The Minnesota Chapter of NAIOP, the Commercial Real Estate Development Association, has chosen 16 projects for special recognition. Announcements of these winning projects were made Sept. 26 during the 41st Annual Awards of Excellence event at the Metropolitan Ballroom in Golden Valley.

Ten of the 16 awards were won by suburban projects. Four winning projects are located in Minneapolis, including the mixed-use North Loop Green and the repositioned International Market Square. The special purpose award went to the Treetop Trail at the Minnesota Zoo in Apple Valley.

Forty-seven nominees were considered this year for NAIOP awards. The category of building reposition, new use had the largest number of nominees. For all categories, 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.

Upper Post Flats

Category: Building Reposition, New Use

Location: 6365 Sibley Ave., Fort Snelling
Owner: Dominium
Developer: Dominium
General Contractor: Weis Construction
Architect: BKV Group
Interior Designer: BKV Group
Size: 370,078 square feet

This affordable housing community was created through the restoration and rehabilitation of 21 unique buildings. Reflecting the period of 1933 to 1939, the Upper Post Flats maintain character-defining elements. Windows, finishes, trim work, and fireplaces were restored. Masonry walls were repaired. Modern features were added to the development, including garages, recreational areas, and walkways. A 2022 fire gutted the historic officer quarters, but the shell was still intact and used in the project. Dozens of organizations and agencies collaborated on this housing project designed to serve veterans.

Smash Park

Category: Hospitality

Location: 1721 County Road C W., Roseville
Owner: Smash Park
Developer: Smash Park
General Contractor: Rochon Corporation
Architect: DSGW
Interior Designer: DSGW
Size: 28,500 square feet

Smash Park is a new entertainment venue that’s designed for people dropping in for a drink or meal or attending a special event. It differentiates itself from other venues by providing spaces for activities that include pickleball, cornhole, darts, arcade games, and axe throwing. Several different types of materials were used to give the building a distinctive look. Those included wood, steel, precast, custom artwork, stone, glass, and metal. The project was completed on time and under budget. It’s located near other retail, including Lunds & Byerlys.

Nathan Lane Business Center

Category: Industrial, Build-to-Suit

Location: 5005 Nathan Lane N., Plymouth
Owner: N/A
Developer: Endeavor Development
General Contractor: RJ Ryan
Architect: Mohagen Hansen
Interior Designer: Pope Architects
Size: 105,000 square feet

This project is a redevelopment that’s near U.S. Highway 169 in Plymouth. It was designed and built as the U.S. headquarters for CFMoto, a power sports company. The first floor includes spaces for design, testing, distribution, and maintenance. The second floor contains offices, meeting rooms, and collaboration areas. The location once served as a peat mine. During demolition and site grading, the project team found several tanks buried onsite. After navigating site challenges, the team ultimately produced a state-of-the-art office and warehouse building.

Commerce Logistics Center

Category: Industrial, Bulk Distribution

Location: 1500 Commerce Dr., Mendota Heights
Owner: N/A
Developer: N/A
General Contractor: Gardner Builders
Architect: Pope Architects
Interior Designer: N/A
Size: 169,000 square feet

This project involved converting an old office building into a new business and warehouse space. There is high market demand for diverse spaces. The Commerce Logistics Center offers distribution accommodations, warehouse space, clean manufacturing, and flexible office areas. It incorporates precast walls because of their simplicity and sustainability. Two metal clad fins are featured in the design to break up the long plane of the building’s exterior. Two-story glass elements add dimension to the space and bring in natural light to the office areas.

Boulder Lakes Business Park

Category: Light Industrial, High Finish

Read more from this issue

Business to Business: Vote Harris

Why Parents Are Natural Entrepreneurs

The Tea on Jinx's Relaunch

Outfox Competitors Through Strategic Empathy

Location: 2999 Ames Crossing Rd., Eagan
Owner: United Properties
Developer: United Properties
General Contractor: RJ Ryan
Architect: Lampert Architects
Interior Designer: N/A
Size: 137,369 square feet

United Properties and the city of Eagan worked collaboratively to make this project a reality. Those efforts could serve as a model for the development of future industrial space in Eagan. The City Council, neighborhood, and other stakeholders posed conditions that ultimately were included in the final project. The building was constructed with wall systems that will ensure optimal energy efficiency. Windows in the structure far exceed what’s typical for industrial buildings. The installation of extra windows reduces the need for artificial lighting during daylight hours.

610 Zane

Category: Light Industrial, Low Finish

Location: 6601 94th Ave. N., Brooklyn Park
Owner: Ryan Companies US, Inc.
Developer: Ryan Companies US, Inc.
General Contractor: Ryan Companies US, Inc.
Architect: Ryan A+E, Inc.
Interior Designer: Ryan A+E, Inc.
Size: 324,299 square feet

610 Zane East and West are speculative industrial buildings that provided about 325,000 square feet of new industrial space to the Twin Cities market. The buildings offer a 32-foot clear height, and a loading court provides shared access for multiple tenants. The northeast corner of 610 Zane East is set at a 45-degree angle to address municipal requirements and to move away from the “square box” element of most industrial buildings. Ryan developed, designed, capitalized, and built the projects during a difficult economic time.

Bhatti GI Consultants & Southdale Specialty Surgery Center

Category: Medical/Medical Office

Location: 6500 Barrie Rd., Edina
Owner: Bhatti Edina Properties, LLC
Developer: MSP Commercial
General Contractor: RJM Construction
Architect: Pope Design Group
Interior Designer: Pope Design Group
Size: 48,627 square feet

This gastrointestinal clinic, located near Southdale Hospital, gives Edina-area residents a dedicated solution for digestive health needs in a rare combination of clinic and outpatient surgery center. With a 0.75-acre plot, the final design has a layout that features two parking levels and two clinical floors. To accommodate future vertical growth, foundational structural adjustments and a concrete roof deck were implemented. Mechanical and electrical systems also were strategically positioned to support additional levels. Despite compact space, the third floor houses five operating rooms, labs, and recovery areas.

North Loop Green

Category: Mixed Use

Location: 350 N. Fifth St., Minneapolis
Owner: Hines
Developer: Hines
General Contractor: Kraus-Anderson
Architect: ESG Architecture & Design
Interior Designer: ESG Architecture & Design
Size: 1,090,709 square feet

North Loop Green features a 34-story residential tower with 353 upscale apartments and a 14-story office tower. The development also includes 10,253 square feet of retail space. Designers of this mixed-use project wanted to create a distinctive development that was sleek, contemporary, and emotionally engaging. The exterior design complements the historic warehouse context. Natural finishes and materials were used on the interiors to celebrate the neighborhood’s industrial heritage. The project provides a new community-centered destination.

4th and Park

Category: Multi-Family, High-Rise (8+ Stories)

Location: 700 S. Fourth St., Minneapolis
Owner: MN Fourth & Park Tower LLC
Developer: Ryan Companies US, Inc.
General Contractor: Ryan Companies US, Inc.
Architect: Ryan A+E, Inc.
Interior Designer: Ryan A+E, Inc.
Size: 379,000 square feet

The 4th and Park apartments constitute the final phase of the Downtown East development. The project links the Mill District with the central downtown corridor. Amenities include the highest elevation outdoor pool in Minneapolis and clubrooms with views of downtown and Commons Park. The 13,000-square-foot private amenity park features 45-foot-tall trees that help create a serene urban retreat. A multimillion-dollar rooftop lighting system illuminates the night skyline and establishes the apartments as a landmark. The building offers several apartment sizes.

The Otto

Category: Multi-Family, Low-Rise (1-4 Stories)

Location: 601 Industrial Blvd. W., Waconia
Owner: Oppidan Investment Company
Developer: Oppidan Investment Company
General Contractor: Amcon Construction Company
Architect: Amcon Construction Company
Interior Designer: BDH
Size: 176,901 square feet

It took several years to secure site approval for this project, which now provides a strong multihousing option. The design was tailored to evoke lake life culture. Project amenities include a rooftop deck, clubroom, coworking lounge, theater, fitness center, and game room. Natural elements and serene color tones were selected for this housing development. Cork was used in the project because there are wineries in the area. The Otto residents are relatively close to dining, entertainment, walking trails, and Lake Waconia.

The Fred

Category: Multi-Family, Mid-Rise (5-7 Stories)

Location: 4660 W. 77th St., Edina
Owner: Solhem Companies
Developer: Solhem Companies
General Contractor: Weis Construction
Architect: BKV Group
Interior Designer: BKV Group/Martha Dayton Interiors
Size: N/A

This eight-story, 400-plus-unit apartment building is located in the heart of Edina. It’s called The Fred because it adjoins the Fred Richards Park. The building brings together resort-style living, work-from-home unit layouts, and access to nature. Unit types range from studios to two bedrooms. Amenities include indoor and outdoor sport courts, a state-of-the-art fitness center, a pub and clubhouse, rooftop patios, a library, and EV-friendly indoor parking. There are green roof elements within the center courtyard that feature native plants attractive to pollinators.

Bremer Bank St. Cloud

Category: Office Build-to-Suit

Location: 400 S. 2nd St., St. Cloud
Owner: Bremer Bank
Developer: Frauenshuh, Inc.
General Contractor: RJM Construction
Architect: JLG Architects, RSP Architects
Interior Designer: RSP Architects
Size: 20,000 square feet

Before this project could be built, the local school district had to sell the former Tech High School to the city of St. Cloud, Bremer had to sell its former branch office building to a local buyer, and the city of St. Cloud had to sell its site to Bremer for redevelopment. The project’s architecture brings classic and modern interior finishes. Bremer has moved from traditional bank teller lines to partner tables that support one-on-one conversations with financial experts. This project represents private investment and business retention for downtown St. Cloud.

Winthrop & Weinstine Expansion/Renovation

Category: Repositioned/Renovated, Tenant Improvement

Location: 225 S. 6th St., Minneapolis
Owner: N/A
Developer: N/A
General Contractor: Gardner Builders
Architect: Yellow Dog Studio
Interior Designer: Fluid Interiors
Size: 106,859 square feet

Lawyers and staff of Winthrop & Weinstine moved into a swing space for eight months so that their offices could be renovated. Single-size offices are evenly distributed throughout the six floors. There is expanded technology throughout different-sized conference rooms, small huddle rooms, and a large multipurpose room. The firm’s office investment is geared to creating a positive company culture and supporting revitalization of downtown Minneapolis. The new office design includes multiple employee lounges, coffee bars, wellness areas, and an outdoor deck.

Amira Minnetonka

Category: Senior Living

Location: 801 Carlson Pkwy., Minnetonka
Owner: United Properties
Developer: United Properties
General Contractor: ESG Architects
Architect: ESG Architects
Interior Designer: ESG Architecture & Design
Size: 341,870 square feet

This project serves people 55 and older with apartments that range from studios to three-bedroom floor plans. The building’s location offers easy access to food, retail, culture, and transportation options. Project planners wanted to create a sense of home among residents, so there are several shared spaces in the complex. The gathering points provide opportunities for residents to socialize, engage in daily activities, attend happy hours, and build meaningful connections with peers. A portion of the Amira units are designated for affordable housing.

International Market Square

Category: Space Reposition, New Use

Location: 275 Market St., Minneapolis
Owner: Eagle Ridge Partners & BLG Capital Advisors
Developer: Eagle Ridge Partners & BLG Capital Advisors
General Contractor: Steiner Construction
Architect: ESG Architects
Interior Designer: N/A
Size: 340,000 square feet

The five-story atrium is the building’s most distinctive feature. This project transformed the atrium into a modern third workspace for tenants and guests. The renovation focused on elevating the atrium and turning the adjacent former bistro into a tenant lounge. A five-story light fixture was added, and collaboration spaces with soft seating were created. Tenants now gather regularly in the atrium and use the built-in booth seating, freestanding meeting tables, and conference room. The building is on the National Register of Historic Places.

Treetop Trail at the Minnesota Zoo

Category: Special Purpose

Location: 13000 Zoo Blvd., Apple Valley
Owner: Minnesota Zoological Garden
Developer: N/A
General Contractor: PCL Construction
Architect: Snow Kreilich Architects
Interior Designer: Snow Kreilich Architects
Size: 75,000 square feet

The Treetop Trail project transformed the monorail into an accessible walking path. Supported by $39 million from public-private partnerships, the trail demonstrates the zoo’s commitment to inclusivity for all ages, backgrounds, and abilities. To renovate the trail, PCL Construction created a unique trolley system to work from above and address challenges such as working at heights of up to 32 feet and building over water and sensitive areas. The trolley, with a rubber-wheeled diesel tractor and guidance system, could move 30,000 pounds of materials and workers.

NAIOP Nominees for 2024 Excellence Awards

Sixteen NAIOP awards were given to outstanding projects this year on Sept. 26. Thirty-one other projects were recognized as nominees.

Here are the nominees by category:

Building Reposition, New Use

• 2441 Arts Building, St. Paul
• Advanced Technology Group, Savage
• MSP Commercial, Richfield
• Sanctuary Lofts, Minneapolis
• Twelve22, St. Paul

Industrial, Build-to-Suit

• Arbor Lakes Building 7, Maple Grove
• Chandler Industries, Blaine
• FedEx Ground Package Center, Rosemount
• Glenn Metalcraft Building, Princeton

Industrial, Bulk Distribution

• I-94 East Logistics Center, Woodbury

Light Industrial, High Finish

• Artis Blaine Building B, Blaine

Light Industrial, Low Finish

• Arbor Lakes Buildings 5 & 6, Maple Grove
• Dean Lakes Industrial Buildings, Shakopee
• InverPoint Business Park Building 4, Inver Grove Heights
• InverPoint Business Park Building 5, Inver Grove Heights

Medical/Medical Office

• Eagan Specialty Center, Eagan
• Highland Bridge Medical Office, St. Paul
• Lakeville Specialty Center, Lakeville
• TRIA GameFace, St. Louis Park

Multi-Family, Low-Rise (1-4 Stories)

• The Ellie, Eden Prairie

Multi-Family, Mid-Rise (5-7 Stories)

• Alcott, Minnetonka
• Carbon31, Bloomington
• The Laker, Minneapolis
• Maison Green, Edina

Repositioned/Renovated, Tenant Improvement

• Patterson Companies, St. Paul
• Sherman Associates, Minneapolis

Senior Living

• Theodore & Eloise Wirth on the Woods, Minneapolis

Space Reposition, New Use

• Skin Rejuvenation Clinic, Edina
• The Colonnade, Golden Valley

Special Purpose

• Tesla, Golden Valley
• Twin City Twisters, Champlin

NAIOP President’s Award

Veteran Ryan executive Collin Barr is the winner of the 2024 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.

Barr’s current role is president of Ryan Companies’ southern division. He leads operations and business strategy across the company’s southwest, south-central, and southeast regions. In addition, he provides executive oversight for Ryan’s national build-to-suit and retail sectors.

“Collin is an exemplary leader in the commercial real estate industry, both locally and nationally,” said David Anderson, president of NAIOP Minnesota, in a written statement. “His impact extends beyond the role he has had on countless projects and the growth of Ryan Companies.”

Anderson lauded Barr for his broad impact across the sector. “He has mentored numerous professionals who have become leaders and has been a tremendous advocate for the industry through his years of service on the NAIOP corporate board and support of NAIOP Minnesota initiatives,” said Anderson, a senior vice president with Frauenshuh, Inc.

Barr joined NAIOP in 1987, and throughout his long career his projects have helped define the Twin Cities’ landscape. He began his career with a developer role at Trammell Crow Co. He later led store development for Caribou Coffee in the 1990s.

In 1997, he became vice president of development at Ryan Companies, where he was a major force in downtown Minneapolis projects, including the U.S. Bancorp Center, Target’s corporate headquarters, and the Downtown East redevelopment.

The NAIOP President’s Award recognizes Barr for outstanding service to the commercial real estate industry, leadership within NAIOP, and civic involvement in the community.

Barr currently serves as vice chair of business development on the corporate NAIOP board. In addition, he’s a NAIOP Research Foundation governor. Barr serves on, has served on, or chaired boards for the Itasca Project, Bethel University, Urban Homeworks, Hospitality House Youth Center, and the Urban Land Institute. He is a past board chair of the Minneapolis Downtown Council.