Forte Advises Metro Sales on Space Consolidation, Relocations, Renovations of Minnesota Offices

Metro Sales Inc.’s Owatonna office opened its new location last month, moving 12 employees into 2,000 sq. ft. at 1880 Austin Rd., as part of MSI’s two-year real estate evaluation led by Forte Real Estate Partners. Ultimately, MSI plans to renovate or relocate their out-state locations, as the company evolved from its original single owner to an ESOP and shifted to use the space for employee retention, product showroom, and client training.

Forte Real Estate Partners, the Twin Cities TCN Worldwide affiliate, was hired by MSI in 2021 to review and advise the company on its real estate footprint and subsequent renovation and relocation project management. The Owatonna office opening marks the third new space in 12 months, with three locations to be renovated in 2023.

“From beginning to end, it was a seamless process. From site selection, to lease negotiations, to project management, we couldn’t have asked for a better partner. Our work with Forte resulted in a state-of-the-art headquarters that reflected our company’s updated offering and gives us space to grow.  We are fortunate to have had a true partner like Forte to assist in one of our biggest decisions in our 50-year history,” said Dan Tuohy, President & CEO, Metro Sales.

Metro Sales locations

Burnsville: The headquarters location, which consolidated four Twin Cities locations to one new 53,000 sq. ft. office showroom, opened in Jan 2022. In addition to corporate offices, the space will be used for client training and a product showroom and is staffed by 200 employees. The property has excellent access via I-35W and Highway 13.

Out-state locations:

• St. Cloud: Moved 20 employees in Nov. 2022 from an older owned building at 2911 Clearwater Rd. to a new 4,500 sq. ft. leased location at 108 Division St, Waite Park.
• Owatonna: Moved from 375 St John Dr. into new 2,000 sq. ft. space a few miles away at 1880 Austin Rd. That office was renovated for occupancy of the 12 employees on Jan. 16, 2023.
• Duluth: The 19 employees will stay in the original location of 4,440 sq. ft. but the space will undergo extensive renovations starting in the fall 2023.
• Mankato: In the fall of 2023, a renovation is scheduled for the existing 2,500 sq. ft. lease that is occupied by 12 employees.
• Rochester: The existing lease was renewed and some interior updates will be handled by MSI.

“What sets Forte apart from other real estate and project management firms is creating an experience for our clients that is based on trust and integrity, establishing the foundation for long-term partnerships,” said Jim Jetland, principal and lead adviser on the MSI strategy.

Dan Lofgren, vice president – Real Estate Advisory, conducted site tours and provided options for the four-location consolidation in the Twin Cities metro area.  Wally Tufvander, vice president – Project Management, continues to lead the renovation and relocation construction projects on behalf of MSI.

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