The pair of buildings that house Blue Cross Blue Shield’s headquarters are under new ownership.

The buildings, River Park I and II, located at 3400 Yankee Drive and 1800 Yankee Doodle Road in Eagan, were sold to Arsenault Holdings this month for over $60 million, according to a news release from the seller, Net Lease Office Properties.

While the landlord has changed, the tenant has not. The two properties are leased to the insurance company “with a recently executed long term lease renewal,” according to a news release from Colliers, a commercial real estate and investment firm, who represented the sellers.

“Our current multi-year lease as the sole tenant of the River Park buildings will continue under new ownership,” said Jim McManus, director of public relations and internal communications for Blue Cross Blue Shield, in an email Monday.

“We look forward to remaining a part of the Eagan community as we have been for the past 50 years,” McManus said.

Net Lease Office Properties was paid $60.7 million for the two buildings, which were constructed in 1982 and 2000. The buildings, which are connected through an enclosed walkway, total 347,472 square feet and include a fitness center and full-service cafeteria.

“Despite all the bad news orbiting the office ecosystem, there is still plenty of liquidity for long term leased office properties with high quality tenants,” said Peter Loehrer, senior associate for capital markets and investment sales for Colliers, in the release.

Previous BCBS headquarters

Blue Cross Blue Shield announced last year that it would vacate its 442,000-square-foot headquarters building at 3535 Blue Cross Road and consolidate operations at the River Park offices across Minnesota 13. The company, which employs around 3,000 people, attributed the change to the hybrid work model.

The future of the 55-acre parcel that includes the main building at 3535 Blue Cross Road, the child care center at 3545 Blue Cross Road and another building at 1750 Yankee Doodle Road is still unclear as recent development plans fell through and the insurance company’s leases expire at the end of the month.

The former headquarters of Blue Cross and Blue Shield as seen Sept. 25, 2014, in Eagan. (Jim Mone / Associated Press)

The third-largest wine distributor in the nation, Johnson Brothers Liquor Co., began eyeing the former Blue Cross Blue Shield campus last year to be redeveloped as its new corporate headquarters and warehouse distribution center.

The liquor company said it was outgrowing its current distribution facility at 1999 Shepard Road, near Crosby Farm Regional Park in St. Paul.

The proposed plan for the new Johnson Bros. headquarters in Eagan included a six-story, 460,000-square-foot warehouse distribution facility with a potential future expansion space spanning another 230,000 square feet.

Eagan residents were quick to voice their concerns about Johnson Bros. potentially moving in and went as far as to organize a petition against the rezoning of the site from “major office” to “industrial.”

Those who live closest to the parcel had concerns about traffic, the loss of green space and pollution levels.

Ultimately, Johnson Bros. decided the location wasn’t the best fit and withdrew its application for redevelopment earlier this year. At the time, the company said it would continue to explore other options around the metro, “including the possibility of remaining in St. Paul.”

The three buildings for sale on the 55-acre parcel are owned by real estate investment company W.P. Carey.

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By Jessica Haggard (Associated Press)

If you want to create unforgettable experiences with your family and friends, look no further than these easy and trending tips to transform your own backyard into the ultimate place for a summer bash. Entertaining guests at home is the easiest way to say goodbye to noisy, crowded public parks and overpriced venues.

Whether your outdoor space is a tiny patio or a comfortable lawn, hosting summer events at home is an effortless way to entertain your guests. But if your outdoor space could use some tender love and care, read on for the effortless decor tips, super-simple menu items and easy entertainment choices that will make throwing summer parties as easy as walking out your back door.

Effortless decor

Don’t feel like you have to purchase a truckload of new furniture before you can host a summer party. If you want to update your decor, there’s no need to get lost in hours of endless research, just follow these tips to create an inviting outdoor entertaining area.

Organic and modern

If mixing and matching different pieces sounds like a headache, then choose furniture made out of natural materials, like wooden tables and stone flower pots, that will blend seamlessly with any outdoor setting. This trend is all about creating a comforting aesthetic through rustic earth elements. Look for pieces featuring off-white, light brown and tan for a color palette that looks good all year.

DIY ambiance

Embrace sustainability by repurposing materials you already own. Lanterns made from old tin cans are both affordable and eco-friendly. Add a coat of sage green spray paint before displaying them on a table or hanging them in your outdoor space. If you live near a beach, collect driftwood and shells next time you stop by. You can create a beautiful decoration without too much effort, simply by wrapping the treasures with wire or threading on a string so they hang down from a horizontal piece of driftwood.

Bright colors and jewel tones

All you need to do to make your space glow is add a fresh coat of paint. If you have existing structures in your backyard, like fences, sheds or flowerpots, consider whether they might benefit from a mini-makeover.

Ruby, sapphire and emerald tones are trending colors for lively and inviting areas. It’s easy to knock out a bunch of painting projects over the weekend. Once you’re done, you’ll have transformed your space without investing time and money into major renovations.

Create the perfect menu

At a loss for what to feed your guests? This summer, focus on ingredients that connect to the natural setting around you.

Edible gardens

Starting an edible garden isn’t as intimidating as it sounds. Herbs, tomatoes and edible flowers are all relatively easy plants for beginners to grow. They’ll add beauty, help you connect with nature and benefit your local pollinators.

A thriving herb garden will let you enjoy mint and basil all summer long at a fraction of grocery store prices. Plus, you’ll never have to worry about your herbs going bad before you can use them.

Luke Steffensmeier, of the South Carolina-based company Reedy River Landscapes, describes himself as “particularly passionate” about edible gardens. “Garden dining experiences offer both aesthetics and functionality,” Steffensmeier explains. “Being able to pick fresh basil or mint right from your seat, then add it to your drink, turns a typical meal into a culinary journey.”

Simple grilling

What is it about the BBQ? Food just tastes better when it’s a little bit charred. From grilled peaches to flank steak, there are many ways to get the most out of your grill.

When planning your grilling menu, don’t forget to balance flavors. Hearty, roasted main dishes go perfectly with crisp salads starring garden-picked herbs and vegetables. A simple side salad can be thrown together easily, making it the perfect counterpart to a burger or steak.

Smart beverage choices

Staying hydrated is key when you’re in the sun. Plan ahead so you aren’t constantly running to the kitchen to refill water glasses. Crafting one or two signature drinks will make even a last-minute gathering feel like an event . Plus, you’ll avoid the effort and expense of stocking a full bar.

To truly kick your bartending game up a notch, incorporate vibrant colors and jewel tones into your drinks. Eye-catching additions such as orange slices, star fruit or cucumber slices will make your drinks pop. Or, consider adding edible flowers like pansies and squash blossoms. You can also add dried flowers in a store that sells cocktail ingredients.

For bonus points, provide your guests with alcoholic and non-alcoholic choices. Electric lemonade, for example, is a tangy and refreshing drink featuring vodka and blue curaçao. It’ll still be just as zingy without the alcohol, and the different colors will be an easy visual indicator for your guests as to which is which.

Entertainment made easy

Replace indoor board games and puzzles with outdoor summer entertainment. Whether you’re challenging your friends to a cornhole tournament or relaxing under the stars with a movie night, there are many effortless options to create summer fun.

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“Embracing my backyard has helped me realize that indoor comforts can be extended outdoors,” says Steffensmeier. “The possibilities are endless.”

Lawn games like cornhole, bocce ball or spike ball are easy to set up and can be surprisingly fun, even for adults. If you have trees in your backyard, setting up a slackline is an exciting way to challenge your guests’ sense of balance. Before searching for lawn games, check with your guests to see what they already own and are willing to lend for the party.

Investing in or renting an outdoor projector is a great way to enjoy your backyard after the sun goes down. Gather your friends to watch the big game or enjoy a night of rom-coms. Make it BYOB, or Bring Your Own Blanket, for the ultimate cozy atmosphere.

Can’t find a projector? Bring people together for a night of stargazing right in your backyard. Comfy pillows, sleeping bags and picnic blankets set the stage for a relaxed night under the stars.

Sunny days and unforgettable nights

Forget the fuss of group reservations or competing with crowds for the best spots in parks and beaches. Hosting guests in your backyard makes entertaining easy. If you’re a social butterfly looking to embrace the summer heat, consider this the sign you’ve been waiting for.

And even after the party’s done, your backyard will still be there for you the next day as a place to relax, unwind and connect with nature. As Steffensmeier puts it, “Parties are awesome, but the goal is to ensure that the backyard isn’t just a place for parties. With the right touches, it can become a multi-use oasis.”

Jessica Haggard is the creator of the blog Easy Homemade Life. She inspires and supports homemakers with easy recipes, natural home cleaning tips and DIY tutorials for personal care products to promote a happy and healthy home environment.

Glenn Whipp | Los Angeles Times (TNS)

LOS ANGELES — Emmy voting is underway, and if you’re one of the 24,000 Television Academy members wondering if there’s still time to binge-watch all three seasons of “Reservation Dogs” to finally get up to speed, the answer is: Yes. But get busy. Ballots are due June 24.

Is there ever enough time to watch everything and be a fully informed Emmy voter? Probably not. There are a handful of shows I never got around to viewing, despite my best intentions. And no, I’m not revealing them because I don’t need your judgment. I didn’t chastise (beyond a little silent rebuke to myself) latecomers to “Reservation Dogs,” as I don’t think you can blame anyone for not sampling each and every one of the more than 300 series submitted. Unless you didn’t watch “Shōgun.” Then we need to talk.

Another problem vexing voters this year is that there are too many worthy contenders in the limited series categories and not enough decent dramas to reward, making balloting equally challenging but for different reasons. Comedies? Just right. As long as “Reservation Dogs” is finally rewarded. But again, no judgment. (Yet.)

Here’s a quick rundown of the series and actors that seem to be registering with voters, along with viewing suggestions for anyone still doing their homework. I’ll revisit these shortly before Emmy nominations are announced July 17.

LIMITED SERIES

“Baby Reindeer”

“Fargo”

“Lessons in Chemistry”

“Ripley”

“True Detective: Night Country”

Could surprise: “Masters of the Air”

Don’t forget: “Expats”

LIMITED SERIES LEAD ACTRESS

Jodie Foster, “True Detective: Night Country”

Nicole Kidman, “Expats”

Brie Larson, “Lessons in Chemistry”

Juno Temple, “Fargo”

Sofía Vergara, “Griselda”

Naomi Watts, “Feud: Capote vs. the Swans”

Could surprise: Kate Winslet, “The Regime”

Don’t forget: Julianne Moore, “Mary & George”

Matt Bomer, left, and Jonathan Bailey in “Fellow Travelers.” (Ben Mark Holzberg/Showtime/TNS)

LIMITED SERIES LEAD ACTOR

Matt Bomer, “Fellow Travelers”

Richard Gadd, “Baby Reindeer”

Jon Hamm, “Fargo”

Tom Hollander, “Feud: Capote vs. the Swans”

Andrew Scott, “Ripley”

Tony Shalhoub, “Mr. Monk’s Last Case”

Could surprise: Hoa Xuande, “The Sympathizer”

Don’t forget: Ewan McGregor, “A Gentleman in Moscow”

LIMITED SERIES SUPPORTING ACTRESS

Lily Gladstone, “Under the Bridge”

Jessica Gunning, “Baby Reindeer”

Aja Naomi King, “Lessons in Chemistry”

Diane Lane, “Feud: Capote vs. the Swans”

Jennifer Jason Leigh, “Fargo”

Nava Mau, “Baby Reindeer”

Kali Reis, “True Detective: Night Country”

Could surprise: Kathy Bates, “The Great Lillian Hall”

Don’t forget: Sarayu Blue, “Expats”

LIMITED SERIES SUPPORTING ACTOR

Jonathan Bailey, “Fellow Travelers”

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Finn Bennett, “True Detective: Night Country”

Robert Downey Jr., “The Sympathizer”

John Hawkes, “True Detective: North Country”

Joe Keery, “Fargo”

Lewis Pullman, “Lessons in Chemistry”

Sam Spruell, “Fargo”

Could surprise: Treat Williams, “Feud: Capote vs. the Swans”

Don’t forget: Hugh Grant, “The Regime”

COMEDY SERIES

“Abbott Elementary”

“The Bear”

“Curb Your Enthusiasm”

“The Gentlemen”

“Hacks”

“Only Murders in the Building”

“Reservation Dogs”

“What We Do in the Shadows”

Could surprise: “Palm Royale”

Don’t forget: “I’m a Virgo”

Kristen Wiig stars in Apple TV’s “Palm Royale.” (Erica Parise/Apple TV+/TNS)

COMEDY ACTRESS

Quinta Brunson, “Abbott Elementary”

Ayo Edebiri, “The Bear”

Selena Gomez, “Only Murders in the Building”

Jean Smart, “Hacks”

Kristen Wiig, “Palm Royale”

Could surprise: Maya Rudolph, “Loot”

Don’t forget: Devery Jacobs, “Reservation Dogs”

From left, Andrea Martin, Steve Martin and Martin Short in Season 3 of “Only Murders in the Building.” (Patrick Harbron/Hulu/TNS)

COMEDY LEAD ACTOR

Larry David, “Curb Your Enthusiasm”

Theo James, “The Gentlemen”

Steve Martin, “Only Murders in the Building”

Martin Short, “Only Murders in the Building”

Jeremy Allen White, “The Bear”

Could surprise: Kelsey Grammer, “Frasier”

Don’t forget: Jharrel Jerome, “I’m a Virgo”

COMEDY SUPPORTING ACTRESS

Liza Colón-Zayas, “The Bear”

Hannah Einbinder, “Hacks”

Abby Elliott, “The Bear”

Janelle James, “Abbott Elementary”

Sheryl Lee Ralph, “Abbott Elementary”

Meryl Streep, “Only Murders in the Building”

Lisa Ann Walter, “Abbott Elementary”

Could surprise: Carol Burnett, “Palm Royale”

Don’t forget: Molly Gordon, “The Bear”

COMEDY SUPPORTING ACTOR

Lionel Boyce, “The Bear”

Paul W. Downs, “Hacks”

Matty Matheson, “The Bear”

Ebon Moss-Bachrach, “The Bear”

Oliver Platt, “The Bear”

Tyler James Williams, “Abbott Elementary”

Bowen Yang, “Saturday Night Live”

Could surprise: Carl Clemons-Hopkins, “Hacks”

Don’t forget: Chris Perfetti, “Abbott Elementary”

DRAMA SERIES

“The Crown”

“The Curse”

“Fallout”

“The Gilded Age”

“Mr. & Mrs. Smith”

“The Morning Show”

“Shōgun”

“Slow Horses”

Could surprise: “Loki”

Don’t forget: “Sugar”

Anna Sawai as Toda Mariko in “Shōgun.” (Kurt Iswarienko/FX/TNS)

DRAMA LEAD ACTRESS

Jennifer Aniston, “The Morning Show”

Maya Erskine, “Mr. & Mrs. Smith”

Anna Sawai, “Shōgun”

Imelda Staunton, “The Crown”

Emma Stone, “The Curse”

Reese Witherspoon, “The Morning Show”

Could surprise: Carrie Coon, “The Gilded Age”

Don’t forget: Ella Purnell, “Fallout”

DRAMA LEAD ACTOR

Donald Glover, “Mr. & Mrs. Smith”

Walton Goggins, “Fallout”

Cosmo Jarvis, “Shōgun”

Gary Oldman, “Slow Horses”

Hiroyuki Sanada, “Shōgun”

Dominic West, “The Crown”

Could surprise: Tom Hiddleston, “Loki”

Don’t forget: Colin Farrell, “Sugar”

DRAMA SUPPORTING ACTRESS

Christine Baranski, “The Gilded Age”

Elizabeth Debicki, “The Crown”

Moeka Hoshi, “Shōgun”

Lesley Manville, “The Crown”

Fumi Nikaido, “Shōgun”

Cynthia Nixon, “The Gilded Age”

Karen Pittman, “The Morning Show”

Holland Taylor, “The Morning Show”

Could surprise: Greta Lee, “The Morning Show”

Don’t forget: Kristin Scott Thomas, “Slow Horses”

DRAMA SUPPORTING ACTOR

Khalid Abdalla, “The Crown”

Tadanobu Asano, “Shōgun”

Billy Crudup, “The Morning Show”

Mark Duplass, “The Morning Show”

Jon Hamm, “The Morning Show”

Takehiro Hira, “Shōgun”

Nathan Lane, “The Gilded Age”

Jonathan Pryce, “The Crown”

Could surprise: Ke Huy Quan, “Loki”

Don’t forget: Tokuma Nishioka, “Shōgun”

©2024 Los Angeles Times. Visit latimes.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

First, there’s the inspiration behind the new movie “The Exorcism” — the idea that the filming of the acclaimed 1973 film was cursed, which is a thing of rich cinema lore.

Then there’s the appealing horror movie-within-a-horror movie structure, the flick built around an exorcism movie with, yes, a possessed girl and a haunted priest.

And, finally, there’s the fact that its director and co-writer, John Miller, is the son of Jason Miller, who portrayed the ill-fated Father Karras in “The Exorcist,” and who told a story about a priest stopping him on the street while the movie was being made and saying, “When we dare to unmask the devil, the devil retaliates.”

All of it is much more interesting than “The Exorcism” itself, which, like so many horror endeavors that have come before it devolves from a promising start to too silly to be scared by or even taken vaguely seriously.

Co-penned by John Miller’s life partner, M.A. Fortin, the two having previously collaborated on the screenplay for the reasonably well-received 2015 comedy slasher “The Final Girls,” “The Exorcism” does hold your interest for a while.

It opens with a fairly well-executed sequence in which the actor who will play the priest in the fictitious movie works on his movements through a three-tiered house set constructed on a soundstage while reading his lines. That is until he’s killed, quickly but gruesomely.

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Next, “The Exorcism” benefits from the presence of its star, Russell Crowe. Once the star of blockbusters and acclaimed films, such as 1999’s “The Insider” and 2000s “Gladiator,” the New Zealand-born, Australian-raised actor more recently has been front and center of less memorable fare such as “Unhinged” and, well, “The Pope’s Exorcist.” And yet he still has this undeniable gravitational pull when he’s within the frame.

Instead of portraying a priest, as he did in last year’s “The Pope’s Exorcist,” he’s an actor portraying a priest (what range!) in this movie-in-a-movie affair.

Crowe’s Tony Miller only snagged the gig after the other actor’s death, this being the former’s first meaningful gig after years of public, alcohol-fueled embarrassments. He now wonders if his late wife’s battle with cancer was really the excuse for this self-destructive behavior he once thought it was.

“Her being sick gave me a reason to just disconnect,” he tells an unseen priest during a Catholic confession.

Before filming begins, his attitude-filled 16-year-old daughter, Lee (Ryan Simpkins, “Sherrybaby”) — who calls him “Tony,” which he doesn’t love — returns home, her father having pulled strings to get her school expulsion reduced to a suspension.

Soon, they’re both on set, Lee working as a production assistant and Tony immediately disappointing the film’s high-minded director, Peter (Adam Goldberg), who believes he’s making a psychological drama disguised as a horror flick. Peter has no reservations about trying to pull a better performance from Tony by reminding him of his recent failures as a person, as well as his traumatic time years earlier as an altar boy.

Tony begins to unravel, but, of course, there may be something darker than subpar acting afoot.

That’s all well and fine, and, for a while, “The Exorcism” is intermittently — if also only mildly — scary as Tony takes his work and demons home with Lee. Before long, though, this roughly 90-minute offering is going predictably over-the-top, with an unmistakably otherworldly on-set incident involving Tony somehow not shutting down the production.

Like the movie-within-the-movie, “The Exorcism” trudges on, with supporting players who include wonderful-to-see “Frasier” alum David Hyde Pierce, playing a priest with a degree in psychology consulting on the production; “Avatar” franchise star (and fellow Aussie) Sam Worthington, as an actor who looks up to Tony and also is playing a priest; and singer-songwriter Chloe Bailey, as an actress who portrays the young woman who becomes possessed in the film and who becomes romantically entangled with Lee.

Ryan Simpkins, left, David Hyde Pierce and Chloe Bailey share a scene in “The Exorcism.” (Courtesy of Lightsavior Productions)

(It seems possible the film being made in “The Exorcism” is a remake of “The Exorcist,” which, in reality, saw the reboot effort “The Exorcist: Believer” be poorly received last year by audience members and critics alike. Ultimately, it doesn’t really matter.)

If the meta aspects of “The Exorcism” bring to mind the ongoing “Scream” movie franchise, it won’t come as a shock to learn its creator, Kevin Williamson, is counted among its producers.

In their filmmakers’ statement, Miller and Fortin say they began writing the film in 2019, when, during the presidency of Donald J. Trump, they watched “certain segments of the Christian faith go after LGBT folks” and “there wasn’t much that didn’t feel cursed anymore.”

Some of that emotion does come through in “The Exorcism,” which is commendable. However, it doesn’t change the fact that at best this is a quick-and-easy popcorn movie when — given its inspiration, structure and connection to “The Exorcist” — it could have been something more.

‘The Exorcism’

Where: Theaters.

When: June 21.

Rated: R for language, some violent content, sexual references and brief drug use.

Runtime: 1 hour, 33 minutes.

Stars (of four): 2.