The Minneapolis-based developer has selected United Properties of Bloomington, MN, to manage the sales and leasing activities of all commercial real estate at the site. United Properties' retail leasing team includes Mike Sims and Stefanie Meyer, and its industrial leasing team includes Mark Sims, Jon Yanta and Jason Meyer.

Dean Lakes is one the largest mixed-use developments ever to be initiated in the Twin Cities' southwest region. The 273-acre, master-planned project will blend 42 acres of residential space--295 housing units priced from $200,000 to $500,000--44 acres of retail space, and 90 acres of industrial and office space. The development also includes 84 acres of dedicated conservation area that features an extensive regional trail system, parklands and wetlands.

Ryan will implement an active conservation restoration program to eliminate invasive plant species and return this portion of the site to something resembling its native environment. Ryan completed the land purchase for the site last week. In mid-2000 the former landowner, Valley Green Business Park, received preliminary approval from the City of Shakopee for an all-commercial development on the site. Several tenant agreements are nearing completion and are expected to be announced over the next two months.