Given our lives the past few years it seems like risky business to try and make some predictions.  Nonetheless, here are our Twin Cities commercial real estate predictions for the new year!

March 1 marks the start of Women’s History Month. After 38 years in the commercial real estate business, it seems appropriate that I make a few comments. First, it’s hard to believe that this much time has gone by! I may have “experience” but this industry has been so enjoyable that I remain energized by the people I meet and the deals and projects yet to be done.

As companies large and small decide next steps in return-to-work, it’s important to understand how the negative effects that COVID had on many professional women may impact the future of work. Hybrid options, job roles, diversity training and flexibility will be key drivers of enabling women to re-enter the workforce.

We find ourselves having crucial conversations when we are giving advice to our clients, negotiating deals and even when we work together as a team. Most of the time it is when we are telling one another what we need to hear, not so much what we want to hear. Kate Damato provides a recap of Karen Curow’s insight at the CREW Network Leadership Summit last month on how to identify and prepare for crucial conversations in all areas.

When we think about our world of commercial real estate, and specifically new development projects, we know and understand the enormous number of variables impacting projects and the resulting opportunity for success or failure. To protect your interests and provide the best opportunity for success, add experts to your team that know and understand how to develop a new building. Here are our tips.

In honor of International Women’s Day, it is an absolute joy to take a few minutes to recognize some of our industry peers and admire some amazing women that we know in the commercial real estate industry. These inspiring women remind us to continue to work for change and diversity, together. Thank you for leading the way!

The best office location depends on many things—your business needs and goals, your budget, workforce, commute times and client or customer-facing access, to name a few. Office locations in the suburbs and in urban areas have a host of benefits. Rather than focus on the ‘cons’ of each, here are the positive implications of establishing your next office location or headquarters in urban and suburban areas.