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UA PLUMBERS LOCAL #15
Maple Grove MN
U.A. Plumber’s Union Local #15 was experiencing growth pains. Their union hall was located in an older building in the heart of the Minneapolis CBD. Their training facility was co-located with a growing technical college in need of additional space. Michael helped U.A. Plumber’s Union Local #15 to locate a site and partner with the right experts to accomplish their real estate goals.
U.A. Plumber’s Union Local #15 occupied two facilities that were not meeting their needs. The goal was to combine the union offices/hall as well as the existing training center under one new modern facility to assist with recruiting and training efforts.
Challenges
- Needed to relocate as quickly as possible to realize financial benefits.
- Sought a location outside of downtown Minneapolis to better serve members through improved meeting attendance and training accessibility.
- Faced limited availability of industrial properties due to strong market demand.
- Required an industrial facility with sufficient ceiling heights to accommodate specialized training programs
- Needed significantly more parking than a typical industrial property could provide to support members and training events.
- Required a site that met both operational training needs and long-term growth objectives.
Results
- Michael embarked on a process that included interviewing and recommending architects and general contractors. After an extensive interview process, these providers were selected, and he negotiated their fees and contract agreements. Michael managed a detailed programming and budgeting process to ensure the Union’s needs were met initially and in the future. An IT/AV consultant was engaged to ensure state-of-the-art classrooms and technology.
- Michael led the site selection process, presented alternatives, worked with the architect and contractor to evaluate each alternative, and recommended the best option. Ultimately, a 96,000-square-foot industrial building was selected, and a purchase price was negotiated for the building. The architectural and budgeting process was managed to ensure the project met the union’s $21.6 million dollar budget.
- Michael worked with an interior designer to select and bid all furniture, fixtures, and equipment. They worked closely with a security company to select systems and secure the building and managed the bidding process, as well as the construction process, to ensure on-time and under-budget delivery. Michael managed the payment and lien waiver process to ensure proper and accurate payment. Lastly, he managed the move and close-out process to ensure punch list items were completed..
