Building Dimensions
Replacing and repositioning aging skilled nursing facilities
Build for the future: Replacing and repositioning aging skilled nursing facilities Across the Upper Midwest and beyond, many skilled nursing facilities built between the 1960s and 1990s are reaching the limits of their useful life. Long double-loaded corridors, shared bathrooms, aging HVAC systems, challenges in complying with current regulations, and institutional finishes no longer meet…
Turning lower interest rates into new development opportunities
With borrowing costs beginning to ease, it’s time to re-evaluate paused projects — and plan strategically for growth The Federal Reserve recently lowered interest rates again, cutting its benchmark rate by a quarter point. The move is designed to ease borrowing costs and boost growth — and for commercial developers and senior living operators alike,…
Land contracts: Making deals happen when capital is tight
The growing appeal of land contracts in the Upper Midwest Business owners, developers, brokers, and landowners across Wisconsin and Minnesota face a familiar question: How do we keep projects moving forward in today’s market? One answer gaining renewed attention is the land contract — also known as a contract for deed or seller financing. Though…
Balancing revenue engines with resident appeal in senior living
When dollars meet dignity Senior living operators across Wisconsin, Minnesota and Iowa know this tension well. You need services and amenities that make residents feel at home and provide the appropriate level of care — yet you also need revenue streams that sustain your organization. Lean too far toward cost-cutting or revenue maximization, and you…
How 1031 exchanges can work for new construction
Across the Upper Midwest, there’s an overlooked way to keep deals alive: using a 1031 exchange for new construction projects — a powerful way to keep projects moving forward when capital is tight. Most investors know the basics of a 1031 exchange — sell an investment property, reinvest in another, and defer capital gains taxes.…
How new data centers can transform rural and suburban economies — Insights for commercial property owners and developers
In addition to powering the digital world, a large-scale data center can shift entire market dynamics. For commercial property owners and developers, these projects can unlock infrastructure improvements, raise surrounding property values, attract a skilled workforce, and fuel demand for complementary developments such as flex space, mixed-use projects, and workforce housing. In March 2025, Ryan…
Future-proof your commercial property against rising insurance costs
How strategic design and construction can reduce your insurance premiums and protect your investment If your commercial property insurance bill gave you sticker shock this year, you’re not alone. Across the country, premiums are rising fast — and many property owners are facing double-digit increases. Whether you’re a developer planning your next project or an…
Navigating construction financing in a higher interest economy
How to secure funding for your build amid elevated interest rates If you’re thinking about breaking ground but hit a bump in the road with your lender’s quote, it’s a sign of the times. With interest rates lingering at recent highs and tighter lender terms, getting your project off the ground takes more financial finesse…
Building to last: Master planning for financially sustainable senior living communities
How smart planning supports long-term sustainability in senior housing In senior living, the true measure of success isn’t just resident move-in day — it’s stability years down the road. With rising costs, workforce pressures, and shifting resident expectations, financial sustainability is one of the greatest challenges facing senior housing developers and operators today. So, what…
Senior housing outlook sends clear message: Build now!
Senior housing market is heating up The senior housing sector is once again gaining ground — and quickly. Recent data points to strong, sustained demand, resilient rent growth, and occupancy rates that continue to climb. For developers and investors in the Upper Midwest, the opportunity window is opening wide. A supply-demand mismatch that favors developers…