Think Green – Benefits of going paperless

I know we’re all somewhat de-sensitized to the words “environmentally friendly” and “go-green” as companies abuse the terms as marketing approaches, such as labeling something “low fat” when it’s so high in sugar the full fat version would probably be healthier! ANYHOW… We, at APPRO Development and CERRON Commercial Properties, feel that we live on a pretty cool planet and would like to do our part where we can to take care of our neighborhood. In doing so, we are also finding ways for us all to save a bit of “green”, dollars that is!

We’ve made the switch over the past few months to create our subcontract agreements, change and purchase orders, and other documents using Adobe software so that we are able to send them via e-mail. The benefits in doing so are:

Quicker turn around time = more efficiency on the job site and increased workflow, this benefits the Owner of our projects tremendously by getting the projects started on time and keeping them on time!

Better communication = less chance for confusion and increased accuracy. Whether the job is here in Minnesota or on the plains of North Dakota or Montana, if there’s wireless coverage the subcontractor can view contracts or change orders in their e-mail inbox vs. needing to “check back at the office”. Any changes to the contract can be easily communicated with the Project Owner for review as well.

More $ in everyone’s pockets!!! By opting for electronic contracts, we are able to reduce the amount of supplies used, including: printer ink, paper, envelopes and stamps, the savings passed on to the Project Owner as well! Once the signature pages are printed and signed, they can be faxed or e-mailed back to us, therefore saving the subcontractor the cost of stamps and envelopes, along with providing a peace of mind that their documents will arrive quickly and safely to us.

Easy filing – We are saving our documents in PDF files so that they can be stored electronically to access for years to come. Once we scan all supporting documents and signature pages with the contract, change or purchase order, we e-mail a copy to the appropriate person(s) for their records, helping everyone to “be green”.

Call APPRO Development to discuss sustainable construction services for designing, constructing or remodeling energy efficient buildings.

Construction update!

APPRO Development has completed footings and is in the process of installing the Wells Concrete wall and roof panels at ConAgra Foods in Lakeville, MN. APPRO Development is the design build general contractor for the project.

The 27,700 SF addition will be used to expand ConAgra’s current shipping abilities and consists of 16 dock doors, trailer staging areas, and a truckers vestibule and office. The project is expected to be complete June of this year.

Construction of New Dental Office Completed

[caption id="attachment_409" align="aligncenter" width="448" caption="Elm Street exterior or new construction brick and cast stone"]

Immanuel Dental Clinic Farmington Minnesota MN

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APPRO Development

recently completed construction on a new dental clinic in Farmington Minnesota for Immanuel Dental. Dr. Linden Dungy is up and operational in the new facility having moved from his previous location in Farmington. The dental office is open for business! APPRO is excited to see the building come together for the Doctor and his staff.

Building features include a brick front to blend in with the downtown city environment. Efficient building components highlight awareness towards environmental friendliness. Energy efficient Pella windows and doors at the exterior, upgraded HVAC equipment, tankless water heater, energy efficient lights and higher insulation values in the walls and roof are some of the features.

accent lighting front reception desk featuring Cambria

Contact APPRO Development for your building needs!

APPRO Development was awarded the Design Build General Contractor for another warehouse addition in Lakeville, Minnesota!

APPRO Development is proud to announce that the construction of a new warehouse addition has begun at ConAgra Foods in Lakeville, MN. The 27,700 SF addition has expanded their current shipping abilities with the addition of 16 dock doors and a very large staging area for trailers. Construction is anticipated to be complete June 2012.

Reasons To Do Business in Dakota County

Sometimes we fail to acknowledge the value we have in the Twin Cities. Here is some information from a presentation made by Dakota County commissioners this fall.

What Businesses Want:

*Smart productive workers

*Innovation

*Growing Labor Force

*Easy access to markets

*Available, affordable facilities

*Robust, diverse economy

*Reliable, affordable services

*Pro-business leadership

*Great quality of life

Dakota County has a well-educated, productive workforce. 37% have a bachelor’s degree or higher compared to 32% State and 28% US. As of June 2011, unemployment was 6.7% with 76.8 % employed and 77.5% two-income families. Higher education is valued and we have access to dozens of world class universities and colleges. We have a history of innovation including Rollerblade, Northern Tools, Goodrich Sensor Systems, Image Trend and more. Dakota County saw a 12% increase in population from 2000 – 2010 and also an increased labor force. Accessibility comes in several forms, including MSP International Airport plus several smaller airports, Mississippi River barge transport, rail lines and 440 miles of well-maintained, well-connected system of highways—interstate, state and county. There is 5.6 million square feet of commercial/retail buildings, 14.4 million square feet of office space and 980 industrial buildings with 40 million square feet. If you need commercial, retail, office or industrial space, we have choices for you!

Dakota County believes in pro-business leadership and has the lowest county tax rate in the state! Plans for an extensive fiber network and Intelligent Community designation by 2012 are underway. There are six engaged Chambers of Commerce advocating for business.

Several Fortune 500 and 1000 companies from a variety of sectors create a diverse and robust economy. Businesses in Dakota County include Blue Cross, Blue Shield, CHS, Thomson Reuters, Flint Hills Resources, Fairview Ridges Hospital, Patterson Dental, and several growing small businesses such as Outdoor GreatRoom, Space Trailers, Bio Thera and Image Trend. There are 9,452 private sector firms with 148,130 employees. Manufacturing and health care sectors account for around 24% of total employment.

Dakota County has a high quality of life as rated by Money Magazine. Median household income is $69,545 with 77% ownership rate and lowest percentage of cost burdened homeowners in the metro area. Public schools average some of the highest ACT test scores in the nation with over 80% participation rate. There are several opportunities to access the arts, leisure and entertainment.

As you can see, Dakota County is a great place to live and work. Ask us if you have any real estate needs to grow your business. Our specialty is real estate in the south metro area of the Twin Cities and our motto is creating property solutions for you, with you.

Gear Up For Winter

It is very important in Minnesota to understand the impacts winter can have on both commercial buildings and residential houses. Such as making sure you have all your under ground sewer, water, power, phone, data, cable TV, are protected from the elements. This will save you time and money if something freezes.

There are many other ways to save on winter costs. Such as installing salt block at down spout so during the heat/cold thaw cycle’s water doesn’t freeze in your downspouts, draining exterior water lines on your commercial building or residential houses.

As a General Contractor for the last 20 plus years APPRO Development has repaired many winter damages due to no winter maintenances. Please call us today at APPRO Development if you need help winterizing this fall or winter.

Groundbreaking Ceremony – New Building Construction in Farmington for Immanuel Dental

A groundbreaking ceremony was held on Friday, August 5th for the construction of a new 3,000 sq. ft. office dental building in downtown Farmington for Immanuel Dental. Construction is anticipated to be complete by mid November for Dr. Linden Dungy to be open for business.

APPRO Development is providing the design build general contractor services for the project. Looking to build a new building or expansion? Contact APPRO Development today to get started!

New dental clinic in downtown Farmington!

APPRO Development is the design build general contractor for this new dental facility.

APPRO Development is proud to announce that the construction of a new dental clinic in Farmington, MN has started. Immanuel Dental will be moving from their current location at 511 Elm Street to their new location at 321 3rd Street upon completion of the project. This new building will be positioned between Gossips Bar and Grill and the Farmington Steakhouse. Construction is anticipated to be complete mid November.

APPRO Development is the design build general contractor!

Commercial Real Estate Financing is Back in the Twin Cities!!

After a three year hiatus – we would like to report recent contacts from both the banking and institutional lending communities looking to place capital in the commercial / industrail markets.

Refinancing, new mortgages, additions and construction financing are all eligible uses for these funds.

Institutional sources look to provide long term (15 to 25 years) permanent fxed rate financing. Current rates for commercial / industrail projects and re-fi are 5.5 to 6.25 % – fixed for the term. Some non – recourse loans are being considered again. Target loan amounts 3 million and up.

Banking sources are looking to provide construction and permanent financing. One bank shared – they look to place over 90 million dollars in commercial real estate in the next few months ! Target loan amounts 1 to 5 million.

Please call us at APPRO / CERRON – and we’d be happy to point you in the right direction for your consideration of any of your loan needs !

REFINANCING / REMODEL REFINANCE / NEW CONSTRUCTION

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Have the Federal tax credits for energy efficient products been extended for 2011?

On December 17, 2010, President Obama signed the Tax Relief, Unemployment Insurance Reauthorization, and Job Creation Act of 2010. This law extends the tax credits for energy efficiency into 2011, BUT at lower levels. The levels revert back to those in effect in 2006 and 2007, which were 10% of the cost of the improvement, up to $500, with a $200 max for windows, and several other set maximums. Info per the EPA.

Highlights:

10% up to $500 for insulation, roofs, and doors.

Windows capped at $200, but qualification now ENERGY STAR

Furnace and boilers capped at $150, and all furnaces and boilers must meet 95 AFUE

$50 for advanced main air circulating fan

$300 for air conditioners, water heaters, and biomass stoves

$500 lifetime limit. If you got over $500 in these tax credits from 2006-2010, you are not eligible for anything more.

Note these credits are for energy efficient home improvements and typically cannot be claimed by a company or corporation on commercial property. This information does not include available rebates from your utility provider.