CHICAGO—James Brannan has joined Transwestern's Chicago office as vice president in the project management and development group. In this role, Brannan he will help expand the company's services to include build-to-suit projects, renovations, workplace strategy, development opportunities and tenant improvement assignments. “This opportunity to grow the project management services line will only enhance our ability to serve our clients with the market insight and operational expertise that Transwestern is known for in the marketplace,” says Brannan. He was previously a senior project manager at Savills Studley, where he oversaw more than 500,000 square feet of projects totaling over $60 million. He also brings more than 21 years of experience to Transwestern and has worked on tenant improvements such as Deloitte, ITW, ACCO Brands, Medline and Scientific Games.

MINNEAPOLIS—Kraus-Anderson Construction Co., a commercial general contractor and construction manager, has promoted two veteran executives to the company's top leadership posts. Al Gerhardt has been named president and Rich Jacobson will become executive vice president of the 120-year-old construction firm. “Al and Rich have had a vital impact on Kraus-Anderson Construction's strategic growth, industry leadership, culture, and more,” says Bruce Engelsma, chairman of Kraus-Anderson Cos. Gerhardt, who will continue to serve as chief operating officer, joined KA in 1980 and gained extensive project management experience in major construction. Under his leadership, the company has experienced greater than 30% average annual growth in sales since 2014. Jacobson will oversee the company's project development and preconstruction teams, operations directors and field operations of all Twin Cities and non-metro offices. He joined KA in 1992 as project manager. This fall, the firm will move into a new five-story, 100,000-square-foot downtown Minneapolis headquarters, which will house about 300 employees.

DEALTRACKER

DETROIT—Christopher Dowell and Jack Coury, senior managing directors in the Newmark Knight Frank's Detroit office, recently completed a 43,400-square-foot industrial build-to-suit lease, with option to purchase, at 37641 Mound Rd. in Sterling Heights, MI, a Detroit suburb. They represented the tenant, Mor-Tech Design and land owner/builder, Kemp & Sherman in the transaction. The latter firm held the vacant site for several years, while the industrial market continued to gain momentum and strength. “Having worked with Mor-Tech Design previously, we knew they were operating in three different facilities in the area and would benefit in the long-run from a consolidation,” says Dowell. “They were initially reluctant to the idea; however, we were able to demonstrate the tremendous benefits of a consolidation, as well as the possibility of a tax abatement, making the opportunity one worth considering.” The firm will consolidate its three current facilities located in Sterling Heights into this one central location. Construction will begin in late fall of this year with a completion of summer 2018.

BUILDING BLOCKS

CHICAGO—Crews have begun pouring the 50th floor of One Bennett Park, Related Midwest's ultra-luxury residential tower at 451 E. Grand Ave. in Streeterville, which will eventually reach 70 stories. “We're excited to be working on One Bennett Park's spectacular condominiums, crafted by Robert A.M. Stern Architects as vertical homes with gracious living spaces, unparalleled luxury finishes and sweeping lake and city views,” says Curt Bailey, president of Related Midwest. “As One Bennett Park's residences rise, other distinctive features – everything from the grand motor court to the limestone-clad base – are gradually taking shape, each bringing us one step closer to realizing our vision for a tower unmatched in design and craftsmanship.” Also under construction is Bennett Park, an adjacent 1.7-acre green space designed by Michael Van Valkenburg Associates, whose other Chicago projects include Maggie Daley Park, The 606 and the Barack Obama Presidential Center. Chicago-based Lendlease is serving as the project's general contractor, while Chicago-based GREC is the architect of record.

NEWS & NOTABLES

CHICAGO—The Chicago commercial real estate, construction and related industries are coming together to organize a relief fundraiser to assist in disaster relief efforts in the wake of Hurricane Harvey and Hurricane Irma. The relief fundraiser is scheduled for September 19, from 5-9 p.m. at 300 S. Riverside Plaza. Sponsorships, tickets and donations to this event will go to The Box It Foundation, who will then donate the net proceeds from the event to the American Red Cross of Chicago & Northern Illinois to assist with their disaster relief efforts. The organizers have already gotten $800,000 in committed donations. “We've set a goal of raising a minimum of one million dollars,” says Bob Chodos, vice chairman at Newmark Knight Frank. “We hope we're successful in exceeding our goal, recognizing the rebuilding and recovery effort will be extensive and long-term.” Twelve years ago, Chodos helped lead an effort called “Turning the Tide” that raised more than $1 million to support the relief effort in the catastrophic aftermath of Katrina.

CHICAGO—Officials from Pathway to Living, which owns and operates 30 senior living communities in four states, say that Aspired Living of Westmont, a 107-unit assisted living and memory care community scheduled to open later this month in suburban Westmont, will be the first senior housing community in the US that provides residents with the Spark of Life Philosophy, a program of treatment and support for dementia care. First launched in Australia in 2007, Spark of Life was developed by Jane Verity, a pioneer in the field of dementia care and research. Designed to reverse the symptoms of dementia – a process called rementia – Spark of Life focuses not just on the physical needs of memory care residents, but also their social, emotional and spiritual well-being. “The key to Spark of Life lies in a heart-to-heart connection that enables a person with dementia to reconnect with their spirit – the inner driving force that restores zest for life,” says Verity. Located at 407 W. 63rd St., Aspired Living of Westmont will include 73 assisted living apartments in a mix of studio, one- and two-bedroom floor plans, as well as 34 memory care studios.

CHICAGO—James Brannan has joined Transwestern's Chicago office as vice president in the project management and development group. In this role, Brannan he will help expand the company's services to include build-to-suit projects, renovations, workplace strategy, development opportunities and tenant improvement assignments. “This opportunity to grow the project management services line will only enhance our ability to serve our clients with the market insight and operational expertise that Transwestern is known for in the marketplace,” says Brannan. He was previously a senior project manager at Savills Studley, where he oversaw more than 500,000 square feet of projects totaling over $60 million. He also brings more than 21 years of experience to Transwestern and has worked on tenant improvements such as Deloitte, ITW, ACCO Brands, Medline and Scientific Games.

MINNEAPOLIS—Kraus-Anderson Construction Co., a commercial general contractor and construction manager, has promoted two veteran executives to the company's top leadership posts. Al Gerhardt has been named president and Rich Jacobson will become executive vice president of the 120-year-old construction firm. “Al and Rich have had a vital impact on Kraus-Anderson Construction's strategic growth, industry leadership, culture, and more,” says Bruce Engelsma, chairman of Kraus-Anderson Cos. Gerhardt, who will continue to serve as chief operating officer, joined KA in 1980 and gained extensive project management experience in major construction. Under his leadership, the company has experienced greater than 30% average annual growth in sales since 2014. Jacobson will oversee the company's project development and preconstruction teams, operations directors and field operations of all Twin Cities and non-metro offices. He joined KA in 1992 as project manager. This fall, the firm will move into a new five-story, 100,000-square-foot downtown Minneapolis headquarters, which will house about 300 employees.

DEALTRACKER

DETROIT—Christopher Dowell and Jack Coury, senior managing directors in the Newmark Knight Frank's Detroit office, recently completed a 43,400-square-foot industrial build-to-suit lease, with option to purchase, at 37641 Mound Rd. in Sterling Heights, MI, a Detroit suburb. They represented the tenant, Mor-Tech Design and land owner/builder, Kemp & Sherman in the transaction. The latter firm held the vacant site for several years, while the industrial market continued to gain momentum and strength. “Having worked with Mor-Tech Design previously, we knew they were operating in three different facilities in the area and would benefit in the long-run from a consolidation,” says Dowell. “They were initially reluctant to the idea; however, we were able to demonstrate the tremendous benefits of a consolidation, as well as the possibility of a tax abatement, making the opportunity one worth considering.” The firm will consolidate its three current facilities located in Sterling Heights into this one central location. Construction will begin in late fall of this year with a completion of summer 2018.

BUILDING BLOCKS

CHICAGO—Crews have begun pouring the 50th floor of One Bennett Park, Related Midwest's ultra-luxury residential tower at 451 E. Grand Ave. in Streeterville, which will eventually reach 70 stories. “We're excited to be working on One Bennett Park's spectacular condominiums, crafted by Robert A.M. Stern Architects as vertical homes with gracious living spaces, unparalleled luxury finishes and sweeping lake and city views,” says Curt Bailey, president of Related Midwest. “As One Bennett Park's residences rise, other distinctive features – everything from the grand motor court to the limestone-clad base – are gradually taking shape, each bringing us one step closer to realizing our vision for a tower unmatched in design and craftsmanship.” Also under construction is Bennett Park, an adjacent 1.7-acre green space designed by Michael Van Valkenburg Associates, whose other Chicago projects include Maggie Daley Park, The 606 and the Barack Obama Presidential Center. Chicago-based Lendlease is serving as the project's general contractor, while Chicago-based GREC is the architect of record.