Commercial Property & Real Estate News

Among the exciting emerging trends in the way Americans are choosing to live in today's market, the growing popularity in urban agriculture makes a lot of headlines. Not only is free food a feature of some urban forests, but residential vegetable plots, farmstands and farmers markets, community gardens and rooftop greenhouses have taken root. All of which matches recent growing trends in more eco-friendly cityscapes. Fresh food in the city is no longer just for self-proclaimed foodies and upscale restaurant chefs. The new mindset takes many forms, and is differently defined in different locales, but there is no denying that a kind of food revolution is in process. City planners, restaurant chefs, food banks, health-care providers and for-profit

After an especially long winter, there seems to be good reason to be optimistic about the future of commercial real estate, especially office space, in downtown Minneapolis, according to April reports. The urban core, apparently, is where workers want to be.

The buzz for a couple of seasons now has been that the current cycle is in its end stages. Since it is common wisdom that real estate is cyclical, that led to some foreboding and "what if" discussions. However, there is now, based on data from the National Real Estate Institute, ample reason to believe that the good times are not slated to end just yet, particularly in the office sector. The expectation is upbeat; forecasts remain bullish for rents and occupancies.

Investor Outlook for

The Green Line was a huge success story for the Twin Cities. In 2014, when the light rail line connected Minneapolis and St. Paul, there was cause for celebration. And the cities have been enamored by the 11-mile stretch of track—dubbed the Green Line—that brought the two cities together for the first time in more than 60 years. On the first day, more than 45,000 people rode from one downtown to the other, with stops at 23 stations in between.

It was a day to remember, but getting to that point was not without controversy. It took more than eight years of active planning and actual construction, not to mention decades of political maneuvering. St. Paul was hesitant and hard to bring "on board" during the planning, partly because the bulk of the

Affordability has long been a relative term, but housing affordability is a complex issue. One the one side, rising rental rates are good for business, and the real estate and development communities in the Twin Cities, particularly in Minneapolis, point to higher rents as reason enough to keep building downtown high rises and renovating older buildings into chic new apartments.

The other side of the coin, of course, is the fact that higher rents force some potential renter further from the downtown core, and many people just entering the job market find that they cannot afford to rent anywhere near their places of employment. It's a sad fact, notably in major urban centers like San Francisco, Boston and Austin, Texas. It's also becoming so in

From high-tech and homey amenities for today's business traveler to "staycation" packages that encourage getting away in style, there's a new breeze blowing through the hospitality industry. New hotels in the Twin Cities are right in step with the times. Major chains as well as "one off" boutique establishments recognize the value of providing singular experiences for today's discerning travelers.

The Trendy Look of European Business Convenience

The big news, however, may be the new wave of airport hotels that boast complimentary shuttle service, futuristic decor, simple sleeping rooms filled with hi-tech amenities, and public spaces offering a sense of community, comfortable work space, socializing options and food and refreshment service

Following two years of trying, work on the University of Minnesota's new Health Sciences Education Center is scheduled to begin with the demolition of two existing buildings within a couple of months, but it will take another two years or so before the new facility will finally be completed. Groundbreaking was Tuesday, February 13, for the $108.6 million dollar project that had the governor's blessing but spent two years in front of the state legislature before funds were allocated. It will become the "front door" to the university's academic health center, and will help to attract top students, according to university officials.

Groundbreaking Initiates Long Awaited Project

The Health Sciences facility is not the only project underway at the

Solar power is a practical option for small businesses, not just Fortune 500 companies. Not only do solar panels help the environment, but they can also bring in financial benefits for small business owners who seek to reduce their monthly utility bills. Because in recent years solar has become more affordable, installation can fall well within the budget for small business owners, making it a more viable option than it has been in years past. Small- and mid-sized business are finding out that commercial solar panels can provide a solid return.

Businesses may not be aware of the grants and government support available to improve energy efficiency. Additional incentives provide additional motivation to take advantage of solar power.

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Going green with your commercial real estate can help you improve your building's property values, save money for your business and improve the experience of being in your building for employees and customers. If you're a business owner with commercial property, upgrading your commercial building is a smart way to invest in your business. Below are some of the most common reasons that business owners choose to upgrade their commercial building.

Save Money

One of the primary reasons that many commercial building owners make green renovations is to save money and/or increase value. Energy efficient water heaters, gas stoves and furnaces use less gas to produce heat and keep your facility comfortable. ENERGY STAR rated appliances are among the

Will offices of the future be sleek and technology-based or are they apt to become more comfortable and homelike? While advocates exist for each extreme, it is evident that the work space of the future continues to evolve, and that there is no "one size fits all" solution. What offices in the next decade become is anyone's guess, but certain trends have emerged that point to new directions in design.

The Importance of Technology

Although many Baby Boomers have retired "from active duty," so to speak, large numbers still work from home or hold consulting positions, and new technology will serve to keep them connected with their industries even though they may no longer work 9-5.

Those in Scott County and elsewhere who do work regular hours,

The former Macy's in St. Paul is fast becoming a "happening place," and is due to become a popular destination for skating and hockey fans when the new Treasure Island Rink is finally open for business. It should be real soon and, according to Minnesota Wild's Chief Financial Officer Jeff Pellegrom, the team is more than ready to get on the ice of their new rooftop practice center.

The rooftop ice rink is designed to draw upwards of 600,000 visitors during the year. The rink will seat 1,200 people and is expected to be a popular place for Hamline University's hockey teams and sports leagues. Lower floors of the building will include office space, shopping, limited retail and parking. It is convenient to downtown public transportation, including