Willow Peak

Rethinking Urban Spaces: Insights from ULI Emerging Trends 2025 The way we use space is evolving, and urban cores are at the center of this transformation. At ULI’s Emerging Trends event, industry leaders explored the shifts in office space, redevelopment opportunities, and housing supply challenges. Willow Peak’s Founder & CEO, Erin Fitzgerald, joined the conversation, sharing insights on how real estate can drive community resilience. ? Here’s what’s shaping the future: ? ?? Office Space Transformation?– Since 2020,?10.6 million square feet?of office space has been given back in urban markets. Companies like Wells Fargo, Target, and UnitedHealth Group are reducing their footprints, forcing a rethink of how office space is utilized. ? ??? ?Urban Redevelopment?– The Ameriprise building in Minneapolis (707 2nd Ave S) is being considered for a?mixed-use transformation?that could bring?residential, hospitality, and modern office spaces?together. ? ??? ?Housing Supply & Affordability?– The Twin Cities need?18,000 new housing units annually?but are falling short, contributing to an?undersupply of 98,000 units?statewide. Despite this, the region remains one of the most affordable markets among its peers. ? ?? ?Population Growth & Migration?– The Twin Cities is projected to?reach 3.82 million people by 2050, with?international migration?playing a key role in shaping urban communities. ? These trends highlight both the challenges and opportunities in real estate. As office spaces shrink,?redevelopment and housing innovation?will be key to building vibrant, resilient cities. Click the link to view the full slide deck from our presenters Sam Newberg, Libby Starling, Sheri Brezinka, LEED Green Associate, Irene Fernando.?https://lnkd.in/g4GVWd-s ? #UrbanTransformation #RealEstateTrends #MixedUseDevelopment #HousingAffordability #WillowPeak #ErinFitzgerald

Our chair Gabe Philibert reminds you that you still have time to register for tomorrow's Emerging Trends in Real Estate event at the Minneapolis Club, featuring: Haley Anderson Libby Starling Sheri Brezinka, LEED Green Associate Irene Fernando Rafael Ortega Sam Newberg Heather Worthington (she/her) John Minor Erin Fitzgerald Michael Trotter Register here: https://lnkd.in/gzeuri8v Thank you to our sponsor JE Dunn Construction See you tomorrow!

A new conversation starts here - ULI Minnesota Trends Day! I’m honored to be speaking at the first annual ULI Minnesota Trends Day this Thursday, February 27, at the Minneapolis Club. This event will bring together top industry leaders to explore the emerging trends shaping real estate—from capital markets to sustainability, housing, and migration. I’ll be joining Mark Decker (Proterra Real Estate Partners LP) and Michael Trotter (Huntington National Bank) on the Capital Markets Reaction Panel, where we’ll break down the shifts, challenges, and opportunities in today’s investment landscape. With insights from PwC the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis, USGBC California, JLL, Urban3 and local commissioners, this event will provide a comprehensive look at what’s ahead for both public and private sector partners. Join us for a dynamic conversation and networking as we help shape the future of real estate in Minnesota! #ErinFitzgerald #WillowPeak #ULI #MinneapolisRenaissanceCoalition #ULIMN #RealEstateMarket #OfficeMarket #Repositioning #Revitalization #Conversions #CapitalMarkets #PwC

At Willow Peak we’re dedicated to transforming underutilized buildings into thriving destinations, and tomorrow we’re sharing our insights at MNCAR’s CE Course: Creative Conversions – Reuse in Real Estate! Erin Fitzgerald, our CEO, will lead this session, drawing from 20+ years of experience and over 10 million square feet of office repositioning to explore: ? The latest trends in adaptive reuse and mixed-use redevelopment ? How to acquire and reposition assets at distressed pricing ? The (CUB) Credit and legislative efforts to incentivize conversions ? Public-private collaboration—what works and what doesn’t Join us for this deep dive into building conversions as a tool for urban revitalization. ?? Tuesday, February 25 ?? 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM ?? 2550 University Ave W, St. Paul, MN ?? MNCAR | 1.0 CE Credit Let’s reimagine what’s possible in our cities. #WillowPeak #Repositionings #MixedUse #MinneapolisRenaissanceCoalition #CRE #AdaptiveReuse #UrbanRevitalization #OfficeConversion #MNCAR #Minneapolis #OfficeMarket #CUBCredit

It’s always inspiring to see visionary leaders investing in Minneapolis’ future. Kristi Oman transformation of the historic Kickernick Building into a thriving arts hub is a remarkable example of how thoughtful redevelopment can energize a community. By creating space for artists and fostering cultural vibrancy, she is making a meaningful impact on the Warehouse District and beyond. We’re grateful to have you as a neighbor, Kristi. Thank you for your commitment to making Minneapolis a stronger, more dynamic city. #MinneapolisRenaissanceCoalition #WillowPeak #KristiOman #WarehouseDistrict #Minneapolis #DowntownRevitalization #mymsdt #ErinFitzgerald

At Willow Peak, we are inspired by Gensler’s innovative “Office-to-Everything” approach, which emphasizes transforming underutilized office spaces into dynamic, mixed-use environments. This strategy not only revitalizes downtown areas but also fosters vibrant communities by integrating residential, retail, and recreational spaces. By reimagining the potential of existing structures, we can breathe new life into our urban centers and create sustainable, thriving neighborhoods. We encourage you to explore Gensler’s insights on this transformative approach. #UrbanRevitalization #MixedUseDevelopment #SustainableCities #CommunityBuilding #ErinFitzgerald https://lnkd.in/gC9TzekV

We’re thrilled to share some exciting news about our founder, Erin Fitzgerald! This morning, the Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal recognized Erin as a 2025 Person to Watch, celebrating her leadership and unwavering commitment to revitalizing downtown Minneapolis. From launching Willow Peak to spearheading the Minneapolis Renaissance Coalition, Erin has worked tirelessly to reimagine the future of our city. Her vision for transforming underutilized spaces into vibrant, mixed-use destinations is inspiring change, fostering collaboration, and driving meaningful investment in our community. Congratulations, Erin! This honor reflects not just your dedication but also the collective efforts of everyone who shares in this mission to create a brighter future for Minneapolis. #WillowPeak #ErinFitzgerald #MinneapolisRenaissanceCoalition #PersonToWatch #MSPBJ #DowntownRevitalization https://lnkd.in/gzkbnxTG

Join us today, Tuesday, Dec. 17, for a live webinar to explore the work of the Minneapolis Renaissance Coalition, a public-private partnership dedicated to reimagining investment in downtown Minneapolis. Led by Willow Peak’s CEO, Erin Fitzgerald, this coalition of over 150 members is driving efforts to revitalize the city’s buildings and public spaces. During this one-hour session, Erin will share insights into the coalition’s mission, challenges, and legislative goals. Register here: https://ow.ly/HhKa50UkhCB

Congratulations Jon Lanners and the team at Onward Investors as well as Cross Ocean Partners and Neuberger Berman on the acquisition of the Wells Fargo Center. This landmark transaction underscores renewed confidence in downtown Minneapolis and the strength of our market’s recovery. A pivotal moment for the city and a clear signal of the opportunities ahead for those investing in its future. #CapitalMarkets #OnwardInvestors #CBRE #CommercialRealEstate #officemarket #DowntownMinneapolis #MinneapolisRenaissanceCoalition #WillowPeak #DowntownRecovery

I’m incredibly grateful to be named one of Twin Cities Business’ Top 100 to Watch in 2025. It’s an honor to be included alongside such an impressive group of leaders and innovators who are shaping the future of Minnesota. Thank you to Allison Kaplan and the team at Twin Cities Business for this recognition and for highlighting the work being done across our state to drive meaningful change. Congratulations to all the honorees—it’s truly inspiring to see so much talent and vision in one community. Here’s to making 2025 a year of growth and impact! Special shout out to fellow honorees: Lisa Goodman Evan Doran Will Bernhjelm Lindsay Boyd Peter Bian Linda Cao Rob Cimperman Mike Corneille Erick DeLeon Pete Diessner Lou DiLorenzo Philip Farzanegan devean george Alex Gese Scott Harvey Jillian Hiscock Cale Johnston Roxanne Kimball Jessica Cordova Kramer (she/her) Jami Olson Aron Pilhofer Malik Rucker Victoria Sass John Slack Jennifer Smith Karen Sorbo Sean Sweeney Karyn Tomlinson Billy Sushi Matt Varilek Aaron Wittkamper @mike brown @bob gerken @james winberg #WillowPeak #ErinFitzgerald #tcb100 #MinneapolisRenaissanceCoalition