Q & A

Describe your innovation.

---

While most buildings typically use wood-frame construction, we are developing our sites using all concrete instead. The concrete is poured into forms in the walls and is surrounded on either side with 2-inch thick Styrofoam insulation. The floors consist of 18-inch hollow core concrete planks, which span 64 feet without requiring support columns. We used this method at Garden Lane Apartments in Shakopee and are currently using it for Village Plaza in Circle Pines.

What makes this innovation unique?

---

We have found many advantages with this type of construction compared to using traditional wood. One of the greatest features of the solid walls and 18-inch thick floors is that they virtually eliminate noise, which we found to be the number one complaint of occupants. Residents can enjoy the privacy of their own unit without constantly hearing their neighbors. They can also rest assured knowing their home is safer and more efficient than most other condos, apartments and town-homes. The fire-safe concrete brings down insurance costs as well as heating and cooling expenses considerably

How did you get the idea for your innovation?

---

When we started our company we wanted to differentiate ourselves from other developers and make the Uppal name synonymous with the highest standard of living. We saw that the concrete construction being used in other parts of the world, such as our native India, offered many great benefits. So we decided to take a chance and introduce the construction industry to a new product. The project in Circle Pines is now the largest of its kind in the Midwest. Using concrete construction is just one of the ways, however, that we are adding higher quality to our communities.

Who else has worked with you on the innovation?

---

We take a lot of pride in the fact that Uppal Enterprises was founded and is operated by our father-son team. We are personally involved in every stage of the process. We have also been fortunate enough to have a wonderful team or architects, project managers and suppliers working with us to help make our projects successful.

What is the current status of the innovation? Has it been introduced to the market?

---

This type of construction is used in other parts of the world, including Europe and India. Hurricane states also use concrete because of its ability to withstand strong storms. This is really the first time, however, that the Midwest has seen multi-family housing developments built this way. We are confident that our projects will showcase the benefits of concrete and serve as a catalyst for a new style of construction.

What were some of the obstacles and challenges that you faced in developing the innovation and getting it to market?

---

There was a learning curve for everyone involved in the project because it was a different process than most had worked with before. It was also a bigger risk to invest time and money into something that no one had attempted, and some were not willing to take that risk. We believe in the end, however, it will be worth it because it will help us give our residents the best possible homes. We have already begun to see the benefits pay off in our Shakopee project.

How did you overcome these challenges?

---

Going against a trend is always a struggle, as every entrepreneur knows, but if you believe in what you’re doing you persevere. Each project we take on becomes a personal challenge for us to create the highest standard of living possible. Knowing that we’re ultimately creating better communities is what keeps us going.