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YOUR WEEKLY DOSE OF UP SUCCESSES & UPDATES

August 4th, 2023

Leadership Snapshot

A Note from Chris Mase

VP, Construction Management - Austin


Austin Construction Update


Greetings from Austin! I welcome the opportunity to provide the team with an update on our ongoing construction projects.


At Buda Midway Phase 2, which will consist of 385,220 sf of industrial core and shell allocated over four buildings, we’ve tilted the final panel for the project and are on track to obtain TCO for the first building in about two months.


At Bishop Momo, our first multifamily deal in Austin, framing is continuing at a rapid pace, with the crew now setting walls at Level 4. We are on track to turn over the first phase for lease-up in Q1 2024.


At Shelby Ranch, our 302-unit multifamily deal in South Austin, framing has begun and the project is starting to ramp up. We are on track to start turning units for lease-up in Q2 2024.

Buda Midway Phase 2

The final panel is tilted!

Bishop Momo

Framing progress on the 4th floor.

Shelby Ranch

The first framed wall is set in place!

The great progress being made on these projects can be attributed to our dedicated General Contractors along with the diligent efforts from our team in Austin (Victor, Brenda, Nicole, and Candace) and the valuable team members supporting us from Minneapolis. I also appreciate the opportunity to regularly converse with Renee and the Construction Managers (Bill, Cavonte, & Alan) to gain a broader understanding of the construction market and develop strategies to minimize risk to the project budget and schedule.


Safety Update

 

With summer in full swing and the tally of 100+ degree days in Austin already at 23, it is critical for all job site personnel to take proper measures to avoid heat-related injuries and fatalities. From 1992 through 2016, although construction workers comprised only 6% of the total U.S. workforce, they accounted for 36% of all occupational heat-related deaths. 

 

OSHA heat illness prevention tips for workers include:

  • Drinking at least one cup of cool water every 20 minutes. Workers should avoid caffeinated beverages like coffee and soda, as they can contribute to dehydration.
  • Taking frequent breaks in a cool, shaded area to recover from heat and humidity.
  • Wearing loose-fitting, light-colored, breathable clothing; a wide-brim hat that protects the neck, ears, eyes, forehead, nose, and scalp; UV-absorbent sunglasses; and sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30.
  • Working in the shade or otherwise limiting their exposure to the sun between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., if possible.
  • Monitoring themselves and their coworkers for signs of heat-illness.


Contractors should take a proactive approach to providing a safe working environment for all workers on site. For example, the General Contractor at Bishop Momo, OHT Construction, created a cooling station that includes a mister that workers are encouraged to use to cool off throughout the day.

Tech Update

Combatting Unwanted Calls


Unwanted calls, including spam, cold calls, and scams, are increasing, especially with the proliferation of cloud-based telephone systems. There are a few actions you can take to help minimize these bothersome interruptions.


> How to Block Calls on MS Teams

Let's Celebrate

Birthdays 


Chris Pohlad - 8/9

Lynn Camp - 8/10

Anniversaries


Julie McNally - 8/6 (25 years)

Tracy Puchtel - 8/8 (1 year)

Andrea Baumgardner - 8/9 (2 years)

Upcoming Industry Events

Use the link below to browse upcoming events.


> View Event Listing

HR Weekly

Farewell, Jamila!


The time has come to say goodbye to our last summer intern this week. Wishing Senior Living & Analyst Intern, Jamila Ahmed, all the best as her internship comes to a close.


What's next? Jamila will return to Augsburg University for her Senior year to finish her degree in Computer Science.


Thank you for all your hard work this summer!

Mid-Year Check-Ins


It’s that time of year for managers and employees to have a Mid-Year Check-In!

 

Mid-Year Check-ins are a dedicated time for employees and managers to sit down and discuss progress towards annual Goals/MBO’s:

  • Review goals and individual development objectives ensuring continued alignment with Company and team goals
  • Discuss progress to date
  • Solicit and provide feedback on what’s working well and improvement opportunities

 

Please work with your manager to schedule a mutual time to complete your mid-year check-in by the end of August. Please contact Jenny Rogge or Sarah Veith with questions.


> Download the optional Mid-Year Check-In Template

ESG at UP

A Buzzworthy Tenant Event


Bees were on display during the tenant ice cream social at Mendota Heights Industrial. Approximately 120 employees enjoyed Ben & Jerry's and visited the bee hives! It was one SWEET event.


> Learn more about incorporating pollinators in urban development

Deep-Rooted Thanks Award Recipients

Kathy Besser

Nominated by James Gaylord


"I'd like to nominate Kathy Besser for the Deep-Rooted Thanks Award. We were up against month-end deadlines with a short turnaround to complete Joint Venture financial reports due to the 4th of July holiday. Kathy stepped in to assist with last-minute entries and bank recs while a team member was out of the office and helped to complete new joint venture financial packages so we could meet our July 20th deadline. She also assisted with reconciling cash through detailed review of our cash pages and helped with a special project to compile tax invoice support for the tax year 2022 for the Pohlad family office. Kathy went above and beyond to help our team successfully meet all our deadlines. Thanks for the extra help this month and for being a team player!"

Scott Peterson & Carrie Eggleston

Nominated by Ellie MacLaughlin

"My internship was exceptional primarily because of Scott and Carrie. They invested their time and effort in me, and I am honored to have been their intern. Every day they presented new tasks and learning opportunities which always kept me busy. They made sure to include me in everything, respond to any questions, and consistently check in. Scott went above and beyond by introducing me to numerous individuals in the commercial real estate field, an invaluable networking opportunity. Carrie, on the other hand, took the time to show me various sites, including 4Front, The Nordic, and Loose-Wiles. Watching Scott and Carrie collaborate as a team was truly inspiring. Their attention to detail, efficient pace, and organizational skills ensured every task was not only completed but done the correct way. Working with them, it was evident how dedicated they were to achieving success for United Properties. I am immensely grateful for Scott and Carrie, who made this internship experience absolutely wonderful for me. I will miss United Properties and working with an amazing group of people!"

Recognize someone on your team for their outstanding effort, collaborative spirit, or embodiment of our company values.



> Online Nomination Form

UP Connections

Construction Update: 610 Junction


The first precast panels were raised at the Tesla site on Tuesday, Aug. 1 at 610 Junction.

Renee Shines at Bisnow Event


Renee Kirscht-Rascher spoke at the Bisnow Twin Cities Construction & Development event this week. She represented UP on a panel discussing the state of construction, how to move projects forward, and trends in design and build.

Swinging for Success: Networking at Local Golf Events

Chip for Schools Golf Classic


United Properties sponsored a hole at a tournament benefiting the Education Foundation of Bloomington. Kevin Navis, Pat Riemersma, Glenn & Ann Riemersma participated in the best ball event.


Annual MNCREW Golf Classic


Melissa DuFour, Carrie Eggleston, & Jacqui Hunner golfed in the Annual MNCREW Classic. UP was a party cart sponsor and the group enjoyed a day of networking on the links along with fun games and giveaways at each hole. Julie McNally joined in for the networking/happy hour at Legends Golf Club in Prior Lake.

Looking for the Sizzle Reel?


We have fixed the permissions issue from last week and the Sizzle Reel can now be found at its new home in the Marketing Materials tile on What's UP or via this unlisted YouTube link.

Pigs in Paradise


Melissa DuFour and her family recently vacationed on Paradise Island in the Bahamas. One of their favorite excursions was a boat trip to the island where Gilligan’s Island was filmed. They also visited another island where they got to feed and swim with giant pigs! The pigs were friendly and understood sign language for “food” and “no more food”. It was truly an EPIC TRIP!

That's a wrap! See you next week!

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