One of the most ambitious spec industrial buildings in recent years is now under construction and has a tenant.

United Properties said it has begun work on a 402,000-square-foot industrial facility. The company expects Distribution Alternatives of Lino Lakes to move in by fall 2017.

The project is on a 30-acre site near Interstate 35E and County Road 14, also in Lino Lakes, and will have 32-foot ceilings, outside trailer storage and excess power capacity to ­accommodate future tenants.

United Properties also has signed an option with Rehbein Properties to buy and develop about 100 acres of adjacent commercial and industrial land for what's being called ­Clearwater Creek Business Park.

Distribution Alternatives is a third-party logistics firm that has been in business since 1935. According to its website, the company has warehouses in four locations and works with more than 60 companies, providing ­warehousing and retail fulfillment services.

"The demands of today's e-commerce consumer are putting pressure on retailers and logistics providers to streamline the supply chain network," said Brandon Champeau, vice president for Bloomington-based United ­Properties.

"The distribution center plays a central role in this system, so our team worked collaboratively to design a facility that helps Distribution Alternatives meet their clients' evolving requirements."

In a statement, Distribution Alternatives Executive Vice President Len Thurmes said the building will become the company's new headquarters.

Jon Rausch of Cushman & Wakefield/NorthMarq facilitated the Distribution Alternatives deal, Lampert Architects designed the building, and R.J. Ryan is the general contractor. Rob Davidson of the Davidson Cos. Inc. represented Distribution Alternatives in the transaction and the DLR Group will handle interior design.

Jim Buchta

Washington Square has new tenant

Washington Square in downtown Minneapolis has a new tenant, but it's not a tech company.

Brisky Commercial Real Estate has moved into the complex after being attracted by the recent improvements to Washington Square and the pull to be downtown, the firm said.

The company is still keeping its office in Superior, Wis., but the new Minneapolis space will now operate as its corporate office.

The 22-story rectangular tower at 100 Washington has undergone interior renovations and has snagged several high-profile tech tenants, including Code42 and JAMF Software.

Nicole Norfleet

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