Overview:

In August 2014, Hillcrest Development purchased this 270,000 square foot former manufacturing building situated on 25 acres in St. Louis Park, just south of the intersection of Highway 100 and Interstate 394. For over 50 years, the property had been used for food product manufacturing, until it was vacated by Nestlé in 2013. The large building and appealing location offered great potential, but the complex structural elements and outdated spaces were a challenge.

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We re-branded the property “Westside Center”, appropriately named for its centralized and strategic location just south of the intersection of Highway 100 and Interstate 394 in St. Louis Park, Minnesota.

 

Environmental:

The renovation of Westside Center included substantial interior demolition, environmental remediation, and installation of new HVAC, electrical, plumbing, and lighting systems.

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The buildings had asbestos-containing materials (ACM) throughout as well as lead-based paint (LBP). In addition, an area near the building had diesel range organics (DRO) and gasoline range organics (GRO). The site also had significant concrete debris and miscellaneous fill.

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Energy-efficient lighting was installed, and the HVAC systems improved. New, large, energy-efficient windows were strategically incorporated into the buildings. Landscaping was replaced with pollinator-friendly species, and native and drought-tolerant plants were chosen to minimize water use. A mix of deciduous and coniferous trees was selected for climate and site resilience.

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Previously uncollected and untreated stormwater is managed through a series of filtration swales and a pond, then released at a controlled rate to the city system. The North Cedar Lake Regional Trail borders the property to the north. To support bike commuter tenants, interior bike racks and showers were constructed. The site offers recycling and organics collection and provides information regarding waste reduction to tenants.

 

Community:

Westside Center quickly attracted and secured many commercial tenants seeking modern facilities close to downtown Minneapolis, whether for creative class offices, industrial service production, corporate headquarters, or other commercial uses. In less than one year from the date of purchase, Westside Center was approximately 90% leased. Hillcrest Development is proud of the transformation of this property and the community impact it has had, creating more than 400 living wage jobs in the area.

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