Overview in September 2020

Since the last update (Spring 2020), the national economic picture has remained uncertain and will likely be so until management of the pandemic sets realistic mileposts in front of all of us.

In the meantime, and in the best Minnesota tradition, Wilkinson Building Advisers and it’s working group ( the “Sustainable Business Building Group”) are attempting to “skate to where the puck is going to be.” From the point-of-view of  this writer, that point in time is second-quarter next year and the objective is sustainability in building design, construction, and operations combined with market-driven site selections (aka applied Geographical Information Systems; “GIS”)

For purposes of this article, sustainability means “the capacity for the biosphere and human civilization to coexist” ( extract from Wikipedia). When applied to the design, construction, and operations of the built environment, sustainability means balancing environmental impact and profitability.

With the above in mind and beginning in fall 2020 Wilkinson Building Advisors is bring 2 new offerings to the marketplace on a trial basis.

1. Affordable and Sustainable Small Commercial Buildings
2. Industrial and warehouse upgrades to improve sustainability and cost of operations

See the blog page of this site for more on the Affordable Small Commercial Building initiative.

Overview in spring 2020

The global pandemic is sowing human and economic damage and forcing change. Amid this harsh setting, new ways of thinking are arising. Among them is the choice to create local, regional, and national energy self-sufficiency.

With the help local, state and the federal governments and electrical utilities that choice has become a real financial alternative.

Wilkinson Building Advisors has formed a working group to bring financially compelling solar energy solutions to industrial, manufacturing, and warehousing real estate. When implemented with all available incentives, the cost of ownership is very low and the payback period very short. In many cases, plant and site improvements can be rolled into the overall financial structure of the project.

Wilkinson Building Advisors is also facilitating a “shelter not tents” effort in Minneapolis-St Paul to anticipate the next winter which is only 6 months away. This site will contain blog posts in connection with design alternatives offering by many of the fine design firms in Minneapolis and St Paul. Meanwhile take a look at TED talks that describe the humanitarian and fiscal good sense of this effort:

“Housing First”-Lloyd Pendleton (Ford Motor Co. and his church)

 “A practical way to help the homeless” -Richard J Barry (Mayor, Albuquerque, NM

The Big Picture

Wilkinson Building Advisors provides guidelines and recommendations to define and measure project complexity at an early stage. Whether you are an investor, owner or designer, this protocol provides a better understanding and actionable steps to successfully manage projects and reduce the associated risks that come with complexity. 

• Do you understand and are you satisfied with how financial risk is shared in the deal?

• How will you test indoor climate to be sure it meets needs?

• Have you completed the early planning work (particularly in connection with budgeting) to your satisfaction?

• How are the local, state, and national regulatory processes affecting your project?

• How do you measure project success?

• What characteristics of energy sustainability are built into your design?

• Is the geotechnical work (soils investigation) complete and comprehensive?

PROJECT ANALYSIS | DESIGN & AESTHETIC ALIGNMENT | FEASIBILITY VERIFICATION | COST PLANNING | FINANCIAL ENGINEERING

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