DETROIT — Michigan State University (MSU) has partnered with Apple to open the Apple Manufacturing Academy this summer in downtown Detroit’s First National Building. The academy will offer free in-person and online courses and will be the first of its kind in the United States. While based in Detroit, the academy will be open to companies nationwide. Apple engineers, along with experts from MSU, will consult with small- and medium-sized businesses on how they can implement artificial intelligence and smart manufacturing techniques. MSU also partners with Apple on the Apple Developer Academy, with support from the Gilbert Family Foundation. This academy, located in downtown Detroit, has graduated roughly 200 participants annually since 2021.
OMAHA, NEB. — A joint venture between Eastham Capital and Bender Cos. has acquired The Colonial, a 258-unit apartment community in Omaha. Eastham obtained a majority ownership in the deal through its current fund, Eastham Capital Fund VI LP. Bender, which has co-invested and partnered with Eastham on multiple projects, will oversee the day-to-day management. Parker Stewart and Alex Malzone of Northmarq brokered the sale. The Colonial is currently 95 percent occupied with average rents of just over $961 per month. the acquisition includes a renovation budget of $1.9 million, which will include interior unit renovations and exterior upgrades such as roof replacements, balcony repairs and parking lot enhancements. Built in 1967, the property features floor plans averaging 902 square feet. Amenities include an outdoor pool, community room, laundry facilities and storage lockers.
CLINTON TOWNSHIP, MICH. — Bernard Financial Group (BFG) has arranged a $3.6 million loan for the acquisition of an 80,160-square-foot industrial property in Clinton Township, a northern suburb of Detroit. Joshua Bernard of BFG arranged the loan on behalf of the borrower, BKG Dominion Capital Blvd LLC. A life insurance company provided the loan.
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Morgan Properties Acquires 11-Property Midwest Multifamily Portfolio for $501M
CONSHOHOCKEN, PA. — Morgan Properties has acquired a portfolio of 3,054 apartment units across 11 communities in eight states. Chicago-based Trilogy Real Estate Group was the seller in the deal, which was valued at $501 million. The communities — which are located in Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Missouri, Ohio, Oklahoma and Tennessee — were built between 1989 and 2018. Adam Doneger and Josh King of Newmark brokered the sale of 10 of the communities in the portfolio, while Walker & Dunlop brokered the sale of one property. Morgan Properties states that the firm plans to implement a value-add strategy to increase the marketability and comfort of the properties. Interior upgrades will include the installation of new flooring, appliances, cabinets and countertops, as well as smart home features. The new owner will also expand and refresh the onsite amenities. The acquisition expands Morgan Properties’ apartment holdings to more than 100,000 units across the nation. The Conshohocken-based development and investment firm now owns and operates roughly 360 communities in 22 states. “As we continue to strategically expand our national portfolio, we remain selective and opportunistic in this environment,” said Jonathan Morgan and Jason Morgan, co-presidents of Morgan Properties. “Morgan Properties has a proven …
SPRINGDALE, OHIO — Milhaus has partnered with Parse Capital to break ground on Slate, a 306-unit multifamily property in Springdale near Cincinnati. Located at 505 W. Crescentville Road, Slate will feature 216 garden-style apartment units and 90 townhomes across 22 buildings. Amenities will include a resident lounge, pool, coffee bar, fitness center and bark park. First Financial Bank is providing financing for the development, which marks Milhaus’ second project in Springdale following Array in 2023. Construction of Slate is slated for completion in spring 2026.
INDIANAPOLIS — PRP has acquired Cosmopolitan on the Canal, a 218-unit Class A apartment complex located along the Central Canal in downtown Indianapolis. The purchase price was undisclosed. Constructed in 2010, the community’s interiors remain in their original condition and will undergo a comprehensive renovation. The property is situated in the Canal Walk District and features a waterfront setting.
ST. PETERS, MO. — Marcus & Millichap has arranged the sale of Cave Springs Shopping Center in the St. Louis suburb of St. Peters for $22.1 million. The retail power center totals 176,804 square feet. Anchor tenant Hobby Lobby has operated at the property since 2003. The Edge Fitness Club serves as a co-anchor at the property, which was fully leased at the time of sale. Additional tenants include Office Depot, Cycle Gear and LongHorn Steakhouse. Craig Fuller, Erin Patton and Scott Wiles of Marcus & Millichap’s Institutional Properties Advisors division procured a local buyer completing a 1031 exchange. The sale included four outparcel buildings that the buyer can spin off during the hold period if desired, according to Wiles.
AVON, OHIO — Laurel Real Estate Co. has negotiated the sale of the Fairfield Inn & Suites hotel in Avon near Cleveland for an undisclosed price. The 82-room property is located at 39050 Colorado Ave. Amenities include an indoor pool, fitness center and meeting space. Laurel represented the undisclosed seller and was the sole brokerage involved in the transaction, which was considered an off-market deal.
JUSTICE, ILL. — Network Commercial Real Estate has brokered the $4.4 million sale of a 5-acre retail development site located at 8650 W. 79th St. in Justice, a southwest suburb of Chicago. Neil Haleem of Network represented the seller, Emaar Enterprise LLC. Jeremy Forman of Shai Town Realty Group represented the buyer, Quick Trip Corp. The site will be developed into a QT gas station and convenience store.
By Trina Sandschafer, AIA, Project Management Advisors Adaptation and reinvention are core parts of what makes American cities great, and Chicago is a prime example. Whether rebuilding, reimagining space for modern usage or creating new neighborhoods from formerly empty lots, the city has become known for its unique ability to bring new energy and life to formerly underutilized areas. Chicago knows how to reimagine the built environment and is leading the way with several transformative development strategies. Adaptive reuse: A well-tested Chicago tactic Chicago’s long history of adaptive reuse began with the pioneering residential loft developers. In the wake of nationwide manufacturing declines, these enterprising developers saw opportunity in the city’s largely vacant warehouses and manufacturing buildings. The success of these early loft conversions encouraged further reimagining of Chicago’s aging industrial and office stock into condominiums, apartments, offices, entertainment venues and hospitality spaces, which continue to this day. Now, adaptive reuse strategies are helping to increase the supply of housing and restore economic viability to communities dealing with the lingering impact of the pandemic on local businesses. Converting legacy structures to new and better uses is more environmentally sustainable and can be more cost-effective than demolishing older buildings and starting …