unit apartment community in St. Paul’s West 7th neighborhood. The Alvera features a lively and artful façade, which is adorned with a mural from world-renowned artist Aaron De La Cruz. Inside is a commercial art gallery space to feature works from rotating artists. There also is an artist-in-residence program. Alvera is a pioneering creation because modular construction was used on this large and complicated project.
Randolph Square Office Building
Category: Office Build-to-Suit
Location: 335 Randolph Ave., St. Paul Owner: Wellington Management, Inc. Developer: Wellington Management, Inc. General Contractor: RJ Ryan Construction Architect: Pope Design Group Interior Designer: Pope Design Group Size: 83,800 square feet
Randolph Square is the fourth building in River Bend Business Park, a 22-acre development along the Mississippi River in St. Paul. The two-story building houses the Minnesota Health Licensing Boards. Coordination among the 17 boards, the Minnesota Department of Administration, and Wellington resulted in a multi-tenant building that meets the state’s needs and creates an inspiring office environment for employees. The fitness center, work café, rooftop deck, oversized windows for ample natural light, and convenient access to trails are designed to promote a wellness-oriented workplace.
RBC Gateway
Category: Office Multi-Tenant
Location: 250 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis Owner: United Properties Developer: United Properties General Contractor: McGough Architect: Smallwood Interior Designer: N/A Size: 1,200,000 square feet
RBC Gateway is anchored by its namesake tenant, RBC Wealth Management. Four other leases were executed before the project’s completion, which brought the building’s lease rate up to 96%. Office workers are located in RBC Gateway as well as visitors to the Four Seasons Hotel. Special attention was paid to balance the Level 1 lobby design for each use to maintain their own distinctiveness, yet remain subtly connected to one another. The project averaged 500 people working on the site for nearly three years.
The Pillars of Grand Rapids
Category: Senior Living
Location: 2060 SW 8th St., Grand Rapids Owner: Oppidan Investment Company Developer: Oppidan Investment Company General Contractor: HDC Development Architect: Kaas Wilson Architects Interior Designer: BDH Size: 140,000 square feet
The Pillars of Grand Rapids is a senior living community offering 120 apartments, which include independent living, assisted living, and memory care. Its location adjacent to the Grand Itasca Clinic & Hospital creates a health care hub to benefit the community. The Grand Rapids project is the sixth in Oppidan’s portfolio of Pillars senior living communities across Minnesota. Amenities include a pub, outdoor dining patio, maker’s studio, second-floor deck, and pickle ball court. Residents have views of the natural beauty of the woods and trees.
A-Side Public House
Category: Repositioned/Renovated, New Use (Tie)
Location: 754 Randolph Ave., St. Paul Owner: Travis Temke developer: N/A General Contractor: Terra Construction Architect: Little Box, Inc. Interior Designer: N/A Size: 7,422 square feet
This project involved renovating the historic Fire Station No. 10 in St. Paul. Located in a residential neighborhood, care was taken to manage noise, dust, and vibration during construction. A-Side Public House features a microbrewery, taproom, coffee shop, and second-floor event center. It was designed to be a place where the neighborhood residents could eat, drink, and gather. The space pays tribute to its history with fire station doors and references to Station No. 10. The structure was originally built in the late 1800s.
One Southwest Crossing
Category: Repositioned/Renovated, New Use (Tie)
Location: 11095 Viking Dr., Eden Prairie Owner: Eagle Ridge Partners, Long Wharf Capital Developer: Eagle Ridge Partners General Contractor: Steiner Construction Architect: Studio BV Interior Designer: Studio BV Size: 254,000 square feet
One Southwest Crossing was built in the mid-1980s. The renovation team thought it had great bones and was constructed with high-quality materials. The goal was to transform the dated, unused atrium space to a bright, open, welcoming third workspace for tenants and to incorporate emerging trends in commercial space while navigating the return-to-workspace climate. Project elements include informal meeting workspaces, an open-space conference table, and a new open-air staircase.
SunOpta Global Headquarters
Category: Repositioned/Renovated, Tenant Improvement
Location: 7078 Shady Oak Rd., Eden Prairie Owner: Eagle Ridge Partners, BLG Capital Advisors Developer: Eagle Ridge Partners General Contractor: Steiner Construction, Greiner Construction Architect: Sperides Reiners Architects, RSP Architects
Interior Designer: RSP Architects Size: 67,041 square feet
SunOpta’s products are sustainable, plant-based, and fruit-based food and beverages. The company wants to double its plant-based business by 2025. Its new headquarters was designed to accelerate the speed of innovation, foster collaboration, and model the company’s sustainability heritage. The renovation transformed an industrial warehouse and light manufacturing space into a progressive global headquarters and innovation center. The space was reimagined to include an open office environment. More than 30% of the building’s electricity needs are being generated from a large solar array.
Two Discovery Square
Category: Special Purpose
Location: 209 5th St. SW, Rochester Owner: Rochester 2 Associates, LLC Developer: Mortenson General Contractor: Mortenson Architect: RSP Interior Designer: RSP, Studio BV Size: 124,700 square feet
Discovery Square brings together those pursuing the future of health care with Mayo Clinic. A multi-phased development, it is projected to be two million square feet over the next 20 years and part of the Destination Medical Center master plan—the largest public-private economic development initiative in Minnesota history. Startups, researchers, educators, and companies collaborate and advance the biomedical technology and treatments of tomorrow. The success of One Discovery Square resulted in a backlog of tenant interest, prompting the development of Two Discovery Square that supports biomedical manufacturing.
NAIOP Nominees for 2022 Excellence Awards
Seventeen NAIOP awards were given to outstanding projects this year on Sept. 22. Twenty-eight other projects were recognized as nominees. Here are the nominees by category:
Hospitality
Civic on First Hyatt House, Rochester
Industrial, Build-to-Suit
Nordic Ware Expansion, St. Louis Park
Ultra Machining Company Expansion, Monticello
Industrial, Bulk Distribution
NorthPark Business Center 5, Brooklyn Park;
Southwest Logistics Center, Shakopee
Yankee Doodle Business Center, Eagan
Light Industrial, High Finish
Cirtec, Brooklyn Park
Pilot Knob Business Center, Mendota Heights
Light Industrial, Low Finish
Highview 610 Business Center, Brooklyn Park
Medical/Medical Office
MNGI Digestive Health, Vadnais Heights
Summit Orthopedics, Lakeville
Multi-Family Apartments/Condos, Mid-Rise (5–7 stories)
The Duffey, Minneapolis
Landsby on Penn, Richfield
Vue at Bluestone, Duluth
Office Multi-Tenant
Greystone Construction Multi-Tenant Office Building, Shakopee
Repositioned/Renovated, New Use
CPG Handicraft Guild Building, Minneapolis
Foss Swim School at Southdale Square, Richfield
Parkers Lake Commerce Center, Plymouth
O’Shaughnessy Distilling Company, Minneapolis
Repositioned/Renovated, Tenant Improvement
Associated Skin Care Consultants—Linden Hills, Minneapolis
Bell Bank Customer Experience Center, Minneapolis
Interstate Development, Eden Prairie
M&M’s World at Mall of America, Bloomington
Thermo King Phase 3A, Bloomington
Senior Living
AMIRA, Bloomington
Applewood Pointe, Eden Prairie
The Linden, Mendota Heights
Special Purpose
Sota Shine Car Wash, Waconia
NAIOP President’s Award
William Katter, president and development chief investment officer of United Properties Development, is the winner of the 2022 NAIOP Minnesota President’s Award. It is NAIOP’s highest honor, and the winner is selected by chapter leaders from a field of candidates nominated by members.
“Bill is one of the most intelligent professionals in the industry,” NAIOP President Ryan Bartley said in a written statement. “I’m impressed with his aptitude to quickly assess developments and determine value. Most importantly, Bill is a great leader with an incredible ability to build meaningful relationships.” Bartley is senior vice president-market officer of Link Logistics Real Estate.
The President’s Award is given to individuals who’ve demonstrated outstanding service to the commercial real estate industry, the NAIOP organization, and the broader community.
Katter, who earned a bachelor’s degree in humanities from the University of Minnesota, was recruited into his first development job at United Properties two decades ago.
In the Twin Cities and Denver commercial real estate markets, he has distinguished himself. Katter had responsibility for the purchase and/or development of more than six million square feet of office and industrial space for the company.
One of Katter’s most high-profile projects is the RBC Gateway in downtown Minneapolis that opened earlier this year. The skyscraper houses offices and the Four Seasons Hotel.
In the Twin Cities market, here are other key Katter projects: development of the C.H. Robinson corporate campus in Eden Prairie; acquisition of Plymouth Ponds Business Park; development of the LEED Gold 8200 Tower of Normandale Lake Office Park in Bloomington; adaptive reuse of 505 and 655 Nicollet Mall properties in Minneapolis; renovation of the Ford Center and Loose-Wiles historic buildings in Minneapolis, and development of the Be The Match headquarters in downtown Minneapolis.
For nearly 30 years, Katter has been a NAIOP member and he regularly spoke at NAIOP events. He volunteered as a mentor and helped young and new industry professionals build their industry networks.