This week’s Building Buzz brings a mix of big moves and bold ideas.

Kenosha could see a $70-million, 336-unit apartment development, while Apple Valley weighs new workforce housing with EV chargers and a dog run. In Maple Grove, CJK Group is planning a large warehouse near major highways, and Barr Engineering is prepping for a new HQ in Richfield. Meanwhile, legislation is shaking up clean energy timelines, and affordable housing projects continue to pop up from Duluth to Madison.

From solar gardens to AI-powered innovation centers — there’s plenty happening across the region. Let's dive in!
 

JULY 11

Developer Plans 336 New Apartments in Kenosha City
Wisconsin Projects - Athletic Facility  |  Multi-Family  |  Parking Structure
Continental Properties wants to build 14 two-story apartment buildings with 336-units near the southwest corner of Green Bay Road and South 60th Street in the city of Kenosha. Dubbed the Authentix Black Hawk Ridge, the market-rate project will include a clubhouse, pool and 24-hour fitness center, plans showed. The commission met July 10th for a public hearing and review for apartment plans and to consider amending the Pike Creek Neighborhood Plan. Plans showed Continental expects to make a $70-million investment in the project. The project will include 14 garden-style apartment homes separated by paved parking lots. It will also include a clubhouse, mail kiosk, grounds building and a leasing center with property management offices, plans showed. The clubhouse will be open seven days a week and includes a community gathering room, kitchen and coffee bar along with the fitness center and pool. The development will be made up of studio, one-, two-, and three-bedroom units. (Finance & Commerce)
 

Inland Development Plans Apartments at Aging I-394 Office Site
Affordable Housing  |  Demolition  |  Multi-Family
Inland Development has revised its plan to replace a 1980s-built office property in Minnetonka with housing. The developer submitted new plans to construct a 44-unit apartment building at the site of an existing 12,875-square-foot office building, which would be demolished to make way for the new development, according to city documents. Inland had previously sought to build market-rate rental town-homes on the site. The 1.2-acre property is located just off Interstate-394, between two Doran Cos.-developed residential projects: the 175-unit Birke apartment complex and the 197-unit Vale apartment building. Doran is involved in the latest apartment proposal, listed on project documents provided to the city as the architect. The newly proposed four-story apartment building would have 21 one-bedroom units, two one-bedroom-plus-den units, and 21 two-bedroom units. Nine of the units would be affordable to households earning 50% of the area median income. The rest of the units would be market-rate. (Minneapolis - St. Paul Business Journal)
 

Trump to Hike Tariffs on Canadian Imports sto 35%
Economic Reports - Canada  |  Global Economy  |  Stock Market  |  Tariffs  |  Trade Deficit  |  US Canada Relations
President Trump said in a letter that he will raise taxes on many imported goods from Canada to 35%, deepening a rift between two North American countries that have suffered a debilitating blow to their decades-old alliance. The letter to Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney is an aggressive increase to the top 25% tariff rate that Trump first imposed in March after months of threats. Trump's tariffs were allegedly in an effort to get Canada to crack down on fentanyl smuggling despite the relatively modest trafficking in the drug from that country. Trump has also expressed frustration with a trade deficit with Canada that largely reflects oil purchases by America. The higher rates would go into effect August 1st, creating a tense series of weeks ahead for the global economy as recent gains in the S&P 500 stock index suggest many investors think the President will ultimately back down on the increases. (Finance & Commerce)
 

JULY 14

CJK Group Proposes Warehouse in Maple Grove
Industrial  |  Office  |  Parking Structure  |  Warehouse
A new warehouse that bumps against Highway 169 and Interstate-94 awaits potential approval from the city of Maple Grove, according to a set of planning documents. The pitched building would have over 134,000-square-feet of space with an 80% to 20% split between industrial space and office space, the planning notes show, dedicating 26,800-square-feet to office and the remaining 107,300-square-feet for industrial space. ABC LLC put forward the proposal, planning documents show, which shares an address with the CJK Group, a printing company based in Brainerd. The building pitched by CJK would be built at 7401 Kilmer Drive in Maple Grove, placing it within walking distance of the Boston Scientific development and near the border of Brooklyn Park. The project is put forward by builder RJ Ryan. According to the planning documents, the property features 233 parking stalls, higher than the 161 stalls required under the planning code, which allows for the owner to have some flexibility to "replace some of the warehouse space with office space" as tenants are found. The exterior of the property would feature precast panels, wood-like Nichiha siding along with glass, and the building itself will have a 32-foot clearing height. (Finance & Commerce)
 

Wisconsin DNR Plans Manitowoc River Dredge Project
Wisconsin Projects - Conservation  |  Dredging  |  River Dredging  |  Wetland Restoration  |  Wisconsin Wetlands
The state wildlife agency will advance a dredging project to reduce flooding near Brillion. The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources announced it will partner with non-profit Ducks Unlimited and embark on a wetland project on the north branch of the Manitowoc River on the northwest side of the Brillion State Wildlife Area in Calumet County. The DNR and Ducks Unlimited planned to start engineering work for the project in the fall, agency officials said. Dredging is expected to begin in 2026 depending on engineering details, site conditions and contracting, officials added. The project calls for removal of excess cattail mats and sediment in parts of the channel and improve flow within the river and surrounding marsh. The channel was closed off because of dense mats of invasive species, which slowed stream flow and soiled habitat for waterfowl and other wildlife, officials said. (Finance & Commerce)
 

JULY 15

Barr Engineering to Move Headquarters to Meridian Crossings in Richfield
Business Matters - Architecture & Engineering Firms
Barr Engineering, an employee-owned engineering an environmental consulting firm, announced it plans to move to 1 Meridian Crossings in late 2026. The building is located at the junction of interstates 35W and 494, across I-35W from Best Buy Co. Inc headquarters. The company will occupy 85,000-square-feet across three full floors at the new location. This represents a downsizing from its current 151,000-square-foot space at 4300 MarketPointe Drive in Bloomington. Barr said it chose the site in large part based on employee input. Its employees cited a desire for proximity to on-site and walkable amenities, a commuter-friendly location, natural lighting, and a modern, vibrant atmosphere. (Minneapolis - St. Paul Business Journal)
 

Dimension Energy Plans Solar Garden in Farmington
Electrical  |  Federal Energy Policy  |  Fencing  |  Green Energy  |  Renewable Energy  |  Solar  |  Solar Garden
Dimension Energy is pushing ahead with plans for a community solar garden in Farmington, despite the uncertain future of federal tax credits for such projects. Earlier this month, the Farmington Planning Commission approved a conditional use permit for the Dimension Energy project, which will bring a 4.95-megawatt community solar garden to part of a 30-acre parcel in the southwest portion of the city. The conditional use permit does not require City Council review, but the plat process will need council approval. The plat application has not yet been received, according to a city planning coordinator. Construction could begin as soon as Spring 2026 on a leased site just south of County Road 50 and west of Flagstaff Avenue. The site, zoned for agricultural use, is surrounded by industrial land to the west, farm fields to the north and south, and a residential property to the east. The project will include ground-mounted solar panels and associated electrical infrastructure, with 7-foot-high fencing around the site. (Finance & Commerce)
 

Endeavor, Standard Redeveloping Le Cordon Bleu Site Near MSP Airport
Under Development - Industrial  |  Lighting 
Endeavor Development has teamed up with an out-of-state investor to develop a 174,300-square-foot industrial building in Mendota Heights. The joint venture, which includes Standard Real Estate Investments, began demolition for the building on the site formerly occupied by Le Cordon Bleu. The pair expects the new industrial development, called Cobalt Business Center, to open by the second quarter of 2026. Endeavor received necessary approvals from the city of Mendota Heights last month, according to a news release. The 10.1-acre site is located at 1315 Mendota Heights Road, near the junction of Highway 55 and Interstate 494. The project will feature 32-foot clear heights, 15 docks, and motion-sending LED light fixtures. (Minneapolis - St. Paul Business Journal)
 

Milwaukee School's Lead Cleanup Project Under Investigation
Industry News - Construction Business Group  |  Construction Compliance  |  Labor Watchdog  |  Lead Paint  |  Milwaukee Public Schools  |  School Safety  |  Union Investigation  |  Wisconsin  |  Worker Certification
A lead remediation project for a Milwaukee public school is under scrutiny by a construction union watchdog after a contractor allegedly used non-certified out-of-state workers. At least 48 workers and subcontractors for Des Plaines-based Independence Painting Co. were interviewed by investigators from the Construction Business Group, a union nonprofit watchdog based in Madison, at Hayes Bilingual School in Milwaukee. The workers were hired under JCP Construction, which oversees subcontractors for the cleanup of lead-based paint in city schools. The school district hired JCP Construction to do precleaning and hire certified lead safe renovation companies, an MPS report dated June 20th showed. The school system expects to spend more than $20-million to resolve lead issues in its schools by December 31st. But those companies JCP Construction hired weren't certified to work on lead-safe projects, nor did they have workman's compensation insurance in the state of Wisconsin, a construction painting union alleged. (Finance & Commerce)
 

Solbakken Plans Assisted Living on Plymouth Site with 'Environmental Challenges'
Community & Assisted Living  |  Healthcare  |  Memory Care  |  Senior Housing
The Plymouth Planning Commission is expected to review plans for Solbakken, a proposed 28-unit, single-story building on a 1.26-acre site at 18035 Old Rockford Road. "Solbakken describes its facilities as one that would care for adults with traumatic brain injuries and other requiring complex care," according to a city staff report. The 19,882-square-foot building would include 24 single-occupancy units and 4 double-occupancy units, along with a lounge space, a dining room, and office space, according to the staff report. The planning commission will consider site plan approval and a variance request for the project. The project team is seeking a variance to allow a 25-foot front yard setback where 50-feet is required. (Finance & Commerce)
 

Steele Properties Buys Third Affordable Duluth-Area Complex
Affordable Housing  |  Community & Assisted Living  |  Housing Rehab  |  Multi-Family  |  Section 8 Housing  
For the third time in a 12-month space, Steel Properties (Denver, CO), known for buying and rehabilitating affordable properties, has made a purchase in the Duluth area. The company bought the Woodland Garden Apartments, according to the CRV, which is an affordable property serving senior residents with Section 8 housing vouchers. The property, at 127 Calvary Road in Duluth, features 60 apartments. "We specialize in acquiring Section 8 assets with strong communities and making large investments to ensure long term preservation," Steele's target acquisitions page reads. "We also have been successful in acquiring underperforming properties and renovating them into comfortable, safe and attractive housing that residents are proud to call home." (Finance & Commerce)
 

Topgolf Developer Sells Woodbury Site
Athletic Facility  |  Commercial & Retail  |  Recreation & Entertainment  |  Restaurant
The developer of Topgolf is close to completion of its second golf-related entertainment venue in the Twin Cities in Woodbury, and has sold the real estate to STORE Capital (Arizona). City records show plans to develop 13.86-0acres, including a three-level, 68,000-square-foot commercial building to feature a restaurant, bar, entertainment and event space, plus three levels of climate-controlled golf ball hitting bays and an outfield with electronic targets. STORE Capital's website describes it as an internally managed net-lease real estate investment trust, or REIT, in the acquisition, investment and management of Single Tenant Operation Real Estate, or STORE Properties. (Finance & Commerce)
 

JULY 16

Change Could Spark More Low-Income Housing --- But With Unintended Consequences
Governmental Legislation  - Affordable Housing  |  Low-Income Housing Tax Credit  |  Private Activity Bonds  |  Tax Credits
The comprehensive tax-and-spending bill passed by Congress and signed by President Trump earlier this month could have significant implications for the production and preservation of affordable housing across the U.S. Most significantly, the bill calls for an expansion of the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit program, popularly used for decades to help finance new affordable-housing development. The legislation includes a restoration of the 12.5% increase in 9% of LIHTC allocations, which had expired in 2011. It also provides for a reduction in the 50% financed-by test for housing financed by private activity bonds (PABs) to 25%. Novogradac, a professional-services firm that specializes in tax and consulting services for groups like nonprofits and the affordable-housing sector, analyzed the LIHTC provisions called for in the legislation. It estimates 5276,700 additional rental homes could be financed between 2026 and 2035 once the LIHTC and PAB provisions are enacted. (Minneapolis - St. Paul Business Journal)
 

Construction Team Picked for Affordable Housing Project in Madison
Wisconsin Project - Affordable Housing  |  Athletic Facility  |  Green Building  |  Multi-Family  |  Rooftop Solar
McShane Construction Company announced it was selected by Fond du-Lac-based Volker Development to build Kelly Station, a five-story affordable housing project at the corner of East Washington and North Seventh Street. McShane didn't share the total project cost, but a spokesperson said that all 76-units will be rent- and income-restricted. Located on a .90-acre site at 2462 East Washington Avenue, the development will have a podium-style building with four stories of wood framing on top of an above-grade precast parking garage, McShane officials said. The exterior will integrate masonry on the first floor, with a mix of Hardie plank and lap sliding on floor two through five, officials added. Amenities will include second-floor roof amenity plaza, club room on the fifth floor and rooftop deck, a fully equipped fitness center, a community room, and a local community service organization suite. The property will also have an on-site Madison BCycle station. Project completion is scheduled for October 2026. Knothe & Bruce Architects is the architect of record, officials added. (Finance & Commerce)
 

Milwaukee Engineering College Breaks Ground on Innovation Center
Under Construction - AI Education  |  Artificial Intelligence  |  Higher Education  |  Milwaukee School of Engineering  |  Robotics  |  STEM Programs  |  Wisconsin Projects
The Milwaukee School of Engineering broke ground on July 19th on the Robert D. Kern Engineering Innovation Center, a four-story, 97,000-square-foot academic building that will become home to most of the school's engineering departments. The project will also hold an educational center focused on artificial intelligence, as the college wants to focus on integrating AI and machine learning into all its programs. VJS Construction Services was hired as the construction manager of the center and Ramlow / Stein Architecture + Interiors will serve as the project developers, officials said. Crews will tear down the north-facing wall of the Allen-Bradley Hall of Science and Fed Loock Engineering Center and connect the innovation center to the two buildings, making a complex of three buildings with the newest facing the southeast corner of North Milwaukee and East State Streets. MSOE aims to finish the innovation center ahead of the Fall 2027 semester. The building will also feature flexible labs, modern classrooms, workshops focused on robotics and AI, an outdoor sustainability lab and public spaces for collaborative learning. (Finance & Commerce)
 

MnDOT Shares University Avenue Project Details
Bike Lanes  |  Curb Extensions  |  Lane Reduction  |  Road Safety  |  Street & Sidewalk Improvements
The Minnesota Department of Transportation has unveiled a design that will bring safety improvements to a section of University Avenue Northeast in Minneapolis. According to MnDOT, crews will shift the intersection of University Avenue and Lowry Avenue to the south, keep the signal and remove the separate right turn in the southwest corner of the intersection of University Avenue and Broadway Street, and narrow University Avenue from four lanes to three lanes. The design also creates boulevards to separate sidewalks from the road, adds curb extensions on side streets, and adds a bike lane between Central Avenue and First Avenue, among other changes. (Finance & Commerce)
 

Raymie Harrison Estates Set for Major Renovation
Accessibility  |  Affordable Housing  |  Community & Assisted Living  |  Housing Renovation  |  Section 8 Housing
The 120-unit property, which consists of apartments and town-homes, will undergo a renovation in the late summer conducted by Kaas Wilson Architects, according to the Washington County Community Agency's website. The affordable property serves seniors and people with disabilities with Section 8 housing vouchers, according to a listing from Shelter Corporation. The property is located at 14830 58th Street North in Oak Park Heights. Initially, the project started as a common area improvement effort, but it soon morphed into more. Kaas Wilson said the intent is to replace most of the fixtures and finishes in the property, with each unit receiving new flooring, cabinets and water-saving plumbing fixtures. The apartments specifically will receive new windows as well as a new roof. Renovations will also hit common areas, too, with plans to redo a community kitchen and community room. They will also make the mail room more accessible to people with disabilities, expand the office, and add a library / study lounge on the top floor. A new maintenance shed will also be constructed. Frerichs Construction has a contract to complete the renovation, though a start date hasn't been determined. (Finance & Commerce)
 

JULY 17

Apple Valley Weighs 148-Unit Workforce Housing Plan
Affordable Housing  |  Athletic Facility  |  EV Infrastructure  |  Multi-Family  |  Playground  |  Workforce Housing
Real Estate Equities describes its proposed 148-unit apartment building in Apple Valley as workforce housing with market=-rate amenities, but the plans are getting mixed reviews from the city's planning body. Plans submitted to the city show a five-story building with "community amenities" that include a clubroom, outdoor grilling area, fitness center, bike storage, electric car chargers, dog run and playground. The Apple Valley Planning Commission held a public hearing for the project, which would rise on a 3.1-acre site at the southwest corner of 155th Street West and Gaslight Drive. The planning body didn't take a formal vote on the proposal, but commissioners and residents who spoke at the hearing expressed concerns about the building's height, density, parking, and how it fits in with other buildings in the area. (Finance & Commerce)
 

Clean Energy Tax Credit Deadline Could Accelerate Project Timelines
Governmental Legislation - Clean Energy  |  Energy Incentives  |  Energy Policy  |  Inflation Reduction Act  |  Renewable Energy  |  Solar Energy  |  Tax Credits  |  Wind Energy
With the "Big Beautiful Bill" signed on July 4th came the axe for potentially $2.7-billlion in tax credits for solar and wind projects if they aren't ready by the end of 2027. Developers must decide whether to act quickly on the bill's 12-month grace period and begin construction before Summer 2026 or have projects operating by December 31, 2027, to qualify for certain solar and wind tax credits. This reversed the Inflation Reduction Act, which guaranteed tax credits to clean energy projects that broke ground before 2033, which could be used or sold to lower the cost of construction. Under the new law, timelines are the same for nuclear, geothermal, hydropower and battery storage development, leaving wind and solar projects to the mercy of the federal deadline. Additionally, the law cut clean energy and efficiency upgrades to residential and commercial buildings. It also phased out tax credits for renovating and constructing manufacturing centers for renewable components and severed credits for hydrogen production. (Finance & Commerce)
 

Inland Proposes 44-Unit Apartment in Minnetonka
Demolition  |  Multi-Family  |  Parking Structure
About a year after it proposed a 26-unit town-home development on a site in Minnetonka, Inland Development Partners has chosen to take a different approach at the same site, hoping to build a 44-unit apartment building. A master development ordinance was put before and approved by the Minnetonka City Council at its July 14th meeting. The site, at 11800 Wayzata Boulevard, is near the Interstate-394 corridor. Doran Cos. is involved in the project as architect, planning documents show. The master development plan, a floor plain alteration permit and a site plan will now go before the Minnetonka Planning Commission at a later date. If it gets the necessary green lights from the city, Inland would first need to demolish the existing 1980s-built office building on the property. The building would include 21 one-bedroom units, 2 one-bedroom-plus-den units, and 21 two-bedroom units. Amenities on the site would include a lounge area with kitchen, coworking spaces, and outdoor grilling and fire pit areas. The property would also feature 44 underground parking stalls and an additional 26 surface stalls. (Finance & Commerce)
 

JULY 18

Data Centers Help Construction Backlog Rebound in June
Industry News - Construction Backlog Indicator  |  Data Center Construction  |  Materials Prices  |  Tariffs
Construction backlog is holding steady, and data centers are driving some of the work, one of the nation's biggest construction associations reported. The Associated Builders and Contractors reports its construction backlog indicator stood at 8.7-months in June. That's up 0.3-months since June 2024, official said. In May, the indicator was at 8.4-months. Tariffs and higher material prices hit the industry in late spring and early summer, but data center construction has been a driver for ABC members lately, according to Anirban Basu, the association's chief economist. (Finance & Commerce)