Ben Quie & Sons

Ben Quie & Sons, a trusted home remodeling contractor in St. Paul, has been blending the charm of vintage homes with modern functionality since its founding in 1988. As their business expanded, the company recognized the need for a larger, customized office and workspace to support their growing team of production managers, estimators, project managers, and designers—all while maintaining proximity to their St. Paul client base.

In early 2022, Ben Quie & Sons approached Ian McRoberts from Element to assist them in locating potential solutions to replace their leased 2,700 SF office and small shop space located on Energy Park Drive which no longer met their operational needs. They sought a property that could house a spacious office for their growing team, a design room for samples, a shop area with a drive-in bay, adequate parking and storage, all while showcasing their brand in a visible, convenient location.  

Ian conducted a market survey that identified several possible options in the vicinity, but Ben Quie had for several years believed that a building located at 2448 Larpenteur Ave W. was the perfect fit, however it was not currently offered for sale.  The property included a 4,928 SF main building, and a 1,100 SF detached garage with visible to the corner location at Larpenteur Ave and Highway 280.  If we could convince the owner to sell the property it provided a perfect palette for Ben Quie & Sons to realize their dream of establishing a new headquarters tailored to their needs.

Ian’s patient and straightforward communication approach with the building owner was eventually effective in getting the owner to agree to sell the building at a market rate price and terms that were acceptable to Ben Quie & Sons in the spring 2023.   Ian guided Ben Quie & Sons through every step of the acquisition, including assessing environmental considerations, evaluation of capital stack equity options, as well as the pre-construction due diligence process, leveraging his deep understanding of commercial construction and the development entitlement process, including working with Sunrise Banks on their checklist to approve the construction loan.  The transaction closed in the summer of 2023, clearing the path for Ben Quie & Son’s year-long restoration and renovation of the property.

In the fall of 2024, Ben Quie & Sons unveiled their beautifully renovated office and shop space at 2448 Larpenteur Ave W. The new space is not only highly functional but also a testament to the company’s brand, showcasing the same quality and attention to detail they provide to their clients.

Ian said of the process: “I am excited and proud to have assisted Ben Quie & Sons in the purchase and renovation of this property, it was a long process, but worth the effort to transform this old building into a new vibrant home for Ben Quie & Son’s for many years to come”