2023 NAIOP Awards: Outstanding Properties in Minnesota
Top left: Premier Marine; top right: Four Seasons; middle: Mara; bottom left: Amber Union; bottom right: Highland Bridge Photo: Mara by Caitlin Abrams
The Minnesota Chapter of NAIOP, the Commercial Real Estate Development Association, has chosen 15 projects for special recognition. Announcements of these winning projects were made Sept. 21 during the 40th Annual Awards of Excellence event at the Metropolitan Ballroom in Golden Valley.
Ten of the 15 awards were won by suburban projects. Three winning projects are located in Minneapolis, including the Mara restaurant and luxury residences in the RBC Gateway tower in downtown Minneapolis. St. Paul projects won two awards—both housing developments in the new Highland Bridge neighborhood.
Forty nominees were considered this year for NAIOP awards. Several of the nominees were in the light industrial and renovation categories. The judges evaluated the 40 buildings on project development, function and design, architectural integrity, market feasibility, sustainable attributes, and unique project challenges. The winning properties are profiled below.
Mara
Category: Hospitality
Location: 245 Hennepin Ave., Minneapolis Owner: N/A Developer: United Properties General Contractor: Zeman Construction Company Architect: AvroKO Interior Designer: AvroKO Size: 7,500 square feet
This Mediterranean-inspired restaurant is the vision of chef Gavin Kaysen in partnership with United Properties and Four Seasons Hotel. It’s located in the 37-story RBC Gateway tower. The open kitchen offers patrons an energetic, lively ambiance, and floor-to-ceiling windows provide significant natural light. The dining room and bar feature bold red plaster with splashes of gold, green, and natural wood. Showcasing cuisine from 22 countries, this restaurant blends function with luxury. Wood coffers on the ceiling create the sensation of sitting under a wooden trellis.
Premier Marine
Category: Industrial Build-to-Suit
Location: 1200 Minnesota Ave., Big Lake Owner: Premier Marine Developer: Envision Company General Contractor: RJ Ryan Construction Architect: Lampert Architects, Mohagen Hansen Interior Designer: N/A
Size: 170,000 square feet
This project took shape after Premier Marine, which manufactures pontoon boats, decided to move its headquarters from Wyoming, Minnesota, to Big Lake. Training and conference rooms and private offices are in the mezzanine. There’s an additional 15,500 square feet of office space on the first floor. Most of the building houses manufacturing and warehouse spaces. In the new facility, Premier Marine can increase annual production from 1,500 to 5,000 boats. The building, which incorporates boat shapes as design elements, was constructed to accommodate company expansion.
Zachary Distribution Center
Category: Industrial, Bulk Distribution
Location: 9450 Zachary Ln. N., Maple Grove Owner: N/A Developer: Endeavor Development General Contractor: RJ Ryan Construction Architect: Mohagen Hansen Interior Designer: N/A Size: 172,224 square feet
This bulk distribution center was developed upon a rare industrial infill lot that’s located south of Minnesota Highway 610. The building is 100% leased to Border States Electric and MTL, a trucking, logistics, and warehousing company. The structure has 52 trailer stalls and a 32-foot clear height. The project team dealt with the challenges of a harsh winter to complete this project on time and under budget. Also, poor soils at the project location were mined and buried on-site because of their limited structural properties.
Artis Blaine 35W Building A
Category: Light Industrial, High Finish
Location: 8611 W. 35W Service Dr. NE, Blaine Owner: Artis Reit Developer: Artis Reit General Contractor: RJ Ryan Construction Architect: Edward Farr Architects, Inc. Interior Designer: N/A Size: 118,500 square feet
Building A is part of a master-planned business park that provides new industrial construction with prominent frontage on I-35W. The development, Blaine 35, was designed to offer a good location for warehousing, distribution, and manufacturing facilities. Building A has a clearance height of 32 feet. When the three-building campus is completed, it will consist of 320,000 square feet of commercial space. Because of the growth of online shopping and home delivery, there is a huge demand for product warehouses, distribution hubs, and logistical sorting centers.
Read more from this issue
Nordeast Business Center
Category: Light Industrial, Low Finish
Location: 420 37th Ave. NE, Minneapolis Owner: Opus Development Company, LLC Developer: Opus Development Company, LLC General Contractor: Opus Design Build, LLC Architect: N/A Interior Designer: Opus AE Group, LLC Size: 130,440 square feet
This project was built on land that had been underutilized for more than 30 years. The center was constructed on an urban infill site to meet the demand for modern, efficient industrial buildings in an area with limited supply. The building provides 136 vehicle parking stalls, 22 dock doors, two drive-in doors, and 19 trailer parking stalls. Its clear height is 32 feet. The project had major environmental remediation costs because the site previously was used for linseed oil processing as well as a railroad spur.
Wayzata Specialty Center
Category: Medical/Medical Office
Location: 1120 Wayzata Blvd., Wayzata Owner: Wayzata MOB Partners, LLC Developer: Davis General Contractor: Timco Construction Architect: Synergy Architecture Studio Interior Designer: BDH Size: 16,310 square feet
Developer Davis spent nearly a decade trying to acquire the right site for a medical office building in Wayzata. Before construction could begin, about $800,000 was spent on environmental cleanup because a gas station previously had occupied the site. The center that ultimately was constructed features design choices to create a warm and welcoming atmosphere, including elongated glass windows and a grand light fixture at the front of the building. Defined by a brick and wood exterior, the building was nearly 80% leased by the project’s completion.
The Collection at Highland Bridge
Category: Mixed Use
Location: 800 Cretin Ave. S., St. Paul Owner: Weidner Apartment Homes Developer: Ryan Companies US, Inc. General Contractor: Ryan Companies US, Inc. Architect: Ryan A+E, Inc. Interior Designer: Ryan A+E, Inc.
Size: 460,000 square feet
This six-story housing project consists of a Lunds & Byerlys that is topped by 230 apartment units, ranging from studios to upscale penthouse suites. The development serves as the gateway to the new Highland Bridge neighborhood, which is being built on the former Ford plant site. To connect with historic St. Paul, the northern portion of the building includes brick arches, traditional cornices, and a signature tower element. The southern portion has a different aesthetic that is more modern and industrial. It has corrugated metal siding.
Four Seasons Residences
Category: Multi-Family Apartments/Condos, High-Rise (8+ Stories)
Location: 245 Hennepin Ave., Minneapolis Owner: N/A Developer: United Properties General Contractor: McGough Construction, Weis Builders Architect: MSR Design Interior Designer: MSR Design Size: 88,633 square feet
The 34 condominiums sit atop the Four Seasons Hotel, which is the only five-star hotel in Minneapolis. People who live in the condos have access to hotel services 24/7, a spa, and a pool. Ground was broken in 2019 on the RBC Gateway building, which houses the condominiums. Much of the project was completed during the Covid-19 pandemic and civil unrest in the city. The residences are offered in two styles—Nordic and urban. The residences feature floor-to-ceiling windows, large private balconies, and heated bathroom floors.
The Bowline at Mississippi Crossings
Category: Multi-Family Apartments/Condos, Low-Rise (1-4 Stories)
Location: 220 East River Pkwy., Champlin Owner: Greco Developer: Greco General Contractor: Frana Companies Architect: BKV Group Interior Designer: BKV Group Size: 308,000 square feet
This project is the first phase of a three-phase development that features market-rate apartments, community amenity space and connectivity, street-level walk-up units, and significant parking space within a highly landscaped park-like setting overlooking the Mississippi River. The four-story multi-family housing development is part of an overall Mississippi Crossings planned unit development. Tax-increment financing is being used. The Bowline brings together new housing, park facilities, public pickleball courts, an amphitheater, and a state-of-the-art public pavilion.
235 Lake Street Office Building
Category: Office Build-to-Suit
Location: 235 Lake St., Wayzata Owner: Pat Hughes Developer: The Excelsior Group General Contractor: RJ Ryan Construction Architect: Momentum Design Group Interior Designer: N/A Size: 50,061 square feet
This three-story building of Class A office space was constructed to match adjacent properties in scale, the city’s character, and Wayzata neighborhoods and commercial areas. An existing building was demolished to make way for this new structure in the heart of Wayzata. The project includes private and shared balconies, 29 underground parking stalls, lake views, and walkable access to local amenities. Design techniques were used to preserve sensitive areas such as streams, wetlands, wildlife habitat, trees and vegetation, and scenic points.
401 Lake Street East
Category: Office Multi-Tenant
Location: 401 E. Lake St., Wayzata Owner: Lothenbach Family Office leaders Developer: N/A General Contractor: Terra Construction Architect: Peterssen/Keller Architecture Interior Designer: N/A Size: 23,753 square feet
A building was demolished to make space available for a new three-story office building with a central courtyard, which provides natural daylighting into interior spaces. The new structure houses retail, office space, and parking. Classical proportions in the design and the use of high-quality materials evoke memories of libraries, historic banks, and other civic buildings. The building, located in the west end of Wayzata, includes a green roof and is surrounded by ecologically balanced landscaping. The property offers views of Lake Minnetonka.
Amber Union Apartments
Category: Repositioned/Renovated, New Use
Location: 1667 Snelling Ave., Falcon Heights Owner: Buhl Investors Developer: Buhl Investors General Contractor: Frana Companies Architect: Mohagen Hansen Architecture | Interiors Interior Designer: Mohagen Hansen Architecture | Interiors Size: 170,600 square feet
This project began in 2019 when Buhl Investors bought the 75-year-old office building, which has historic designation. Originally constructed for the Farmers Union Grain Terminal Association, this structure is located at the intersection of Larpenteur and Snelling avenues near the State Fairgrounds. A $57 million redevelopment converted the property into a 125-unit affordable housing complex. The facility consists of studios to four-bedroom units. Amenities include a fitness area, community room, and theater. The building was fully leased within four months.
The Cafesjian Art Trust
Category: Repositioned/Renovated, Tenant Improvement
Location: 4600 Churchill St., Shoreview Owner: Cafesjian Art Trust Developer: N/A General Contractor: Greiner Construction Architect: Mohagen Hansen Architecture | Interiors Interior Designer: Mohagen Hansen Architecture | Interiors Size: 20,418 square feet
This distinctive project began with the need to find a new building to house the large art collection of the late philanthropist Gerard Cafesjian, who was an executive at West Publishing. In a competitive warehouse building market, art trust principals made a successful offer on the building within 24 hours of its listing. The renovated interior showcases a collection of studio art glass, while the building’s exterior features different shades of blue glass paneling. Many arches define the interior, which also has an egg-shaped library, gallery, offices, and dining area.
Marvella at Highland Bridge
Category: Senior Living
Location: 825 Mount Curve Blvd. S., St. Paul Owner: Presbyterian Homes and Services Developer: Senior Housing Partners and Ryan Companies US, Inc. General Contractor: Ryan Companies US, Inc. Architect: Ryan A+E, Inc. Interior Designer: Senior Lifestyle Design and Ryan A+E, Inc. Size: 515,000 square feet
This senior living community was built on the site of the former Ford Motor Co. plant in St. Paul. Marvella consists of 220 independent living units, 40 assisted living units, and 40 memory care units spread across two multi-story buildings connected by a pedestrian skyway. Ryan Companies is developing Highland Bridge, and this senior housing was built in partnership with Presbyterian Homes. Marvella’s exterior contains stone, brick, and stucco. Eleven lenders financed this project, which features many amenities, including a pool and movie theater.
Animal Emergency & Referral Center of Minnesota
Category: Special Purpose
Location: 1160 Helmo Ave. N., Oakdale Owner: AERC Realty, LLC Developer: Oppidan General Contractor: RJM Construction Architect: KOMA Interior Designer: KOMA Size: 45,000 square feet
Since the pandemic’s onset, demand for specialized veterinary care has risen. The Animal Emergency & Referral Center of Minnesota was running short on space, so it decided to develop a new facility across the street from its Oakdale clinic. The new facility houses 24/7 emergency services as well as 11 specialty services. It’s been operating daily near full capacity. The new building features three lobbies. Different specialized doctors work on each level, so project planners wanted multiple lobbies so each of the floors would feel like its own clinic.
NAIOP Nominees for 2023 Excellence Awards
Fifteen NAIOP awards were given to outstanding projects this year on Sept. 21. Twenty-five other projects were recognized as nominees. Here are the nominees by category:
Industrial, Build-to-Suit
Blu Dot Global Distribution Center, Otsego
Industrial, Bulk Distribution
Cottage Grove Logistics Park, Cottage Grove
Light Industrial, High Finish
Gateway Interstate, Arden Hills
Light Industrial, Low Finish
Arbor Lakes Building No. 3, Maple Grove
Chaska Creek Industrial Phase 1, Chaska
InverPoint Building No. 2, Inver Grove Heights
NorthPark VIII, Brooklyn Park
Sanctuary Business Center, Blaine
Medical/Medical Office
610 Medical, Brooklyn Park
Maple Grove Specialty Center, Maple Grove
North Memorial Health Clinic, Blaine
Multi-Family Apartments/Condos, Low-Rise (1-4 Stories)
Waterford Bay Apartments, St. Paul
Repositioned/Renovated, New Use
Amp House, Minneapolis
Highway 8 Business Center, New Brighton
J.I. Case, Minneapolis
Open Arms of Minnesota, St. Paul
Schmitt Music, Bloomington
Repositioned/Renovated, Tenant Improvement
Crest Ridge, Minnetonka
Davis & Associates, Eagan
Groveland Tap, St. Paul
The Salvation Army Adult Rehabilitation Center, Minneapolis
Senior Living
Friendship Village Expansion and Renovation, Bloomington
The Hillock, Minneapolis
The Pillars, Lakeville
Special Purpose
Carillon Building, Edina
NAIOP President’s Award
Tim Murnane, president and CEO of Opus Holding, LLC, is the winner of the 2023 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.
Murnane has worked in the commercial real estate sector for more than 40 years, including 34 years with Opus.
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.
“Tim is a leader within NAIOP, embodying the core principles of the President’s Award,” says NAIOP president Jim Hoopes, chief lending officer for United Financials Capital, LLC. “His remarkable contributions to the commercial real estate community and NAIOP warrant this well-deserved recognition.”
A graduate of the University of St. Thomas, Murnane started working at The Opus Group in 1984. He went to work for another developer in the late 1980s, before returning to Opus in 1991.
He established the retail division at Opus. He developed the Maple Grove Crossings and Arbor Lakes and Woodbury Lakes lifestyle centers. He led the development of the Ameriprise Financial headquarters and The Carlyle in Minneapolis, as well as the Best Buy headquarters in Richfield and the Crescent Ridge Corporate Center in Minnetonka.
In 2010, he became president and CEO of Opus Holding, LLC. At that time, the company was in a rebuilding mode because of a serious downturn suffered during the global financial crises. He remains in that pivotal leadership role, which involves overseeing all operations of the operating companies that fall under The Opus Group umbrella. Those companies are Opus Development Co., Opus Design Build, and Opus AE Group.
During his long career, Murnane developed more than 30 million square feet of office, industrial, multi-family, and retail projects.
Murnane is a past NAIOP Minnesota president, and he served on the organization’s board. Over more than 30 years as a NAIOP member, he spoke at many NAIOP programs and was a mentor to people new to the industry.
He has served on several governing and advisory boards, including the University of St. Thomas Real Estate Program, the Urban Land Institute, the Minneapolis Downtown Council, the Minnesota Business Partnership, and St. Thomas Academy.
Murnane also has been a board member of Twin Cities RISE, which helps people in poverty gain skills and secure jobs.