Opening of Variant with First Retail Tenants
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
APRIL 18, 2018
Greco and The Opus Group® Announce Opening of Variant in the North Loop with First Retail Tenants
Unique Luxury Apartments Featuring the North Loop’s Largest Pool Plus Innovative First-Floor Taproom and Health & Fitness Program Tenants
MINNEAPOLIS – Variant, the sole white-brick building in the North Loop, is now leasing smartly planned apartments with unmatched amenities and finishes. The 144 units range from micro units to two bedroom penthouses to tailor to all North Loopers’ needs.
The building’s developers, Greco and Opus Development Company, L.L.C., intentionally addressed the area’s need for smaller dwelling spaces which appeal to a broader group of renters. The six-story building’s micro units lend themselves well to this community with extensive shared amenities. Residents can enjoy the North Loop’s largest pool, a clubroom with outdoor grilling stations, a rooftop terrace, private gym, bike bench, dog wash and heated parking.
In a marketplace where it is getting harder to stand out; Variant’s location, elevated finish palate and amenities answer the needs of today’s discerning renter who is busy, successful and demands the best, explains Josh Brandsted, President of Greco.
“We have seen a shift in the demands of renters across our other buildings, leaning toward simplification, but higher-quality finishes and amenities,” said Brandsted. “From the beginning, we set out to deliver a unique product that conveyed a true boutique style and experience.”
“We are excited to introduce this project to the vibrant North Loop neighborhood,” said Nick Murnane, Director, Real Estate Development at Opus Development Company, L.L.C. “There continues to be strong demand for luxury living in the North Loop and Variant provides a best-in-class option with upscale finishes, robust amenities and new retail spaces that embrace the North Loop lifestyle.”
Variant welcomed its first residents in November 2017 and is currently leasing its final units. The deck is ready to open for its inaugural season and is projected to be a popular destination in the North Loop.
Variant’s first ground-floor retail tenant is another unique concept for the North Loop: a rare pour-your-own, pay-by-the-ounce taproom with more than 54 taps of 100 percent
U.S. independent craft beer, wine, cider and kombucha. First Draft Taproom & Kitchen, based out of Denver, will open its first Minnesota location this summer, occupying 4,600 square feet of space.
First Draft has a great respect for the craft beverage and food scene that makes the Twin Cities one of the best restaurant destinations in the country, said Andrew Valen, Partner at First Draft. The taproom aims to provide a unique sensory experience each time a customer walks in the door.
“We identify with Variant in that ‘there is no place like this place’,” explained Valen. “Variant is unique to the North Loop community just like we are unique to the craft beer scene.”
Farrell’s Extreme Bodyshaping, the second unique retail tenant to join the Variant community, will open in May. Occupying 4,500 square feet of space, it will offer a fun, structured and rewarding health and fitness program meant for all levels.
It was the vibrant and fitness-focused North Loop neighborhood that led Farrell’s to this specific site, stated Casey Bloemke, Owner/Operator of Farrell’s North Loop. The Farrell’s program has been in the Twin Cities for five years, but this is the first Minneapolis location.
“As a member-turned-owner, I can say this program is absolutely life-changing,” said Bloemke. “The program has the ability to significantly transform your physical appearance by burning fat, building muscle and providing comprehensive education on nutrition. What also makes Farrell’s unique from other gyms is the sense of community among members. You form a bond with other members in your 10-week session and develop friendships and a level of accountability unrivaled in other gyms.”
Residents and visitors will soon notice the opening of the Variant pool deck and the buildout of the First Draft and Farrell’s spaces. For more information on Variant and its retail partners, visit https://www.variantmpls.com.
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About Greco
Greco is a full service real estate firm specializing in urban redevelopment, building re-use, and high-end property management. Based in Minneapolis, MN Greco is experienced in both new construction and historic renovations and the arrangement of debt and equity financing. Greco’s development and management is focused on creating an exceptional living and working experience. Greco brings their passion for design, development, and detail into each property.
About The Opus Group
The Opus Group® is a family of commercial real estate development, construction and design companies headquartered in Minneapolis with offices and projects across the country. Opus operates as an integrated, multidisciplinary team with expertise in development, capital markets and finance; project management and construction; architecture, engineering and interior design. The Opus Group includes Opus Holding, L.L.C. and its operating subsidiaries: Opus Development Company, L.L.C., Opus Design Build, L.L.C. and Opus AE Group, L.L.C. Specializing in industrial, office, residential, retail, healthcare and institutional projects, The Opus Group has broad capabilities, deep experience and a proven design-build model that delivers speed, cost savings and best overall value for clients. For more information, visit www.opus-group.com and follow @TheOpusGroup on Twitter.