Dan Netter
(He/Him)
As seen in:
Finance & Commerce,
Cincinnati Business Courier,
Spartan News Room,
EIN News,
The American Prospect,
NewsBreak,
Midland Daily News,
Monroe News,
WUOM-FM (Ann Arbor, MI),
Short Circuit,
Bridge Michigan
and
Covers:
Labor issues, politics and state government, city government, local issues.
Articles by Dan Netter
Q&A: CBRE’s Brian Pankratz on demand for data center land
The Blueprint CBRE’s Brian Pankratz says data center buyers prioritize land with current or future power capacity and supportive municipal zoning. Data center demand is tightening the supply of suitable sites, according to a recent CBRE outlook. Pankratz markets land to home builders, apartment developers, industrial and retail users, and senior housing groups. He points to housing starts, apartment absorption and infrastructure investment as indicators of future land demand.
Plymouth WaterWalk property listed with three conversion options
The Blueprint The 153-unit WaterWalk at 10000 59th Ave. N. in Plymouth is being marketed by Colliers with no asking price disclosed. Buyers could retain the apartment and extended-stay mix or convert the property entirely to hotel or apartment use. The 2020-built property cost $25 million to develop and is marketed at 40% below replacement cost. Colliers says adding bulk internet and utility reimbursement fees could generate $105,000 in annual revenue.
Eagan considers stricter data center rules, permit requirements
The Blueprint Eagan staff will draft an ordinance requiring conditional use permits for small-scale data centers. Council members favored limiting data centers to industrial and business park districts, with planned development zoning for large facilities. Officials debated a 150,000- to 200,000-square-foot threshold for large-scale data centers and residential buffers. The proposed ordinance could reach the council for adoption in February 2027, before the Feb. 17 moratorium deadline.
Housing authority adds 1,500 names to voucher waitlist
This website uses cookies, web beacons, pixels, tags, software development kits, and related tracking technologies, as described in our Privacy Policy and Cookie Policy, for purposes that may include website operation, analytics, analyzing site usage, enhancing site navigation optimizing a user's experience, and third-party advertising or marketing purposes.
82-unit senior project advances in Minneapolis
The Blueprint The 82-unit Satori Senior project would complete the second phase of JADT Development’s Satori Village. The Minneapolis Planning Commission approved the proposal with 10 conditions, including EV-ready parking and additional canopy trees. The project adds four units compared with its original 2023 approval and requested variances for building and balcony setbacks.
Sabra buys senior living facility for $53M
The Blueprint Sabra Health Care REIT acquired the 115-unit Waters of Excelsior for $53.25 million. The 2018-built property offers independent living, assisted living and memory care. The purchase price equates to about $463,043 per unit, more than double Sabra’s per-unit price for Waters of Eden Prairie. The acquisition follows Sabra’s $34 million purchase of Waters of Eden Prairie and expands its Twin Cities senior housing portfolio.
Twin Cities industrial leasing hits two-year high as large deals drive demand
The Blueprint Twin Cities industrial leasing reached 3.2 million square feet in the third quarter. Large deals, including a 210,000-square-foot Eagan purchase, drove activity as smaller tenants slowed. Southeast metro vacancy reached 5.8%, compared with 4.4% in the northwest and 3.6% in the northeast. Cushman & Wakefield cited data center supply-chain companies and airport proximity as drivers of demand.
Morgan Stanley buys another apartment from Sherman Associates
The Blueprint Morgan Stanley bought the 107-unit Aura apartments in Fridley for $21.4 million. The 2021 property is designated for residents age 55 and older and includes a pool, fitness center and pickleball court. The sale price equates to about $199,960 per unit. Morgan Stanley recently bought the neighboring 95-unit Altair from Sherman Associates for $19.9 million. Morgan Stanley is back for more.
MPHA opens funding round for up to 250 affordable units
The Blueprint MPHA opened applications for project-based vouchers supporting up to 250 Minneapolis apartments. Minnesota Housing awarded the agency $21 million to administer project- and tenant-based rental assistance. Developers and existing property owners can apply, with projects evaluated on readiness, family housing and supportive services. Statewide, 900 Bring It Home vouchers had been issued by September, with 515 used to begin rental leases.
Pine City clinic expansion wraps
This website uses cookies, web beacons, pixels, tags, software development kits, and related tracking technologies, as described in our Privacy Policy and Cookie Policy, for purposes that may include website operation, analytics, analyzing site usage, enhancing site navigation optimizing a user's experience, and third-party advertising or marketing purposes.
Life Fitness sells two Minnesota facilities for $76.1M
The Blueprint Life Fitness sold its Ramsey and Owatonna manufacturing facilities to JPMorgan Chase for $76.1 million. The $30.89 million Ramsey property spans 343,360 square feet; the $45.25 million Owatonna facility covers 489,600 square feet. The sale-leaseback allows Life Fitness to remain at both facilities without disrupting operations. The Owatonna facility previously received a $22.85 million expansion that added 150,000 square feet.
Manna Capital, Curbline buy west metro properties
The Blueprint Manna Capital bought West Side Center in St. Louis Park for $27.3 million through a 1031 exchange. The industrial-office property is 97% occupied, with planned upgrades to common areas, entrances and corridors. Curbline Properties paid $16.2 million for a redeveloped retail center near Ridgedale Mall. The Ridgedale property is fully leased to tenants including Wells Fargo, Shake Shack, Chipotle and Jersey Mike’s.
Q&A: U of M study and the rent effects from new apartments
The Blueprint CURA researcher Tony Damiano and co-author Chris Frenier spent eight years studying how new apartments affect nearby rents. Nearby high-end apartment rents declined about 2% after new construction, the research found. Rents at lower-end properties rose 3% to 5%, potentially reflecting increased neighborhood demand and amenities. Researchers said new construction can help affordability but must be paired with affordable housing investment and tenant protections.
Great States buys again in North Loop
The Blueprint Great States Development acquired the 46-unit Phoenix North Loop property and renamed it Brunsfield North Loop. The mixed-use building at 915 N. Washington Ave. includes a Spyhouse Coffee Roasters location. The sale price was not disclosed; the property is valued at $13.1 million. Great States bought ElseWarehouse for $40.5 million in January 2025 and the Copham for $37 million in March 2026.
Former state representative to head Chamber of Commerce
Doug Stang, a former member of the Minnesota House of Representatives and government affairs strategist will be the next president and CEO of the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce, according to a release on the topic. Stang, who was previously headed up state and federal affairs at LegalZoom and state government affairs at 3M, will start in the position on Dec. 1. Stang succeeds Doug Loon, whose retirement was announced earlier this year.
Agate considers downtown Minneapolis shelter with up to 73 beds
The Blueprint Agate Housing and Services is considering relocating its shelter to a downtown Minneapolis office building. The proposed facility could accommodate at least 50 beds alongside showers, laundry, meals and other services. Agate purchased a nearby parking lot for $740,000 in cash for employee parking. Renovations are expected to begin in November, with a potential March 2027 opening.
Trellis plans renovations at Burnsville property
Trellis Co. plans to undertake a renovation a 200-unit property in Burnsville after extending the property’s Section 8 contract, according to the nonprofit’s vice president. Chancellor Manor is set to receive unit upgrades as well as new mechanical systems, Trellis vice president of development Justin Eilers said Tuesday.
Sisyphus, Dunwoody lease negotiation stalls
The fate of a brewery and comedy club in Loring Park has become uncertain after the owner announced that Dunwoody College of Technology declined to “expand or extend” the brewery’s lease. Sisyphus Brewing and Comedy’s owner and head brewer Sam Harriman announced on a social media post that the current lease for the property is set to end in January 2027.
Trellis advances 98-unit affordable housing project in Minneapolis
The Blueprint Trellis Co. received Planning Commission approval for 98 affordable apartments in Minneapolis’ Howe neighborhood. All units would be affordable at 60% of area median income, with some reserved for lower-income households. The six-story building would include 30 one-bedroom, 47 two-bedroom and 21 three-bedroom apartments. The project would preserve the Checkerboard Elevator headhouse and requires City Council approval for rezoning and a comprehensive plan amendment.
Twin Cities apartment deliveries plunge as construction slows
The Blueprint The Twin Cities delivered 1,852 apartment units through July, down 65.4% year over year. Another 6,193 units across 33 developments are under construction, concentrated in several master-planned communities. Apartment vacancy stands at 6%, while rent growth is 2.1%; Michel forecasts potential growth of 3% to 5%. Higher interest rates are complicating apartment valuations and making Class A property sales more difficult.
Rochester investor Black Swan buys 142-unit Bloomington apartments
The Blueprint Black Swan Real Estate bought the 142-unit South Pointe apartments in Bloomington for $15.3 million. The purchase price equates to about $107,746 per unit. Principal Nick Stageberg said the firm plans modest upgrades and is considering a potential 100- to 200-unit addition. The acquisition brings Black Swan’s Bloomington portfolio to about 360 units, strengthening opportunities for operational efficiencies.
Minneapolis Hotel Ventures, Lion Hotel Group buy downtown Minneapolis hotel
The Blueprint Minneapolis Hotel Ventures and Lion Hotel Group acquired the 164-room Radisson RED at 609 S. Third St. Lion will operate the hotel and retain existing employees, with no major renovations planned. The hotel reportedly has $700,000 in negative cash flow but attracted multiple bidders. Downtown Minneapolis hotel occupancy is roughly flat year over year, while average daily rates are up about 3%.
Scannell plan for distribution center advances at U-of-M-owned site
The Blueprint Scannell Properties received initial planning support for a 234,360-square-foot distribution center in southeast Minneapolis. The proposed facility could employ 400 workers across multiple shifts and operate around the clock. Demolition is planned for March 2027, with groundbreaking targeted for May, pending approvals. An industrial site commonly called the Murphy Warehouse is on course for redevelopment, after an initial green light from the Minneapolis Planning Commission.
Sherman Associates sells Fridley apartments for $19.9M
The Blueprint Morgan Stanley bought Fridley’s 95-unit Altair apartments from Sherman Associates for $19.9 million. The four-story property opened in 2020 near Fridley Station and the Highway 47 and I-694 corridors. Altair is part of Sherman’s Station Village transit-oriented development, alongside Ursa and Aura apartments.
CPI: Twin Cities prices up 3.6% since last year
Between September 2025 and September 2026, the price of goods included in the consumer price index has increased 3.6% for the Twin Cities metro, according to recent data released by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. This percent change is compared to the 2.6% difference in prices experienced between September 2024 and September 2025 in the Twin Cities. Nationwide, the CPI for all items rose 3.7% since September 2025.
Rising rates hurt Minnesota housing market momentum
After mortgage rates pushed to their highest in nearly three years, pending sales for home sales for the state and metro dropped 11.7% and 11.5%, respectively, according to a recent report by Minnesota Realtors. Closed sales, dropped a less steep 1.2% and 3.0% since September 2025, according to the report. The median price of a home statewide hit $354,900 (down 0.7%) while in the metro it was $395,000 (up 1.3%).
Pendulum Property Partners buys Minneapolis industrial property
The Blueprint Pendulum Property Partners bought northeast Minneapolis’ Nordeast Business Center for $20.67 million. The 130,450-square-foot industrial property sold for about $158.42 per square foot. Seller Clarion Partners bought the property for $17 million in December 2023, marking a 21% increase in value. The former brownfield site was redeveloped by Opus, with environmental remediation required before construction.
Bender Cos. paid $26.4 million for Coon Rapids apartments
The Blueprint Bender Cos. and Eastham Capital bought Woodland North Apartments in Coon Rapids for $26.4 million. The 198-unit property is 94% occupied, with average monthly rents of $1,424. Eastham Capital founder Matthew Rosenthal cited strong renter demand and limited new supply in Coon Rapids. Bender principal Kurt Bender highlighted proximity to major employers, including Medtronic, Boston Scientific and BAE Systems.
DataBank buys Eagan data center for $9.8 million
The Blueprint DataBank bought its Eagan MSP2 data center from Mapletree Industrial Trust for $9.8 million in cash. The facility spans 48,860 square feet and has a five-megawatt power load. CEO Raul Martynek said ownership will help DataBank invest in facilities as customer infrastructure needs evolve. The purchase comes during Eagan’s data center moratorium, which targets certain facilities based on power demand and proximity to residential areas.
Q&A: Twin Cities retail leasing with Tim and Josh Bloom
The Blueprint Bloom Commercial repositioned Highland Village Center in St. Paul after Lunds & Byerlys relocated to a larger store nearby. Crunch Fitness plans to occupy approximately 32,000 square feet, while Foss Swim School will lease about 9,000 square feet. The Ridgedale Mall Pad redevelopment in Minnetonka includes Wells Fargo, Southern Vet Partners, Shake Shack, Chipotle, Jersey Mike’s Subs and Massage Envy.
Minneapolis rents rise as multifamily permitting falls 92%
The Blueprint Minneapolis median rents rose 8.9% since 2025, narrowing the rent gap with comparison cities from $200 to $150. Multifamily units permitted in Minneapolis fell 91.6% from the 2022 peak through 2025. Developers report construction costs could be 30% higher than in 2023, complicating project feasibility. Minneapolis Fed adviser Libby Starling said rising costs and stable rents make new development challenging.
Q&A: Met Council’s LisaBeth Barajas on affordable housing production
The Blueprint Twin Cities housing production fell 5% from 2024 to 2025, according to the Met Council. Only 164 units affordable at 30% of area median income or less were produced in 2025. LisaBeth Barajas said interest rates and construction costs are slowing housing production. The region remains on track for overall housing goals but faces tight vacancies and a shortage of deeply affordable units.
Waterton buys Woodbury apartments for $124 million
The Blueprint Waterton bought the 453-unit City Walk at Woodbury for $124 million. The Chicago-based investor plans value-add renovations to units and amenities. CBRE’s Keith Collins, Abe Appert and Ted Abramson arranged the sale. The property is near the I-94 and I-494 corridors, strengthening its commuter appeal. A 453-unit rental property in Woodbury has been purchased for $124 million, a certificate of real estate value revealed yesterday.
PF Properties buys Eagan flex property for $14.1M
The Blueprint PF Properties bought Eagan’s Lexington Commerce Center for $14.1 million. The 90,260-square-foot flex property spans 6.7 acres and is 16% vacant. The Golden Valley investor is adding its ninth commercial property to its Twin Cities portfolio. The property rose 56% in value from $9 million in 2017 to $14.1 million. A flex industrial property in Eagan has traded between west metro-based investment groups, according to a recently released certificate of real estate value.
New Mountain Capital buys New Hope warehouse for $33M
The Blueprint New Mountain Capital bought the New Hope warehouse for $32.9 million. The 175,555-square-foot facility is used for pasta production by Dakota Growers Pasta Co. and Richardson International. Realty Income acquired the property for $22.6 million in 2023, according to Catylist. The deal expands New Mountain Capital’s existing Twin Cities real estate portfolio.
Minnesota Housing sends $4.5 million for rural rental units
Six communities in Greater Minnesota are set to receive a combined $4.5 million, a press release from Minnesota Housing announced late last week. As a result of the loans, 77 rental units will be built in small communities in the state. The program funding the investments is the Workforce Housing Development Program, per the release. Montevideo and Lebow Lake will be getting $1.2 million and $1.6 million, respectively, to build 24 units and 10 units, the release said.
MPHA to open Bring It Home vouchers portal
The Minneapolis Public Housing Authority is set to open its waitlist for a new voucher program later this month, according to a recent release from agency. The Bring It Home program, or BIH, will open its waitlist from Tuesday, Oct. 13, and it will close at 11:59 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 15, per the release. The program is open for low-income Minnesota families and will give them a tenant-based housing assistance voucher that can be used on units owned by participating property owners.
Capital Partners buys Twin Cities industrial portfolio
This 68,000-square-foot building at 2360 County Road C W. in Roseville is part of a five-building portfolio Capital Partners has acquired for $54.25 million. (Staff photo: Dan Netter) Listen to this article The Blueprint – Capital Partners paid $54.25M for five industrial properties. – The portfolio spans Burnsville, Roseville and Maple Grove. – The properties total 449,456 square feet. – The portfolio has 11 tenants with a 2.4-year weighted lease term.
Artisan buys Shoreview Hills apartments for $25.35M
Shoreview Hills, at 4130 Lexington Ave. N. in Shoreview, has an indoor and outdoor pool as well as a sauna. (Submitted photo: Artisan Capital Group) Listen to this article The Blueprint – Artisan Capital Group paid $25.35M for Shoreview Hills. – The property has 240 units across six buildings. – Planned upgrades include renovated units, amenities and a fitness center. – Artisan plans to pursue more Twin Cities suburban acquisitions.
Lion Rock paid $10M for Minneapolis apartment building
This website uses cookies, web beacons, pixels, tags, software development kits, and related tracking technologies, as described in our Privacy Policy and Cookie Policy, for purposes that may include website operation, analytics, analyzing site usage, enhancing site navigation optimizing a user's experience, and third-party advertising or marketing purposes.
Bender buys Woodland North Apartments in Coon Rapids
Woodland North Apartments at 9280 University Ave. NW in Coon Rapids offers amenities such as a fitness center, a swimming pool, tennis courts and heated underground parking. (Submitted photo: Northmarq) Listen to this article The Blueprint A Chicago investor has entered the Minnesota market, purchasing Woodland North Apartments in Coon Rapids, according to a recent press release from the company. Bender Cos. bought the 198-unit apartment property from Gaughen Cos., according to the release.
Twin Cities office conversions reach 8.1M square feet
Listen to this article The Blueprint – 8.1M square feet of office space has been converted or planned for conversion since 2016. – 3.31M square feet has already been converted. – Another 4.75M square feet is underway or planned. – Novarum’s Wells Fargo campus redevelopment accounts for 1M square feet.
Swervo buys Shakopee industrial building for $19.3M
The recently sold River Valley Business Park Building A at 3000 Emery Way in Shakopee has 20 dock doors, another 3 drive-in doors and a clear height of 28 feet. River Valley Business Park Building is for sale. (Submitted photo: Cushman & Wakefield) Listen to this article The Blueprint The 2024-built River Valley Business Park Building A in Shakopee traded between two local development firms, according to a recently released certificate of real estate value. Swervo Inc.
550-unit Sibley Manor apartments hit St. Paul market
While St. Paul’s Sibley Manor Apartments was built in the 1950s, it does not have deferred maintenance. The complex is at 1292 W. Maynard Drive. (Submitted photo: Michel Commercial Real Estate) Listen to this article The Blueprint – Sibley Manor has 550 units across 14 buildings. – The Highland Park property spans 19 acres. – The apartments were built in the 1950s and have new electrical panels. – The buyer will operate under St. Paul‘s 3% rent-control cap.
Rental Minnesota tenants organize to form union
This website uses cookies, web beacons, pixels, tags, software development kits, and related tracking technologies, as described in our Privacy Policy and Cookie Policy, for purposes that may include website operation, analytics, analyzing site usage, enhancing site navigation optimizing a user's experience, and third-party advertising or marketing purposes.
Waterton acquires 453-unit Woodbury apartment complex
The 453-unit City Walk at Woodbury at 10225 City Walk Drive in Woodbury last sold in 2019 for $107 million, or $236,374 per unit. (Submitted photo: Waterton) Listen to this article The Blueprint – Waterton acquired the 453-unit City Walk complex in Woodbury. – The apartment community was developed between 2005 and 2011. – Planned renovations include upgraded kitchens, flooring and appliances. – The property includes 24,000 square feet of retail space and extensive amenities.
Sherman Associates
Damon Farber Landscape Architects didn’t take long to establish themselves as one of the state’s top landscape architects. Twin Cities-based Barr Engineering has a 60-year track record of solving complex challenges as it works with clients in natural resources, infrastructure and the built environment. Uniting people and place through design has guided Alliiance since Herb Ketcham, John Lackens and Bob Bell founded the firm in 1970.
Tempus buys Hopkins office complex for $66M
Excelsior Crossings at 9350 and 9380 Excelsior Blvd. in Hopkins is home to offices for U.S. Bancorp, Digi International and Michael Foods Inc. (Submitted photo: Tempus Realty Partners) Listen to this article The Blueprint Tempus Realty Partners announced its purchase of a Hopkins office property that spans two buildings for $66 million, according to a press release.
Lion Rock buys downtown Minneapolis apartments
The apartments at 36 S. Ninth St. in Minneapolis’ central business district were converted from a YMCA. (Submitted photo: Cushman & Wakefield) Listen to this article The Blueprint Lion Rock bought the 123-unit LaSalle Plaza Apartments. The 12-story building connects to LaSalle Plaza by skyway. The property will be rebranded as The Plaza at LaSalle. Lion Rock plans to upgrade units to modern 2026 standards.
GL Capital buys Brooklyn Park apartments for $41.2M
The Fairway Apartments at Edinburgh at 8617 Edinbrook Crossing in Brooklyn Park was built in the early 1990s and renovated in the mid-2010s. (Photo: Catylsit) Listen to this article The Blueprint GL Capital Partners paid $41.2M for Fairway Apartments. The Brooklyn Park property has 198 units. Weidner bought the property for $25.5M in 2014. The sale marks GL Capital’s first Minnesota purchase.
Show More
loading
Actions
Is this you?
As a journalist, you can create a free Muck Rack account to customize your profile, list your contact preferences, and upload a portfolio of your best work.Get in touch with Dan
Contact Dan, search articles and posts on X, monitor coverage, and track replies from one place.
Learn more about Muck Rack