The rule of thumb for many nonprofit organizations is that they should own their buildings but, as Augsburg Fortress Publishers found, sometimes you have to break the rules.

The company had been in its own building for 100 years, but the way it did business was changing. Printing no longer was done on site and space was being used inefficiently for storage. Hennepin County had expressed interest in the company's downtown Minneapolis site, but negotiations had stalled.

Nelson, Tietz & Hoye was working on another project for Augsburg Fortress when the county expressed renewed interest in the company's property. Augsburg Fortress sought help from Nelson, Tietz & Hoye, who ultimately negotiated the sale to the satisfaction of both parties.

The challenge, with the company able to finance a new home, was to determine a location. Nelson, Tietz & Hoye looked at how Augsburg Fortress' business practices were changing, and determined that the real estate solution needed to provide ongoing flexibility. Leasing space would accommodate any changes. The solution, after reviewing options, was to lease space in Fifth Street Towers.

"Augsburg Fortress' disciplined, energetic team helped move the project forward," says John Tietz, Nelson, Tietz & Hoye. "The company's airy, spacious workplace is quite a change from the old offices. Even with less square footage than in the original space, the new environment seems bigger."

Augsburg Fortress adapted quickly to the new location and ultimately found that it's easier for business units to work together.

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