MINNEAPOLIS — Big Brothers Big Sisters Twin Cities (BBBS) has purchased an 18,266-square-foot building situated along Washington Avenue in north Minneapolis. The facility will serve as the nonprofit mentoring and youth development organization’s new center of operations. Property renovations are slated for completion in late 2020. Earlier this year, BBBS launched a $5 million capital campaign to fund the purchase and renovation. Jaclyn May, Jeremy Striffler and Paul Donovan of Cushman & Wakefield represented BBBS in its search and acquisition. Gensler will lead design and Greiner will lead construction for the renovation.
NEW BRIGHTON, MINN. — Kraus-Anderson has begun construction on a $24.7 million expansion at Irondale High School in New Brighton, about 10 miles north of Minneapolis. Designed by Wold Architects and Engineers, the 80,000-square-foot project features seven new classrooms and breakout spaces, expanded hallways, open spaces, a 5,600-square-foot administration office, science lab and a 650-seat auditorium. Plans also call for the removal of the pool to accommodate a new fitness center and multipurpose area. Most of the project is expected to be completed by December 2020.
MINNEAPOLIS — A partnership between Kroiss Development and D/O Architecture known as TMBR Development LLC will break ground on a 10-story, 79-unit condo building in the North Loop of Minneapolis this fall. Known as TMBR, the project is the Twin Cities’ first timber-framed condominium. This type of construction is more sustainable than constructing with concrete and steel. Slated for completion in early 2021, the project will include 7,500 square feet of retail space, a green roof and electric car charging stations. Units will start at $450,000.
MINNETONKA, MINN. — The Opus Group has completed its first senior living community in the Twin Cities known as Orchards of Minnetonka. The 147-unit development offers independent living, assisted living and memory care. Amenities include a salon, chapel space, clubroom, community room and two dining areas. Outdoor areas include a putting green, gardening beds and orchard. Ebenezer Management will operate the property. Sperides Reiners Architects and Consilium Home made up the project team.
FERGUS FALLS, MINN. — Marcus & Millichap has brokered the $7 million sale of Red River Village in Fergus Falls in western Minnesota. Built in 2011, the apartment property includes 66 units that are designated for residents age 55 and older. Floor plans range from one to three bedrooms. Chris Collins and Evan Miller of Marcus & Millichap brokered the transaction.
EDEN PRAIRIE, MINN. — First Washington Realty has purchased Prairie Village shopping center in Eden Prairie for an undisclosed price. Specialty grocery store Kowalski’s anchors the 78,313-square-foot shopping center. Effective immediately, the asset will be rebranded as Eden Prairie Village shopping center. The property is 98.4 percent leased. This is First Washington Realty’s third property in the Twin Cities.
MINNETONKA, MINN. — Doran Cos. will break ground later this month on a new luxury apartment community in Minnetonka. The 175-unit property will be located at the intersection of Wayzata Boulevard and Fairfield Road near I-394. The project is the first Doran project led by Doran RE Partners LLC, a new independent development venture that pursues joint venture development deals relying on capital independent of Kelly Doran. At more than 20,000 square feet, the amenity space will feature a pool, spa, sauna, entertainment suite, clubroom, game area, fitness center, coworking space and outdoor grilling area. The community will include 35 income-restricted units at 50 percent of the area median income. The city of Minnetonka provided $4.8 million in tax-increment financing for the affordable units.
BROOKLYN CENTER, MINN. — Dougherty Mortgage has provided a $12.8 million HUD 221(d)(4) loan for the acquisition and rehabilitation of Unity Place in Brooklyn Center. The multifamily property consists of 11 two-story buildings. The property will undergo $5.2 million in renovations, including the construction of a new clubhouse building with a new management office, community room, fitness center, conference room and patio. In addition to the 40-year loan, the borrower, Unity Limited Partnership, utilized 4 percent low-income housing tax credits and tax-exempt bonds. Dougherty & Co. LLC underwrote the bonds.
MINNEAPOLIS — Starwood Capital Group has purchased the 57-story Wells Fargo Center in downtown Minneapolis for $315 million. Blackstone and Hines sold the office tower, which was designed by Cesar Pelli and completed in 1987. The property is home to an indoor pedestrian promenade with a 100-foot-high ceiling rotunda and a lobby. Tenants include a Wells Fargo branch bank, accounting firm KPMG and investment firm Castlelake LP. Starwood plans to renovate the building and add amenities.
ROCHESTER, MINN. — Kraus-Anderson Construction has completed The Hilton Downtown Rochester. Avra Hospitality will manage the 264-room luxury hotel, which will welcome its first guests on April 16. The top floor features premier suites with concierge services. Amenities include a rooftop terrace, fitness center, pool, sauna, steam room and spa. Onsite dining options include Benedict’s and Pittsburgh Blue Steakhouse. Rochester-based Titan Development & Investments in partnership with Chicago-based Harbor Bay Real Estate Advisors developed the project. HGA Architects and Engineers designed the hotel. First National Bank of Omaha provided debt financing.