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O'Meara, Leer, Wagner & Kohl, P.A.
Minneapolis, Minnesota

SAINT PAUL – February 27, 2019 – Shamus O’Meara, a partner with O’Meara Leer Wagner & Kohl and CEO of O&D Group, LLC, and Chris Gibbs, Principal with DLR Group, have launched a new project design providing residential, employment and life-experiences benefitting people with developmental disabilities and others within local communities.

Combining many years of design and construction expertise, Shamus and Chris promote an innovative approach to living, working and recreating together within local communities. Their project design features quality residences with meaningful employment opportunities through supported business connections and person-centered educational programs that provide life skills and experience to facilitate independent living.  The design includes health and wellness and recreation components along with other amenities, and a flexible scale depending on identified needs and resources.

Current plans involve a $100 million project with 400 residences combined with local employment, recreation, health, wellness and education services. Shamus and Chris are actively engaging local and national developers and strategic partners in several communities including Minnesota, Indiana, California and Arizona to explore various construction and operational options.

Shamus described the project’s focus:

“There are few integrated housing and employment options available for people with developmental disabilities.  We work with local partners and community leaders to help create life opportunities that support the personal choices of people with developmental disabilities, providing convenient access to housing, employment, recreation and community engagement based on their personal dreams and aspirations.”

Chris added:

“Working and living together within the community is vital to everyone. DLR Group is proud to work with Shamus to help lead an important design effort that recognizes and values citizens with developmental disabilities and help create integrated opportunities to improve their life experiences within their local communities.”

About O’Meara, Leer, Wagner & Kohl

O’Meara, Leer, Wagner & Kohl has achieved a strong national reputation for trial success and its handling of high profile and complex legal matters with a deep tradition of community involvement developed over 45 years.  Based in Minneapolis, the firm serves a diverse group of clients from multinational corporations to emerging businesses, local governments and insurance companies.  O’Meara Leer Wagner & Kohl has been listed in top industry publications with the highest ratings for professional legal ability and faithful adherence to ethical standards, professional reliability and diligence.

O’Meara, Leer, Wagner & Kohl is a member of the International Society of Primerus Law Firms.


For further information, please contact:

Shamus O’Meara: 612.749.4908

Shamus uses his construction, education and advocacy experience to promote greater independence and access to justice for people with developmental disabilities and their families. He is past chair of the Minnesota Governor’s Council on Developmental Disabilities and U.S. Civil Rights Commission state advisory committee.

Chris Gibbs: 612.804.8261

Chris creates design solutions that holistically transform and elevate outcomes and life experiences throughout the country.