2024 Best of Business: Construction & Development

Commercial architecture firm

Gold | Doran Companies (Doran Architecture)

Whether Doran Cos. is designing an apartment building, developing a retail complex, or tackling a historic renovation, there is a through-line of characteristics: A commitment to quality and building strong communities; a passion for partnership with clients and astute problem-solving. Combined, it translates to wins for the Bloomington-based firm. Founded in 2007, Doran Cos. relies on its foundation of vertical integration to thrive. It offers a breadth of services, including architecture, interior design, preconstruction, and construction. This allows the firm to tackle potential issues before they become problems and keep a sharp focus on clients’ vision, budget, and schedule.

Silver | Synergy Architecture Studio

Bronze | BDH Design

Commercial interior design firm

Gold | BDH Design

It’s a new era at BDH Design, the Minneapolis architecture and interior design firm, yet little is changing. After more than 50 years in business, the third generation has taken over ownership with a commitment to maintaining BDH’s formula for success. The team of nearly 40 thrives with its focus on health care, multifamily housing, and corporate workplaces. BDH stands out by using a vetted process to deeply understand clients’ objectives and build precisely what they require. Already, 2024 is off to a good start after BDH captured four Minnesota Real Estate Journal awards, including three for interior design projects.

Silver | Doran Interiors

Commercial real estate developer

Gold | The Doran Group

The Doran Group puts its stamp on developing commercial properties, marshalling deep experience in the field. From offices in Eden Prairie and Denver, it creates mixed-use developments that bring together housing and commercial spaces in vibrant neighborhoods. Founded by veteran developer Kelly Doran in 2021, The Doran Group now continues under the leadership of Evan Doran after his father’s death in late 2023. The company operates with a model to streamline projects by uniting developers, architects, general contractors, property management, and finance under one roof. The Doran Group recently put its skills to the test when it renovated its new headquarters building.

Silver | Doran Companies

Bronze | Davis

Commercial real estate general contractor

Gold | Doran Companies

As a commercial real estate general contractor, Doran Cos. frequently focuses on reinvention of spaces. The firm also perpetually augments itself, adding services and capabilities to meet market needs. Already one of the largest women-owned businesses in Minnesota and one of the largest women-owned general contractors in the Upper Midwest, Doran Cos. continues to grow. It recently added DSP Homes, a part of its Doran Special Projects division, to focus on residential contracting, and it formed a strategic partnership with Inland Development Partners to join forces on real estate development. Overall, Doran’s 115 employees collaborate on mixed-use and multifamily developments, office, retail, industrial, and self-storage.

Silver | Terra Construction; Timco Construction (tie)

Multifamily developer

Gold | The Doran Group

When it comes to building multifamily developments, large and luxurious are on-trend for The Doran Group. The firm is known for its amenity-rich properties featuring units with high-end finishes and on-site staff to create condo-like living environments. For its recent project, The Ruby, The Doran Group repurposed a vacant Walmart in St. Anthony into a nearly 500-unit apartment complex. Residents can take advantage of a gym, entertainment suite, game room, pool area, and more. The firm’s Mill & Main in Minneapolis and 610 West in Brooklyn Park have won numerous accolades, including Minnesota’s Best gold honors from the Star Tribune.

Silver | Doran Companies

Bronze | Ryan Companies

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