Hornig Companies Blog

Featured Property: 2002 Garfield Ave S!

duncan.shea@appfolio.com (Appfolio Websites) — Thu, 28 Mar 2024 15:27:00 GMT

2002 Garfield is a great place to call home! This central location near the Minneapolis Lake Loop, with easy access to downtown and interstates 94, 394 and 35W, fosters a lifestyle defined by convenience, community, vibrancy, and leisure.

Living at 2002 Garfield may bring delicious meals-out like Baba’s middle-eastern restaurant within walking distance of your home. You may also enjoy a bike ride around Lake of the Isles or frequent visits to the Walker Art Center, just down the street. The Wedge Co-op located on the same block as the building makes shopping and dining at home a breeze.

In addition to the community and entertainment lifestyle our residents enjoy when living at 2002 Garfield, the spacious apartments with private decks, walk-in closets and both off-street parking and available garages have just the right effect to make this the place you want to call home.

Mindfulness

duncan.shea@appfolio.com (Appfolio Websites) — Mon, 29 Jan 2024 22:53:27 GMT

Your Mental Health Matters!

We hear a lot about the benefits of “Mindfulness”. Being mindful is a great way to take a step back from the stressors in our lives and re-charge.

Mindfulness is the basic human ability to be fully present, aware of where we are and what we’re doing, and not overly reactive or overwhelmed by what’s going on around us. (Resource: mindful.org)

How do I actually do this, you ask?

Stop doing the task that you’re working on. Whether it’s thinking about what you have to do that day, or working on a task. Stop, and dedicate 60 seconds to one of the items below.

Slow down your breathing, and note that you feel your stomach rising and falling. Your belly should get larger as you take a breath in and smaller as you breathe out.

Closing your eyes is optional, do whatever feels most comfortable to you and fits the exercise.

“Mindful seeing”. Look outside or out a window and note what you see with a mindset of curiosity. Note what you see, but stay away from labels like “bird”, “street”, “car” and notice colors, textures, and things like the actions of animals. Be curious, not critical. (Resource: positivepsychology.com)

60 second body scan- Start at your toes and just “notice” how you feel, scanning your way up to your scalp. Focus your attention slowly and deliberately on each part of your body, in order. Be aware of any sensations, emotions or thoughts associated with each part of your body. Notice subtle body sensations such as an itch or tingling and let the sensations, emotions and thoughts pass, without judgment.

Walking meditation. Find a quiet place 10 to 20 feet in length, and begin to walk slowly. Focus on the experience of walking, being aware of the sensations of standing and the subtle movements that keep your balance. When you reach the end of your path, turn and continue walking, maintaining awareness of your sensations. (Resource: mayoclinic.org)

Pay attention. It's hard to slow down and notice things in a busy world. Try to take the time to experience your environment with all of your senses — touch, sound, sight, smell and taste. For example, when you eat a favorite food, take the time to smell, taste and truly enjoy it. (Resource: mayoclinic.org)

Sensory—Notice sights, sounds, smells, tastes, and touches. Name them "sight," "sound," "smell," "taste," or "touch" without judgment, and let them go. (Resource: Fairview.org/EAP)

Once you’ve mastered 60 seconds, try bumping it up to 3 minutes at a time, or even longer. Take a quiet mindfulness break several times during the day. There are many ways to practice mindfulness and this is just a start!

Hornig Companies values you and your mental health. Take care of yourself!

Winter Tips for Apartment Dwellers

duncan.shea@appfolio.com (Appfolio Websites) — Tue, 12 Dec 2023 23:53:26 GMT

Air Conditioners: Here’s a surprise…Winters in Minnesota don’t require air conditioning! If you have a window air conditioner in your unit without a sleeve, it should be removed for the season. Air conditioners in sleeves should have their covers on. Hornig Companies’ reliable maintenance service can remove and provides covers as a benefit to you. Just submit a work order and we’ll take care of it for you!

Windows: Open windows during the winter prohibit even heat distribution and may lead to frozen pipes in your home, or a neighboring apartment, that can cause unnecessary damage and loss of heat. Check to make sure your windows are fully closed, use the lock for an extra seal and never leave home with an open window during the winter months.

Heat Reminders: If you have a thermostat, always keep it set between 68-72 degrees. Ensure all heaters and vents are open and furniture, long curtains and miscellaneous items are pulled away from registers and radiators to allow for proper heat flow throughout the apartment. Consistently, comfortably warm homes keep you and your neighbors cozy, avoid nasty frozen pipes and help prevent fires.

Package deliveries: In the winter, we see an increase in deliveries. Unfortunately, this also results in an increase in package theft. Please keep your belongings safe by having deliveries made when you are home to receive them or consider delivering to work or a package locker (like Amazon lockers, the UPS store, etc.) so your items are always secure.

Snow Removal: One of the many perks of apartment living is not needing to shovel and worry about a driveway full of snow. Do watch your emails and site notices regarding when vehicles should be removed from parking lots and know your city’s rules regarding snow emergencies and on-street parking to avoid hefty fines and the annoyance of an unexpected towing.

Holiday décor : Trees are lovely and can be a great way to amp up the holiday spirit, but real trees are a fire hazard. Hornig Companies does not allow real trees so please use other ways to spread your holiday cheer! Also, please be mindful not to overload extension cords and outlets. Power strips are a safer alternative that can help prevent electrical fires and blown fuses.

Safety 2 ^nd : Well, what’s first you ask? Safety, of course! Ensure your winter walking game is strong with appropriate winter footwear and an eye for slippery spots in your path. Walk slowly, take shorter steps, keep your hands free to balance, and hold on to railings to help you get from point A to point B safely.

Stay safe, stay warm, and we hope you enjoy everything that winter has to offer!

Welcome Home to CR Crossing

duncan.shea@appfolio.com (Appfolio Websites) — Thu, 26 Oct 2023 16:49:06 GMT

We are excited to share more about the newest addition to our portfolio, CR Crossing.

Located in Coon Rapids, CR Crossing is a newly constructed, boutique apartment building serving the northern suburbs of the Minneapolis-St.Paul metro. Final touches are currently underway and our first residents are set to move in November 1 ^st . CR Crossing is Hornig Companies’ first new construction project since 2005.

Award-winning architectural firm, Collage Architects designed the four story building with 43 apartments and thirteen unique studio, one and two-bedroom floorplans. Local standout Big-D Construction executed the build with the highest standard of care and quality.

Community amenities include a rooftop deck, an intimate private lounge, a fitness room, gas grill stations, and a community fire pit. Underground parking is available.

A fireplace with cozy lobby seating welcomes you and your guests. The space features an onsite management office, luxurious custom furniture and a mail station.

The property is designed with state-of-the-art technology including a fobbed Smart Entry System, fiber internet access in each unit, Wi-Fi available in common areas, and access to EV charging stations. Along with EV charging, the building also includes rooftop solar panels to offset carbon emissions. The “green" landscape design features local plants and state of the art stormwater management.

The apartment finishes are sleek and modern, appealing to any design style. Rooms feature luxury plank flooring and carpet in the bedrooms.

The oversized windows with premium roller shades allow for phenomenal light and views.

The large kitchens include white cabinetry and trim, stainless-steel appliances, tile backsplashes, undercabinet lighting, and granite countertops with loads of counterspace.

All homes have a full-size washer and dryer and ample closet space for storage. The bright spacious bathrooms include linen cabinets and plenty of storage. Floorplans with large walk-in showers and tub-shower combinations are both available.

CR Crossing is owned and managed by Hornig Companies. We pride ourselves on exceptional service, 24-hour emergency maintenance and reasonable pricing. Located across from Mercy Hospital, on a bus line and with easy access to Hwy 10 and Hwy 169; CR Crossing’s convenient location is unparalleled. With something for everyone, the property is located near Anoka Ramsey Community College and Anoka Technical School, beautiful parks and trails, as well as unique shopping opportunities at the Riverdale shopping district and charming downtown Anoka.

Apartments are renting fast. Visit https://www.hornigcompanies.com/property/cr-crossing for information on availability and how to apply. Welcome home to CR Crossing!

Natural Cleaning

duncan.shea@appfolio.com (Appfolio Websites) — Thu, 03 Aug 2023 22:23:44 GMT

Hornig Companies supports green initiatives. Using natural products for cleaning and maintaining your home reduces adding toxic chemicals to your living environment potentially reducing the incidence of asthma and other medical conditions caused by dust, allergens and chemicals, are less hazardous for the environment, are more friendly to water and waste systems and are much less expensive than commercial cleaning supplies.

These are some of our favorite cleaning product recipes and hacks. Give them a try!

INGREDIENTS:

Water

Vinegar

Baking soda

Olive oil

Castile soap

Whole lemon

Lemon juice

Hydrogen peroxide

Rubbing alcohol

* Essential Oils can be added to some of the recipes below. Some essential oils have germ-fighting properties and some just smell great and make your home smell clean. Try tea tree, pink grapefruit, lemon, peppermint, eucalyptus, orange, lavender and pine, and experiment from there! If you prefer no scent, all of these recipes can be made without them.

ALL PURPOSE CLEANER:

1 c water

1 Tbsp castile soap

3-10 drops essential oil

THIEVES CLEANER:

½ c rubbing alcohol

1 Tbsp castile soap

20 drops clove bud oil

14 drops lemon oil

10 drops cinnamon bark oil

7 drops eucalyptus oil

5 drops rosemary oil

*TIP: If you like the thieves scent and it’s benefits, but don’t want to buy all of the oils to make it, many pre-made varieties are available on Amazon!

WOOD FLOOR CLEANER:

½ c distilled white vinegar

1 gallon warm water

3-10 drops of essential oil

*TIP- Use a spray bottle for application to not oversoak your floor

Oil-based solution for cleaning and wood floor shine

5 c hot water

1/4 c olive oil

1/3 c white vinegar

3-10 drops of essential oil

SINK & TUB CLEANING:

*TIP- DO NOT USE vinegar on porcelain sinks and tubs – it will remove the finish!
A light sprinkle of baking soda and a scrub brush does wonders! Rinse and use the degreaser recipe below to remove oils that can build up on

the tub from our skin.

For tough stains on acrylic only, sprinkle baking soda on the stain, place a rag soaked in vinegar on the stain and let sit for up to 1 hr. Wipe clean

and rinse.

GROUT CLEANER:

Wearing gloves, use a cup of hydrogen peroxide, an old toothbrush and some elbow grease for cleaner, brighter grout

TOILET CLEANER:

½ - ½c Hydrogen peroxide

1 c Baking soda

3-5 drops essential oil

DEGREASER:

3 c warm water

1 c distilled white vinegar

1/8 tsp castile soap

1 Tbsp baking soda

FABRIC SOFTENER:

Wool dryer balls are great way to soften your clothes without dryer sheets or liquids that damage fabrics and machines

GRANITE CLEANER:

½ c rubbing alcohol

1 Tbsp castile soap

2 c water

3-10 drops essential oil

GARBAGE DISPOSAL:

Quarter one lemon, run through the disposal with running water and let the disposal do its work!

COFFEE POT:

Add 4 c undiluted vinegar into the water reservoir and run cycle.

Run a clear water cycle to rinse.

DISHWASHER:

Check first to see if your dishwasher instructions do not recommend the use of vinegar. Some seals may be damaged by vinegar. Once you

have the all-clear, fill a dishwasher safe cup 2/3 full with undiluted vinegar. Run the dishwasher and see the results!

*TIP: Remember your thirsty plants when filling your dishwasher. Those half-drank glasses of water are a great way to water plants and save water!

MICROWAVE:

Fill a microwave safe bowl full of at least 1 c water. Add sliced lemon (or 2-3 Tbsp lemon juice) and run the microwave for 5 minutes. The surfaces

will wipe clean with ease!

DUSTING:

Microfiber cloths do a great job, all on their own. No need to add sprays or chemicals for your regular dusting job!

Drain Care Do's and Don'ts

duncan.shea@appfolio.com (Appfolio Websites) — Tue, 30 May 2023 22:22:43 GMT

Finding the Right Apartment

duncan.shea@appfolio.com (Appfolio Websites) — Fri, 12 May 2023 21:07:15 GMT

242 Franklin Ave -- Minneapolis, MN

There’s a dream apartment waiting for you, it’s just a matter of finding it! From your individual wants and needs to horror stories about landlords and finding the right fit for your budget, there can be a lot to consider while apartment hunting.

Instead of walking in and touring every apartment out there, these are items we have found that will help you organize your search and find the perfect fit for you.

Create a Smart Budget

Your apartment budget is important because it must be sustainable, as well as allow for the discretionary lifestyle you desire. Although the general rule is that rent should be no more than a third of your income, try to stay within the 25% range. This will give you the wiggle room to enjoy more of the amenities surrounding the great location you choose as well as feel secure about other financial obligations you have. Saving a ‘buffer’ or emergency fund to allow for unforeseen circumstances is also possible with a well-planned budget for your rent, which can be one of the bigger expenses you have each month. Hornig Companies’ income approval standard allows rentals up to 1/3 of gross income and encourages smart budgeting to ensure you get the most out of the home you select with us.

614 Portland Ave -- St. Paul, MN

Make a List of Needs & Wants

Create a list of things that are deal breakers and a list of items that would be nice to have. For example, a certain number of bedrooms might fall on the list of “need” and cat friendly might fall on the “want” list. Creating a list gives you the chance to be more subjective about your apartment search and you’ll be able to see quickly how each apartment checks the boxes with your expectations.

2222 Harriet Ave -- Minneapolis, MN

Be Aware of How Well the Apartment is Maintained

How well your maintenance needs are responded to as well as the care the apartment owner puts into the repair and upkeep of the building are important indicators of how happy you will be with your apartment in the long-run. The same pride you have in showing off your new apartment should show in the pride the apartment owners put in to the upkeep of the building. (In case you were curious, Hornig Companies prioritizes maintenance and prides itself with our attentive and approachable maintenance staff!)

1810 Bryant Ave S -- Minneapolis, MN

Consider Location

Location, Location, Location! Location can make a big difference in the long-term satisfaction you have with your home. Make sure you consider all factors in the life you are creating; work, family, friends, appointments, neighbors, regular shopping, entertainment and outdoor activities. If work, family and the locations that you love to visit are more spread out, consider a middle-ground and look at apartments in a location that is central to all of the areas in which you wish to spend time. Luckily, Hornig Companies boasts many locations across the Twin Cities metro area, with easy access to all the places you love. And for those looking for less hustle and bustle, check out our Greater Minnesota properties with easy access to smaller towns and rural country living as well!

There's a dream apartment waiting for you.

3252 Girard Ave S -- Minneapolis, MN

Ask if Video Tours are Available

Technology has made finding your apartment just that much easier. Many companies have video tours available for you to see the actual available apartment before you even set foot on site. Seeing the floor plan, room sizes and unique features through a video tour can save a lot of time as well as help the leasing department direct you to the apartment that fits you best. Your time can then be spent visiting only your final choices for a last look at the area and the building as a whole to ensure it’s the place you see as home.

1325 W 27th Street -- Minneapolis, MN

Use Your "Google-Sense"

Look for Trends . We know you can’t help yourself from checking out the Google ratings, we can’t either! We’re proud that our residents have let us know when we’ve done a great job; but we also know that some searches result in self-diagnosing one’s self with a disease that was eradicated in 1912. Ignore the comments of individuals that just appear to be out to complain, but look for trends in the comments and the owner’s response to the issues presented. Things happen, but repeated issues may be an indicator of a larger problem; and when things do go wrong, finding a management company that will work with you to solve the issue is key.

3400 Harriet Ave -- Minneapolis, MN

You Deserve a Home You Love!

If you’re tired of finding apartments that don’t fit your budget, have amenities that you don’t use, are poorly maintained or just don’t suit you; consider following some of these tips. Having a plan and some guidelines on which to base your search can make what may be a stressful process for some, go much more smoothly for you. Visit www.hornigcompanies.com to find a great selection that will fit your needs and wants!

2626 Fremont Ave S -- Minneapolis, MN

Meet Saah!

duncan.shea@appfolio.com (Appfolio Websites) — Fri, 28 Apr 2023 18:23:20 GMT

Saah grew up in the Twin Cities and calls the Minneapolis/ St. Paul area home. He tried out South Dakota living in college and came to us with a Marketing & Finance background from the University of SD, but he knew in his heart the Twin Cities was where he wanted to be. His interests include skateboarding, playing basketball, and watching movies with loved ones. He loves to learn and will take any opportunity to research a new skill or gather new knowledge.

We played “Would you Rather” with Saah to get to know him better!

Saah is one of our main contact points at the Home Office.

He is one of our Assistant Portfolio Managers for Hornig Companies’ buildings throughout Minneapolis and St. Paul. You may also meet Saah in person when leasing an apartment. He will send you up-to-date information on availability, videos to help you pre-screen an apartment, and he will walk you through your new living space when you’re ready to see it in person and answer your questions. Saah will give you the details on what each apartment, building, and area have to offer, to make sure that it’s the right fit for you before signing on the dotted line. Saah remains a great resource for residents with Hornig Companies. A valuable point person for communication and exceptional customer service, whether you have questions about parking, how to submit a work order, how to pay your rent online, as well as a wide range of other questions, Saah and our other Assistant Managers are great resources, and help us consistently provide the great service and satisfaction all of our residents have come to expect.

9 Tool-Kit Items for Every Apartment Dweller

duncan.shea@appfolio.com (Appfolio Websites) — Fri, 31 Mar 2023 22:58:00 GMT

When you live in an apartment with Hornig Companies, there’s no need for an expensive tool collection.

You can skip the need for hammers, wrenches, pliers or power tools!

But what basic items are important for you to keep in your tool kit? Items that can prevent future issues, prevent reductions from your damage deposit or items that just might save you from a middle-of-the-night call to maintenance?

1. Plunger

A plunger will take care of many small clogs. If you have a clog a plunger won’t take care of, submit a work order for maintenance and skip the drain cleaner. Drain cleaner often doesn’t get rid of the clog, AND it can cause acid burns to skin.

2. Cooler

Not only is a cooler a great item to have for summer trips to the beach and to the many beautiful parks we have in the area, a cooler (even a small one) is a great thing to have on hand for power outages or a fridge on the fritz.

3. Flashlight

Another great tool for storms and power outages!

4. Spare Batteries

Backup batteries for your flashlight and smoke detector will give you comfort that you’re prepared for the annoying smoke alarm beep in the middle of the night as well as for power outages.

5. 3M Command strips

Command strips are a great way to decorate your apartment and hang your favorite picture without causing damage to the wall. Be sure to read the instructions for removal though, as improper removal may cause damage that will potentially reduce the return of your damage deposit. The strips are designed to remove cleanly when pulled parallel to the wall. Pulling away from the wall while removing, may cause damage that you weren’t intending.

6. Shower curtain, liner and hooks

A shower curtain and liner keeps water where it should be. Over time, water that escapes from a shower not equipped with a curtain and liner will cause damage to flooring, structural damage to the floor and damage to the home below you. Just using a simple shower curtain is a great preventive way to keep the building safe and sound, and keep that damage deposit in your pocket on move-out day.

7. Trashcan

Keeping trash in a trash can and taking it out regularly keeps pests at bay, odors in check and your home free of safety hazards.

8. Vacuum or mini-sweeper

Regular cleaning goes a long way in keeping your place feeling like home and keeping you and your guests safe. Though there are a whole host of different cleaning tools and cleaning supplies available on the market, a vacuum or sweeper and just a few basic cleaning supplies are really all you need whether you have carpet or hardwood floors!

9. Basic cleaning supplies

· All-purpose cleaner

· Glass cleaner

· Toilet cleaner

· Sponge or cleaning cloth

· Bucket

· Toilet scrubber

· Laundry detergent

· Dish soap and/or dishwasher soap (make sure to not use dish soap in the dishwasher)

Hornig Companies’ maintenance department has your back. Our maintenance department is working behind the scenes on the preventive maintenance and repair of your building as well as responding to your needs when you have individual concerns. We are at your service on a daily basis and on-call for emergencies 24-7. We have the “big tools” so you having a tool-kit armed with the supplies described above will add to the comfort and ease that it is to live at a Hornig Companies’ building.

Where Home Is

Indoor Plants and Patio Gardens for Apartment Living

duncan.shea@appfolio.com (Appfolio Websites) — Fri, 17 Mar 2023 17:15:40 GMT

Plants and flowers provide so many benefits.

They can make your place look comfortable, warm and inviting. They provide a pop of color just where you need it and offer an endless list of health benefits. For example, the aloe plant is useful after a day of forgotten sunscreen, the scent of the lavender plant has been associated with calming and assisting in restful sleep, herb gardens can be grown indoors or on a patio to add flavor to your cooking and many garden vegetables like tomatoes and peppers can grow in a variety of different pots and planters on the smallest of patios!

There are so many varieties to choose from! Once you’ve decided on the plant that’s right for you, here are some tips to keep them at their healthiest as well as pictures from Hornig Companies’ residents that have made great indoor and patio gardens!

The Right Lighting

Follow the instruction tag you get with the plant regarding light and sunlight. Some plants thrive in less light or shade, where some may need 6 hours per day minimum of full, direct sunlight. West and south facing windows are best, but LED lights designed for plant growth or fluorescent lighting can be used to add to or replace sunlight. Tip: fluorescent lights are just as effective as the specialized growth lights, and less expensive!

Hornig Companies Building: 5220 Interlachen Blvd.

The Right Pot

Pots come in all shapes, sizes, colors and materials, but the porous nature of a terracotta pot may be best, allowing for roots and soil to breathe, which helps plants thrive and prevents disease.

Hornig Companies Building: 1812 Bryant Ave S

The Right Amount of Water

Most people fall into either one or the other of these two groups: “Over-Waterer” or “Under-Waterer”. Soil moisture is vital and it’s important to make sure your pots have good drainage. A moisture meter can help you find the right amount and times to water.

The Right Humidity

Most plants like a more humid environment. Plants in bathrooms with the right lighting grow really well! Other ways to increase humidity for your plants is to arrange plants near each other in groupings or place a small humidifier in your room.

Hornig Companies Building: 5220 Interlachen

The Right Plant

Some good plants for beginners are the snake plant, spider plant, peace lily, aloe and Boston fern. If you want to try an herb garden, basil, oregano, parsley, mint and lemongrass are a few easy ones to try. But don’t limit yourself, you can be successful with many different plants that strike your fancy!

Hornig Companies Building: 1929 Fremont

We’re enjoying the green thumbs that many of our residents have. The many varieties of plants and flowers add to the character and charm of the wide variety of buildings in Hornig Companies’ portfolio.

We hope you appreciate the beauty and functionality of our indoor and outdoor Minnesota growing season as much as we do!

Winter Activities

duncan.shea@appfolio.com (Appfolio Websites) — Tue, 28 Feb 2023 16:59:21 GMT

Pools are still closed, and last week’s blizzard warning and snowstorm may have been just enough to kick your spring fever into high gear!

The Minneapolis and St. Paul areas have an abundance of winter activities. We’ve collected a list, with links to more information of some that you may have forgotten about, helping us enjoy the last bit of winter before spring arrives.

Hiking

Minnehaha Creek Trail https://www.minneapolisparks.org/parks-destinations/parks-lakes/minnehaha_regional_park/

Fort Snelling https://files.dnr.state.mn.us/maps/state_parks/spk00154_winter.pdf

List and Map of hiking trails in the Minneapolis/ St. Paul area: https://www.hikingproject.com/directory/8011642/minneapolis-st-paul

Scenic Walks

Lake of the Isles: https://www.minneapolisparks.org/parks-destinations/parks-lakes/lake_of_the_isles_park/

Bde Maka Ska: https://www.minneapolisparks.org/parks-destinations/parks-lakes/bde_maka_ska_park/

Lake Harriet: https://www.minneapolisparks.org/parks-destinations/parks-lakes/lake_harriet_park/

Sledding & Tubing

Tubing in Minneapolis: https://www.minneapolisparks.org/activities-events/winter_activities/tubing/

Sledding in Minneapolis: https://www.minneapolisparks.org/activities-events/winter_activities/sledding/

Sledding in St. Paul: https://www.stpaul.gov/departments/parks-and-recreation/activities-events/winter-activities/sledding-hills

Three Rivers Parks: https://www.threeriversparks.org/activity/tubing

Snow Shoeing

Richfield Nature Center Snow Shoe and Skiing

https://www.richfieldmn.gov/around_town/wood_lake_nature_center/ski_and_snowshoe_trail_and_rental_information.php

Snowmobiling

Use your own, or rent a snowmobile and ride through Three Rivers Parks

https://www.threeriversparks.org/activity/snowmobiling

Downhill Skiing

Afton Alps, Buck Hill and Hyland Hills are all in the area. The link also brings you to great cross-country skiing locations.

https://www.exploreminnesota.com/things-to-do/outdoor-adventures/winter-sports/downhill-skiing#!grid~~~Featured~1

Other great ways to enjoy winter

Como Zoo and Conservatory : https://comozooconservatory.org/

Minnesota Landscape Arboretum:

Spring Flower show open until March 5, along with trails for winter drives, hiking and snow shoeing.

https://arb.umn.edu/

Stillwater’s Ice Castle : https://icecastles.com/minnesota/

These are just a few of the hundreds of possibilities of outdoor activities for cooler weather in Minneapolis and St. Paul. Share your favorites in the comments below.

Hornig Companies Introduces a New Look and Enhanced Website!

duncan.shea@appfolio.com (Appfolio Websites) — Thu, 02 Feb 2023 20:18:12 GMT

Cheers to the new year! We are excited to share our new logo, which blends the letter “H” and a vintage key to represent the foundation of Hornig Companies. All Hornig Companies’ buildings are family-owned, and family is the building block of our organization. We put our name our buildings because we are proud of who we are and what our company represents.

The vintage key represents the roots of Hornig Companies. Since the acquisition of our first building in 1958, we have specialized in older, classic buildings. The first buildings purchased were early and mid-century buildings. We have grown our portfolio today to include buildings with a variety of history, charm, originality and quality.

Further, the three rings in the key represent past, present and future, as well as the three generations of Hornig family members who built and continue to operate the company. We look back to honor our past generations and forward to all that is yet to come.

As we continue to invest in the future of our business, we adopted a new user platform including an updated website and resident portal. The experience was carefully planned to help meet the diverse needs of our customers. Our goal is to provide an easy connection to Hornig Companies staff and to make it easy for you to find exactly what you need. The new website and resident portal are mobile first making it easy to access whatever you need wherever you may be!

Applicants have a streamlined application process. Tasks like inviting a roommate to apply and walking through the application process are very intuitive and easy to navigate.

Current residents can easily pay rent, submit a work order, and accessing electronically stored documents through the portal. We are also pleased to announce that ACH rent payments are free of charge on the new platform! You can make one time or recurring payments from the comfort of home with no processing fees.

Since our new site went live in December, we have already received positive feedback from residents and applicants. We love to hear that our improvements are making life easier! Our new look combines Hornig Companies’ strong foundation and bright future. Thank you for letting us share both with you.

COMMUNITY OUTREACH

duncan.shea@appfolio.com (Appfolio Websites) — Fri, 09 Dec 2022 20:43:28 GMT

At Hornig Companies, we believe in home. We know that home is more than a roof over your head, it’s also about community and connectedness. Building strong communities helps everyone feel at home. As a company, we work hard to lend a hand in big and small ways to help make our neighborhoods better.

We are grateful to have opportunities to make a difference.

Hornig Companies is proud to foster generosity and community-building within our organization. When we work together, we can all take small steps to make a big impact and help others when they need it most.

Tips for a Smooth Move

Wed, 08 Jun 2022 14:51:00 GMT

The post Tips for a Smooth Move appeared first on Hornig Companies Blog .

YOU WILL FIND COMFORT IN STABILITY WITH HORNIG COMPANIES

Fri, 28 Jan 2022 07:07:00 GMT

You Will Find Comfort in Stability with Hornig Companies

Longevity -

We Only Manage What We Own -

Long-Term Investments-

Growth-

The post YOU WILL FIND COMFORT IN STABILITY WITH HORNIG COMPANIES appeared first on Hornig Companies Blog .

Welcome to Our Newest Property, 614 Portland Ave!

Fri, 17 Sep 2021 21:18:00 GMT

Welcome our newest property, 614 Portland Ave!

614 Portland is a 40 unit building in St. Paul, MN, with a rich history dating back more than a century.

Once the clubhouse building of the Episcopal Church of St Paul, the building built in 1913 is now a stunning apartment building made up of studio, one and two bedroom units with very solid construction that residents love for many reasons, not to mention it’s great for blocking and dampening the sounds between neighbors.

614 Portland lies within the desired Summit Hill Historic District. The historic neighborhood is home to F. Scott Fitzgerald, the James J. Hill building (which offers historic tours) and the Governor’s Mansion, to name just a few. Located just off Summit and Grand Avenue there is a wide variety of shopping, dining and entertainment options within steps from the front door as well as easy access to interstates 94 and 35E. Run, walk or bike on Summit Avenue, all the way to the River Road and take whatever adventure awaits from there, with beautiful walking paths along the river in either direction.

Picture: Summit Hill Association

This building is not just about location. The apartments retain many original features like high ceilings, pristine woodwork, and oversized, arched windows, while also offering modern touches like marble counters, spacious layouts, updated appliances and air conditioning. Enjoy the historic charm of the large red brick open alley as you drive up to your new home.

614 Portland Ave – St. Paul

Hornig Companies

Where Home Is

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Happy Mother’s Day!

Wed, 12 May 2021 18:20:00 GMT

This past weekend was Mother’s Day. Hornig Companies recognizes the difficulties that many of our residents and employees have faced during the past year of COVID and quarantine but would like to dedicate this blog to the many challenges of being a mom during a time that has tested our competence, ingenuity, patience, and strength. For many, it’s just been downright hard.

We gathered a collection, on the humorous side, of some of the things moms (and many non-moms) have learned, succeeded at (and failed at) this year.

“Dr. Google” is never a good idea

This year, a cough, headache, sore throat, fever, or any other allergy/cold/flu symptom may have been an indication of something more serious. They often meant quarantining for 14 days, multiple COVID tests, missed school, missed work, lots of fear, anxiety, and a potentially severe and scary illness. A cough is never just a cough anymore. Mom’s job became just that much harder.

Did you say quarantine? Like, stay in my house for a full 14 days…With my kids? …Don’t see anyone? …No running to the grocery store? …No Target? …No Home Depot?

We learned how to shop online… For almost everything!

If we didn’t know how to cook, we learned quickly!

Props to Moms that pulled out their creativity to make special memories for their kids when the birthday standard of sleepovers and pizza parties became far from reality.

The invention of the Drive-By “Birthday Parade”

Working from Home? Zoom meetings tested our flexibility and tech skills.

Who knew that toilet paper would be the new gold standard?

And sometimes a very meaningful random act of kindness. Check out a picture taken of one of Hornig Companies’ apartment building bulletin boards, circa Spring 2020.

Many moms have made well-thought-out, conscious choices to home school. You are amazing moms! This year, ALL moms had that choice made for them, with no notice, prep time, or choice in the matter. Though the lesson plans were taken care of by teachers, parents (and the moms we honor in this blog) began what we now know as Distance Learning, while still having to balance all of the other parenting and work expectations. Now if that isn’t tough, I don’t know what is!

We learned what distance learning meant

Some days that were a success in terms of the kids staying quiet while parents were working from home meant the neighbors may have thought we were a little ‘over the top’.

We encouraged extra creativity from our kids

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Living Green with Hornig Companies

Mon, 12 Apr 2021 20:09:00 GMT

Living Green with Hornig Companies

April showers bring May flowers and lots of green grass, bushes and leaves along the way. We also celebrate Earth Day in April. This year Earth Day is on April 22, 2021. So, April seemed like the perfect month to share a little bit about Hornig Companies “living green” initiatives and provide some tips for residents who want to live a “greener” lifestyle.

Congratulations! You have already taken the first step. Apartment living is about as green as it gets!

Hornig Companies initiatives:

1. Paperless – Hornig Companies is constantly working to eliminate as much paper as we possibly can in our daily business process. Through investments in technology, you can now apply, sign your lease, pay your rent, enter a work order and get a copy of your lease through the resident portal on our website. This saves you time and reduces the need for passing paper back and forth. We also send resident notices electronically to avoid printing and hand-delivering notices to each door. This allows us to reach you wherever you are while reducing trips and reams of paper!

2. Solar panels – Over the past two years, we invested in solar panels in five buildings in Minneapolis to off-set building energy. We will do our first suburban building in 2021. Each solar array consists of approximately one hundred 385 watt panels and one 33.3 kW inverter producing 50,000 kWh/year. A typical array will offset more than 50,000 pounds of CO2 emissions per year.

3. Recycle – Many cities have now mandated recycling in multifamily buildings. We say bravo! Hornig Companies has proudly offered single-stream recycling at our buildings for over 10 years.

4. Multi-modal transport – Hornig Companies continues to make investments in bike rooms, bike racks and other bike storage options. For our urban properties, we also offered shared parking opportunities to reduce the amount of parking needed for any particular building. For many years, we hosted an HOUR CAR at our Belmont property in Uptown, which has been moved down the street to the Wedge Coop. As a general rule, we offer properties in prime locations, which comes hand in hand with access to transit. Don’t forget to ask what bus, BRT and LRT lines serve your home!

5. Energy star buildings – For our largest properties, we do annual benchmarking based on utility consumption. Given the age of our buildings, we are proud to report that four of our largest properties met the EPA’s benchmark standards for Energy Star Certification in 2019. Furthermore, we are continually looking for ways to reduce our energy usage at properties of all sizes. Currently, we are in the process of investing in LED interior and exterior lighting upgrades to improve light quality, while reducing usage across our portfolio.

Resident ideas:

1. Swap out light bulbs – Reduce your wattage by switching to LED bulbs. Look for coupons and promotions on bulbs and make the switch. Use less energy, reduce your bill and change your bulbs less often. A win-win-win!

2. Add plants – We have said it before and we will say it again: plants are an apartment dwellers best friend. They improve air quality, add style and can even reduce your grocery bill. Windowsill herb garden, anyone?

3. Clean green – Switch out harsh cleaners for simple household ingredients like vinegar and baking soda. If home chemistry isn’t your thing, try non-toxic cleaning alternatives. We love local company Mrs. Meyer’s green cleaning products!

4. Follow the sun – Solar gain can help you keep your apartment warm and cool – depending the season. In the winter, open blinds to allow the sun’s rays to naturally warm your home. Remember not to open windows during freezing outside temps which can result in burst pipes and flooded apartments. Ugh!!!! In the summer, close shades during the heat of the day. Combined with turning AC up and heat down when you leave, you can cut your energy bill without sacrificing comfort.

5. Unplug – Unplug appliances and chargers when not in use. Anything that is plugged in is drawing electricity whether it’s on or not. Considering adding a power strip that allows you to easily plug and unplug your devices when not in use.

Join us in our living green initiatives. We welcome you to post energy saving and green initiatives that work for you in our blog comment section below. Thank you!

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The Belmont Apartments

Thu, 25 Mar 2021 17:57:00 GMT

Hornig Companies has some unique properties that provide interesting insights into local history.

The Belmont, located in the historic Lowry Hill neighborhood of Minneapolis near the Hornig Companies’ Home Office, sits on the corner of West Franklin and Hennepin Ave South. The “Belmont Inn,” as it was originally known, opened in 1920 and was built as an “Apartment Hotel,” a style of living that was popular for a short time in the early 1900’s. Residents could rent an apartment for a day, a week or by the month and receive the amenities of fully furnished units, housekeeping services as well as garage services. Built by the Fleischer Brothers, who also built the Calhoun Beach Club, the building was a popular winter home for families who owned summer cabins on Lake Minnetonka.

At its prime, the lower level boasted a dinner and dance hall, a continental bath and beauty shop with mineral steam baths, a barber shop and a billiard & club room. Because it was built in the Prohibition Era, a tunnel that led from the lower level under the street has raised questions about whether the residents and guests of the establishments participated in prohibition activities. Nobody knows for sure! Today, most of the lower level has turned into apartments and the tunnel has been sealed along with any secrets it held. The restored basement dance hall remains as a community space for residents and Hornig Companies’ events (during non-COVID times).

Today, the Belmont is still a special place to call home. Residents can easily walk, bus, bike or drive to nearby lakes, popular restaurants, grocery and retail, downtown Minneapolis, The Walker Art Center and Sculpture Garden. The apartments feature a unique blend of classic touches such as hardwood floors, new and fully restored French doors and windows, along with modern conveniences including updated kitchens, solar panels to provide common area electricity, ample storage space, onsite laundry and off-street parking.

Though improvements have been made and elements changed, the charm and character of the building remain to this day. Even now, when you walk into the lobby, you can see the original hotel reception desk, a reminder of the building’s storied past.

An early ad for the building

The Belmont today

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Meet the Heritage Heights Team!

Thu, 21 Jan 2021 16:19:00 GMT

Meet the Heritage Heights team!

Renate, Charlotte and Steve with the help of several Caretakers keep the property running smoothly.

Meet Renate:

Renate has been with Hornig Companies for over 15 years. Renate’s positivity and professionalism are hard not to notice. With many years of customer service and apartment industry experience, Renate will do all she can to make your experience living at Heritage Heights a positive one. She loves traveling (especially to the beach) and from several years working in the jewelry industry, can also say she loves a little bling. Renate’s daily exercise routine is a valuable part of her day and she finds it helps her keep that wide smile bright!

Meet Charlotte:

Charlotte has been with Hornig Companies for almost 10 years. She really takes pride in the work she does and says it really helps to love your job when you work for a company that takes care of their properties and their grounds the way Hornig Companies’ owners do. Charlotte is getting married soon and would love to have more children. She has a big heart, a sweet smile and is always happy to see you. Her guilty pleasure is playing video games. She loves playing Fortnite and the all-girls squad that she plays with frequently is apparently a force to be reckoned with and they win a lot of their matches!

Meet Steve:

Steve has been with Hornig Companies as an employee for over 10 years, but he worked along-side his father in a family business that did repair work for Hornig Companies for many years before he became an official employee. We could say Steve is the “strong, silent type”, as he’s hard-working and has a quiet sense of humor that will sneak up on you. Steve enjoys spending time at his land up north and has his shop at Heritage Heights well organized and running efficiently. A great guy to have on the team!

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Where Home Is

Thu, 03 Dec 2020 16:06:00 GMT

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Meet Darlene!

Mon, 28 Sep 2020 17:37:00 GMT

Anyone who calls our phone main line, emails for general information or swings by the Hornig Companies office interacts with Darlene, our office manager/ receptionist/ greeter/ troubleshooter extraordinaire. This month we sat down with the one and only Darlene and asked her some questions..

Q: How did you get started with Hornig Companies?

A: I got started with Hornig Companies as a resident, then I became a caretaker and finally joined the team full-time seven years ago!

Q: What do you enjoy most about your job at Hornig Companies?

A: I pride myself on providing excellent customer service day in and day out. I particularly love that my role at Hornig Companies allows for a wide variety of problem solving and communication.

Q: Can you describe your job?

A: “I get to listen, interpret and apply what I know and help people figure things out. It makes my day when the “I got it” moments happen!”

Q: What do you do outside of work in your free time?

A: I enjoy cooking and working on crafty projects. I especially loves spicy food!

Q: Have any recommendations for food around the Twin Cities?

A: Theresa’s in Golden Valley is my #1 favorite restaurant right now. I also really enjoy Everest on Grand in St Paul, Namaste Café and Kinhdo in Uptown, and Red Cow has the best turkey burger!

We love Darlene’s quick smile and infectious laugh. Next time you reach out to the office, introduce yourself to Darlene, our customer service queen!

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