Industrial Production Facility Construction Nears Completion: Mankato, MN

Imperial Plastics Industrial Production Facility Construction Nears Completion in Mankato, MN

The newest industrial production facility construction by APPRO Development, Inc. is nearing completion. A Temporary Certificate of Occupancy (TCO) has been issued on the Imperial Plastics Mankato project (click link to see more project photos). Owner furnished equipment installation (e.g. process piping, racking and cranes) is well under way and the final interior finishes are being installed which include: carpet, paint, and ceramic tile, to name a few.

It does not seem all that long ago that APPRO Development, along with representatives from near and far, came to celebrate the groundbreaking ceremony for Imperial Plastics as they kicked off construction of this 124,000 SF (approximate) manufacturing/production facility. Although, it was a whole lot sunnier and warmer back in August than it is now as we near the end of January 2014, the time has gone by rather quickly and we find ourselves nearing the time to turn over the keys. APPRO Development is targeting the end of February to turn the building over to the owner.

Do you have an existing building in the Mankato area and wondered, “what can I do with an existing warehouse building?” You may need some design ideas or a free market analyis. Or, possibly a new building is in your future, as you address your company needs. It is never too early to contact our professional team. Our no obligation initial consultation may provide just the answers you have been looking for. These were the first steps in working with this client and we would be happy to help you find a solution for your business, too. Contact our knowledgeable, friendly team today.

Manufacturing Trends to be Thankful For in MN

Manufacturing Trends

2014 Predictions in the Manufacturing Industry

Manufacturing Trends to be Thankful For is an article we read this morning in the online publication of Industry Week. All of us, in MN or the Midwest for that matter, who are either in the manufacturing industry or have close ties to the manufacturing industry, are eager to see what the days of 2014 will bring. According to this article, “Favorable Forecast: Five Manufacturing Trends to Be Thankful For” by John Mills as published in Industry Week (online), 2014 might just prove to be year for which to be thankful!

According to the article, the following are the top five trends to watch this year:

  1. Improvements in 3-D printers
  2. Business returning from China
  3. More ‘real-time’ enterprises
  4. The rise of the project economy
  5. More access to data

As Mills states, “no one has perfect foresight” and it certainly would be nice if we did! However, in the meantime, by measuring trends and current data available, we are optimistic for our colleagues in the manufacturing industry. We hope 2014 results in the optimistic forecast, as it benefits not only MN, ND, WI, IA, SD, MT in the Midwest, but our great nation as well!

APPRO Development is a general contractor specializing in property solutions for manufacturers across the Midwest for more than 27 years. APPRO assists business owners find optimal property solutions that may result in renovations, expansions, additions or new commercial buildings to meet the ever changing needs of the manufacturing industry in Lakeville (55044), Apple Valley(55124), Burnsville(55337), Eagan(55123), Hastings(55033), and all of Dakota, Scott, Rice, Carver, Ramsey and Hennepin counties as well as Mankato and surrounding communities of Blue Earth in Minnesota. If your commercial or industrial space needs are changing as the result of a great 2014, contact our team today to help you minimize impacts to your manufacturing schedule, meet your budget requirements, and assist you in making 2014 a great year!

MN Snow Day – Fun Friday!

MN Snow Day – Fun Friday Facts

MN Snow Day - Do Not Try this at Home Kids… DO NOT try this at home! (Picture Source: A Christmas Story, 1983)

Well, Gov. Dayton has officially declared Monday a “Snow Day” for all schools in the state of Minnesota. So, even though our state’s snow day is due to extremely cold temperatures predicted, around here at the offices of APPRO and CERRON, we wanted to share some of our own snow day fun links:

Top 11 Super Cool Snow Sculptures

12 Face Freezin’ Snow Creations

So, whether you are in the office burning the midnight oil or working from home this coming MN Snow Day, the entire Team at APPRO and CERRON wish you a very Happy, Warm & Safe Snow Day, as we start off the New Year!

P.S. Our offices will be open for business – we are a hearty bunch of Minnesotans after all!!

 

Purchase I-35 Land Now: Lee Lake Commercial, Lakeville, MN

Ready to purchase I-35 Land? Lee Lake Commercial Lots are Available in Lakeville, MN

Purchase I-35 Land Now at Lee Lake in Lakeville, MN. These picturesque lots are the ideal location for retail or office with excellent freeway exposure garnering 83,000-103,000 vehicles per day in traffic counts. The site may also be an ideal location for senior housing or a memory care facility, as this property is located in C-3 zoning district (which was recently approved for this type of use by the City of Lakeville – (see Star Tribune article, Nov. 24, 2013). Additional use options may include apartments (re-zone), medical, restaurant or hotel.

Conveniently located on the southwest corner of I-35 and CR-46, this 13.91 (saleable) acre site is divisible to one (1) to two and a half (2.5) acre lots to meet your needs. Water, sewer and electricity are available on this site and multiple site options and configurations are available to review.

Join area businesses which include: Starbucks, Fitness 19, SuperAmerica, KwikTrip, Leo’s South, KFC, McDonald’s, Brunswick Zone, Gander Mountain, Pizza Ranch, HOM Furniture, AmericInn, Cracker Barrel, and Fleet Farm to name a few.

Lakeville is a growing community and is anticipated to be Dakota County’s largest city by 2040 according to a recent Vision Study completed by the City of Lakeville.

Great demographics, great traffic counts, and a great community. Now is the time to purchase a lot at Lee Lake. See our Lee Lake Commercial Lot listing page for additional details and a full brochure.

Call our friendly team today to learn more about this property and to discuss site options at CERRON Commercial Properties, a full service Real Estate brokerage.

Senior Housing – Great News for Lakeville, MN

Senior Housing about to get a boost in Lakeville, MN

Image Source: Simon Quinton via Flickr

Senior housing is about to get a boost in the City of Lakeville as Lakeville’s City Council recently approved a change in the zoning code to allow for more senior housing (assisted living) and memory care facilities in commercial zoning districts which previously did not allow this type of use.

You may read a recent article in the Star Tribune HERE.

If you have been considering building this type of project, please contact our team at APPRO and CERRON. We have CERRON Commercial Properties available in the City of Lakeville and a team with the knowledge, expertise and vast experience to help you navigate the process to bring more senior housing options to the residents of Lakeville, MN.

Commercial Architect – Services by APPRO Development

MN Commercial Architect

Commercial Architect - APPRO Development - MNThe commercial architect services by APPRO Development, provides our clients attention to every detail – within their budget and time frames – to create unique commercial spaces. We recently completed a project for Erik’s Bike Shop which is now located in St. Paul just off of Ford Parkway. This commercial construction project illustrates the design process involved with the remodeling of this commercial retail building. We met with the owner to determine site feasibility, design the new space design and to discuss the details of this specific site and its impact for this local bike retailer.

Our initial steps in the process were to create plans that not only met the owners needs and requirements, but also with the City of St. Paul and State of Minnesota officials. As a commercial architect with more than 26 years of experience, we put our expertise to use to work with city officials to obtain the necessary permits and to follow the guidelines involved in commercial building. Our process initially includes a competitive bidding phase in which we invite pre-approved subcontractors to submit bids for our projects. This allows us to present the best priced product to the owners with whom we work. We work with a team of highly skilled subcontractors to execute the building plans. When the plans and budget are determined and agreed upon by all vested parties, a design-build contract is put in place and the construction work begins (in some instances, it makes sense to place a design contract in place initially, and then add the construction contract further along in the process).

Our talented design/architecture team along with our expert project management team oversees each and every one of our projects from initial inception to final completion. Project managers work closely with the owners, subcontractors, architect, and city and state officials to ensure streamlined communication with all vested parties in the project. If materials or finishes change during the project, those changes and associate costs are made known to the owner. The owner and subcontractors are then issued change orders to document the agreed upon changes.

Upon completion of the project, a walk-through with the owner and exit interview is scheduled to review the projects, and to determine if any outstanding items remain for the final completion (e.g. plantings or seeding in the spring). A substantial completion form is also issued at this time and the warranty period begins.

Our entire team makes every possible effort to not only meet the expectations of our clients, but to exceed them! We are not happy until you are. If you would like to discuss a project you have in mind, or simply have more questions about our process, please do not hesitate to contact us. An initial conversation costs you nothing more than a few minutes of your time, but could save you much more by choosing to start that initial conversation with a reputable commercial architect.

CONTACT AN ARCHITECT
APPRO Services

Lakeville Manufacturers Appreciation Reception 2013

This Year’s Lakeville Manufacturers Appreciation Reception Was the Best!

Mayor Little & Adam K at Manufacturers Reception 2013 - photo by APPRO Development Mayor Matt Little and Adam Kienberger, Economic Development Specialist announce awards from the prize drawing

The APPRO and CERRON team had the opportunity to attend the annual Lakeville Manufacturers Appreciation Reception this year, and found it to be the best in many years (if not ever)! We sincerely appreciated the opportunity to connect with many of our local neighbors; some we have known for years, and some we met for the first time. Every time we attend the event, we learn something new and that is what makes it so much fun! The businesses in Lakeville are doing some amazing things.

This event is hosted by the City of Lakeville, and was sponsored by MN Energy Resources, Xcel Energy, Frontier and Dakota Electric. This invitation only event was held at the Holiday Inn in Lakeville, MN, just off of I-35 and Kenrick Avenue, on Tuesday, October 22, 2013. In attendance were City of Lakeville staff, City Council Members, Economic Development Commission members, and a diverse representation of the manfacturers & businesses in the Lakeville community. The event is held to celebrate Manufacturers Appreciation Week (October 20-26, 2013). According to the City of Lakeville’s website, “Lakeville has over 3,100 manufacturing jobs amongst 150 businesses. Thank you to all of our manufacturers for being a part of Lakeville’s business community!”

Just shy of 40 companies attended this event and engaged in some great networking and recognition of the manufacturers in our community. If you were considering attending and just didn’t have the opportunity, we urge you to try to make it out to next year’s event. Great reason, great food, great people – you can’t go wrong!

We are grateful to continue our 26th year as a part of this great Lakeville community! If you are Manufacturer in Minnesota and would like to discuss a possible project, give our team a call. We are happy to answer any questions you may have!

 

South Metro Building Expansion Nears Completion: Lakeville, MN

QA1 Project Expansion Nears Completion of South Metro Building Expansion

South Metro Building Expansion, by APPRO Development, is just a couple weeks away from completion. This commercial project is an addition onto an existing building for QA1. The site of this project is located in the Airlake Industrial Park located in Lakeville, in the heart of Dakota County, Minnesota.

As you can see, much progress has been made:

QA1-Project Nears Completion by APPRO Development

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

QA1-Project Nears Completion by APPRO Development-2

You may track the continued progress of this project by linking directly to the progress page for QA1. Over the next few weeks, we will be wrapping up landscaping, final lift of asphalt and completion of gutter/downspout.

 

Also, if you missed it, you may view the initial Groundbreaking festivities at the onset of this project by reading our previous blog post for the QA1 kick-off. You may also visit QA1’s website for additional information about their company.

 

If you are thinking about expanding or remodeling your current office, warehouse, industrial or retail facility, feel free to Contact Us today. We would love to work with you and your company on a south metro building expansion project, too!

MN BACK TO SCHOOL MARKET UPDATE

MN BACK TO SCHOOL MARKET UPDATE

Back to School - RE Market Report 2013The kids are off to school. It’s time to close up the cabin and focus on getting something done before year end. Fall is always a busy time in the Minnesota commercial real estate market, as we are seeing here at CERRON Commercial Properties.

Third quarter we had a noticeable change in office condominium sales. Businesses shifted to longer term leases and larger spaces. We actually had buyer wars—something we haven’t seen much of since 2007. Land sales even saw an uptick. The national retailers are back. Dealmakers were abuzz at the International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC) convention this spring. This is all good news to a heavily beat up industry over the past six years.

We have been waiting for the inventory of distressed product to be absorbed and while there are a few deals left out there, they are dwindling. The market is heading in the other direction so if you are considering a move, now is the time.

We can help you with a market analysis. An initial one is no charge. In fact we only get paid if we produce a buyer or a tenant. Most owners pay our fee, so many times there is no charge for buyer/tenant representation services.

We now have all commercial properties for sale and lease on our website, and may be searched for free. Check it out at www.cerron.com or call me direct at 612-708-5281 email rozp@cerron.com.

 

Top Ten MN State Fair Foods

 

The MN State Fair Starts Thursday, August 22nd and there is a whole lot lined up!

fairfood review by APPROIt is Minnesota State Fair time and it is really all about the food, right? I mean the Miracle of Birth barn is pretty cool and the Blue Ribbon winning Holstein is interesting, as is the latest 4-H exhibit or the music blaring from the bandstand. But, when it comes down to it – we go for the food!

This year, 2013, just when you thought they couldn’t possibly figure out a way to get one more food on a stick or come up with something else new, our local Twin Cities’ restaurants & resident “foodies” have come up with some amazing new foods to test and savor.

 

So, here is my Top Ten Food List I plan to eat (or try for the first time) at the 2013 Great Minnesota Get Together:

10. Chocolate Chili Ice Cream (sweet, spicy, hot, cold, yum!)

9. Candied Bacon Cannoli (anything with bacon!)

8. Fried Pickles and Chocolate (because my kids dared me)

7. Grilled Glazed Donut (anything on the grill!)

6. Dough-sant (the cousin of the NY “Cro-nut” – a hybrid of doughnut and croissant)

5. Comet Corn (A futuristic caramel corn made with liquid nitrogen – because it’s cool!)

4. Bacon-wrapped grilled shrimp on a stick (because it’s on a stick!)

3. MinnePumpkin Pie (a hometown treat)

2. Persian Kabob Koobideh (to expand my horizons)

1. Cheese Curds (why mess with a tried and true classic!?)

 

To review the full list of new foods in 2013 at the MN State Fair, click on the following link to see all the new foods at the fair: 2013 MN State Fair Food List.

And, for details on visiting the MN State Fair, click HERE, to link to the dates, times, fees, and discount information to make your day great!

At APPRO and CERRON, we are proud to be a Minnesota company, providing property solution services across the Midwest. Don’t just take a chance on bumping into each other while we are testing the latest food on a stick; Do the “sure thing” and give us a call. Let us show you how we put all that energy to work for you and what makes our team different. Now, go enjoy the MN State Fair!