MINNEAPOLIS (April 6, 2010) – Ryan Companies US, Inc. recently completed an integrated development/construction project for Rasmussen College in Blaine, Minn. The 25,011-square-foot building is part of the Blaine campus, one of eight in Minnesota.

“We were working with another developer when we invited Ryan to develop an alternative plan for the college,” said Zach Wasilew, Director of Corporate Development, Rasmussen, Inc. “They came back with an impressive solution that met our financial and scheduling needs – with a timeline that delivered three months more quickly than our usual builders.”

Ryan broke ground on the $4.8 million project -- designed by Paulsen Architects of Mankato -- in September 2009 and completed it three weeks ahead of schedule in March.  The deadline was critical, because Rasmussen wanted the campus to open in time for its 110th anniversary. Ryan provided development, design-build construction and capital markets services on the project.

“It was important for us to understand Rasmussen’s needs right from the start,” said Casey Hankinson, Director of Development for Ryan. “Quality of the finished product, schedule and communication throughout the process were all very important to them. The Ryan team was able to deliver on all of Rasmussen’s top priorities, offering a complete building solution in a tight timeframe. The entire project team is thrilled Rasmussen is satisfied, and we look forward to continuing our relationship with such a great organization.”

The new campus will open in the summer of 2010 and will provide Bachelor’s and Associate’s degrees to people in and around Blaine. The building will be a part of Blaine Preserve Park. Rasmussen College is regionally accredited and offers Bachelor’s and Associate’s degrees in high demand fields. Rasmussen College educates 15,000 students on campuses in Minnesota, Illinois, Florida, Wisconsin and North Dakota, as well as online.  Rasmussen College is a division of Rasmussen, Inc., a premier post-secondary educational services organization delivering Master’s, Bachelor’s, Associate’s, and Doctoral degree programs through its Rasmussen College and Deltak divisions.

This was the first project Ryan Companies has done with Rasmussen College, but the success has led to two additional projects similar in size and scope in Illinois and Florida.

About Rasmussen College
Founded in 1900, Rasmussen College is a premier provider of educational experiences, dedicated to the growth and development of its students, employees, and the communities it serves. Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, Rasmussen College offers Bachelor’s and Associate’s degrees in fields with the greatest occupation opportunities to more than 15,000 students both online and through its network of 18 campuses. By partnering with leading universities, Rasmussen offers opportunities to students beyond the Bachelor’s level. The Rasmussen Partner Network gives students the opportunity to earn Master’s and Doctoral degrees completely online, at their own convenience, from prominent universities around the country.  To learn more about Rasmussen College, please visit www.Rasmussen.edu.

About Ryan Companies, US, Inc.
Ryan Companies US, Inc., a nationally recognized developer, design-builder and real estate manager, has specialized in fully integrated solutions for more than 70 years. Ryan builds lasting relationships with a project delivery model based on full-service customized solutions and total collaboration – pairing the customer’s needs and expectations with the talents of a team of developers, financiers, architects, engineers, constructors and property managers. In addition to its Minneapolis office, Ryan has offices in Chicago, Phoenix, San Diego, Tampa, Cedar Rapids, Davenport and Des Moines. Ryan was named the 2007 National Developer of the Year by the National Association of Office and Industrial Properties (NAIOP).

Editor’s note: Interviews with Ryan executives are available by contacting Madeline Riggs at 612-455-1755 or mriggs@psbpr.com.