Appro Development is constructing a new 30,900 S.F. ware house addition along with a 1,306 S.F. office addition in Lakeville MN.
Contact Appro Development with all your new construction and architectural needs.
In It Together
I am a member of a 150 year old Protestant denomination called “Covenant.” I have been learning more about our denomination’s history the last year or so, and some of its founding principles. One of its main principles is that we are all Christian brothers and sisters working together for the common cause of Christ. Our particular church location adopted the theme “in it together” this year, to emphasize the relevance and applicability of our denomination’s founding beliefs in today’s society.
I have recently realized that this motto is not just applicable for those in our denomination or for Christians in general, but for all people. It emphasizes a team spirit in accomplishing common goals such as our construction projects, and gives a positive way of looking at solving problems, when all team members realize that, when one of us has a problem, we all have a problem.
The above philosophy leads toward an all-for-one and one-for-all “three musketeers” attitude among team members, and can make a person realize that most any problem can be put into proper perspective and solved expeditiously, if one realizes how much potential support exists within the team in the form of the other team members.
I’ve expressed “in it together” to our customers and co-laborers on projects recently, and have been pleasantly surprised with how in agreement people are with the philosophy. Just talking about it builds team attitude. When problems later arise and we all work together to solve the problem, or when people abandon their own work efforts for a minute or two to help someone else who is struggling and needs a bit of help to keep their work going, it reinforces the team building in an even more demonstrative physical way.
“In it together” has become my theme verse this year in everything I do. It has comforted me, inspired and bonded together others, advanced our company’s goodwill with those we deal with in business, and will likely result in higher profits and more business. Why? When everyone works together to solve problems, problems are minimized, resulting in less cost to those who ultimately have to pay for the fix. And who wouldn’t rather work with someone more interested in the common good of solving each other’s problems than someone who points fingers and stands back to allow others to fail when they have difficulties? Not many people I know. And our customers generally have these same beliefs. They wouldn’t be very good business people if they didn’t recognize such common sense principles and their value.
In it together: Good for you, good for me, good for others. Give it a try! I guarantee you’ll like it!
Pat Simpkins,
PE, LEED AP, PMP
Project Manager, APPRO Development
Sustainable Commercial Development
Last night, I was watching an interesting program on Minnesota Public Television (TPT) called “Shaping the Urban Environment.” During the show they talked about the challenges and decisions communities are faced with when developing land in an area that has scarce and delicate natural resources. They began by explaining how commercial construction and even residential development of the past generations did not focus on their impact on the local environment, particularly. This piece just reinforced how important it is for development companies to make sure they are integrating green construction options for a sustainable future. This the best way for the commercial construction industry to make sure they are a focus on environmental sustainability. APPRO Development is committed to sustainable construction services and has been for 25 years.
Below is the link if you want to watch the whole program:
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.
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.
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 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!
On time Construction Services Pay off in Helping the Community
APPRO Development is providing construction management services for the Souris Valley Suites Hotel in Minot. Due to the recent flooding in Minot emergency workers have come to the city to aid in the cleanup. With rooms in short supply due to the flooding any available accomodations are welcome. Read press release below:
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Terry Alexander
Souris Valley Suites – Minot ND
800 37th Ave SW
talexander@dorahg.com
701-858-7300
www.sourisvalleysuites.com
Souris Valley Suites – Minot Opens Its Doors for Emergency Personnel
(Minot, ND)(Tuesday, June 28th, 2011) – Joel Feist with Real Builders, Inc. in Minot, North Dakota announced today that the Souris Valley Suites Hotel is nearing completion. The Souris Valley Suites is a Brand New Extended Stay Hotel.
With the cooperation of the City of Minot, the Minot Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB), and the Ward County Sheriff’s department the Souris Valley Suites was able to open its doors earlier than scheduled to house emergency personnel to help fight the flood. “We were very excited to help the city of Minot in its time of need,” says owner Joel Feist. “The hotel is still a construction site, but we saw an opportunity to help the community and the City of Minot officials agreed with us, granting a temporary Certificate of Occupancy for the next 2 weeks,” Joel continued.
Amazingly, the owners and operators of the Souris Valley Suites Hotel have agreed not to charge for any of the rooms being used. “We can worry about the business later. Right now we would like to concentrate on helping the community in this time of need,” says Joel. “This is a great opportunity for the Souris Valley Suites to become an immediate fixture in the community,” says Vincent Dora, Vice President of Dora Hospitality, a partner and the management company of the new hotel. “We are working very hard with Mr. Feist to make sure that the volunteer’s that have come to help the City of Minot has every conceivable amenity and are as comfortable as possible while staying in the hotel, while it continues to be built.”
“The Minot CVB would like to thank the people at the Souris Valley Suites for all they have done to help the city during this time. With high occupancy in Minot, locating hotel rooms can be a challenge and Souris Valley Suites stepped up to the plate in a big way,” says Minot CVB Executive Director Wendy Howe.
About the Souris Valley Suites
Comfort and convenience are always important in a hotel, especially when you’re planning to stay a while. The all-suites extended stay Souris Valley Suites in Minot, North Dakota, was designed with the needs of extended stay guests in mind. The rustic lodge décor creates a warm and inviting environment and a residential atmosphere that is enhanced by the friendly North Dakota personalities of our helpful staff.
Each of our 89 studio and one-bedroom guest suites are equipped to ensure a comfortable and rewarding extended stay. Each suite includes a full kitchen, quality bath amenities, and wired and wireless high speed internet at our hotel in Minot, ND. Start your day on the right foot with a complimentary hot breakfast buffet. Utilize our 24 hour business center to put the final touches on any project. Other onsite amenities at our Minot hotel include our Grilling Pavillion, Evening Managers Reception, Bakkan Lounge, Fitness Center, and Valley Market where you can purchase an array of items that you may need during your stay.
Additional Information may be found at www.sourisvalleysuites.com as well as http://dorahospitalitygroup.com.