June 29, 2026

Welcome to People and Properties, the Cohen-Esrey newsletter where we celebrate the successes of our team members and keep you informed about what is happening in the Cohen-Esrey world. If you have something you would like to share or an achievement that you would like to celebrate, please send it to Lee Harris at lharris@cohenesrey.com. If you are on a property, please print and distribute this newsletter to each member of your property team. You can also find People and Properties on KnowledgeNet. Click here to view previous editions.

Let Freedom Ring!

Here’s a “feel good” property if there ever was one. Freedom Place is an affordable apartment community in the Vandeventer neighborhood of St. Louis, MO, just west of downtown. The five-story building was constructed in 1928 and fell on hard times as population shifted away from the city. By 2002, the building had become vacant and a few years later an attempt to convert it to condominiums never materialized. A third-party developer acquired the property renovated it into affordable housing in concert with the St. Patrick Center, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, and Missouri’s Department of Mental Health. Today, Freedom Place provides 68-units of supportive housing for homeless veterans after an invetment of $12.7 million. Located only a few blocks from the John Cochran VA Medical Center, the buiding provides not only housing but also supportive services such as case management, counseling and recovery support, meeting rooms and community spaces, fitness facilities, and a children’s play area.

The property offers studio units from 396 to 590 square feet and renting for $500 to $607 per month. One-bedroom units of 604 to 727 square feet rent for $692 per month; two-bedroom units of 781 ri 910 square feet rent from $739 to $765 per month; and three-bedroom units of 936 square feet rent for $856 per month. A surface lot and parking garage are available to residents and a bus stops in front of the building. Through St. Patrick Center’s Project HERO program, many of the units serve veterans transitioning out of homelessness and working toward long-term stability and independence. The combination of historic preservation, affordable housing, and veteran supportive services makes this property special and unique.

The Vandeventer neighborhood is a historic North St. Louis community located between Dr. Martin Luther King Drive, Delmar Boulevard, Vandeventer Avenue, and Newstead Avenue. The area originated as part of the French colonial “Grande Prairie Commonfield,” where early settlers farmed long, narrow tracts of land west of the original St. Louis settlement. In the late nineteenth century, the neighborhood developed into a residential district and became associated with the prominent Vandeventer family, whose name remains attached to the area today.

One of the neighborhood’s most famous landmarks was Vandeventer Place, an elegant private street lined with mansions that symbolized St. Louis prosperity during the Gilded Age. Much of that development disappeared during urban renewal projects of the mid-twentieth century.

Like many North St. Louis neighborhoods, Vandeventer experienced population decline and disinvestment in the latter half of the twentieth century. Since the late 1990s, however, residents, community organizations, and the City of St. Louis have worked to revitalize the neighborhood through housing rehabilitation, new residential developments, community services, and business investment. Today, Vandeventer is a neighborhood of approximately 2,000 residents and remains an important link between the Central West End, The Ville, and Grand Center.

Jamina Beal (2023) is the Property Manager, and Alisha Brooks (2017), is the Regional Manager. Jalen Havel-Stephens (2024), is the Property Accountant, and Rhianna Jones (2025), is the Property Accounting Assistant.

We welcome the following new team members to Cohen-Esrey and the Nexus 5 Group.

John Boyles - Fairfield West Townhomes - Lincoln, NE - Maintenance Technician
Kathleen Hoesing - Stepping Stone Apartments - South Sioux City, NE - Assistant Property Manager
Lawrence Randall - Greenwood Estates - Peoria, IL - Maintenance Technician
Raven Ellis - Geneva Towers - Cedar Rapids, IA - Leasing Agent

Transformational Construction

Construction continues at Cohen-Esrey Development Group (CEDG) future communities.

Exterior work at The Overlook 157 in Asheville, NC is rapidly moving toward the finish line.

Installing cabinets in 141 units is a massive undertaking at Overlook 157.

Meet the Trails at Lehow Team

Meet the Trails at Lehow team. Christopher Banks (2025), Property Manager, and Dante Hill (2025), Maintenance Technician.

Trails at Lehow is an 82-unit affordable community in the Denver suburb of Englewood, CO, that was developed by the Cohen-Esrey Development Group (CEDG).

PreservingUS, Inc. Serves Resident Needs

By Sonya Shifflett-Bly (2018), Executive Director of PreservingUS, Inc.

establishing resident services programs at several properties including the Brewery Lofts (Hastings, NE) and the Lofts at Grim (Texarkana, TX). We are utilizing a “hybrid model” of resident service delivery, where Cohen-Esrey Communities (CEC) and PUI work together to bring services to the property. This starts by engaging and interviewing the Property Manager about the various strengths and weaknesses at their community, and documenting the various resources in the larger community through a “Community Scan.” Then, residents are provided with a “Resident Opportunities and Needs Survey” (RONS) which asks about access to healthcare, nutrition, education, employment, transportation, technology, safety, community engagement, and self-efficacy. We even ask about interests and hobbies. We want to know what CEC’s residents feel the most pressing needs in their lives and communities are. This way, we can better prioritize what activities and services should be brought to the property.

PreservingUS Inc. (PUI) is a non-profit organization that was formed in 2009 on the belief that everyone should have a safe and affordable home that brings them dignity and joy. We accomplish this through a three-pronged approach of preserving our nation’s historic buildings, providing services that increase access to opportunity, and developing new affordable housing. Currently PreservingUS, Inc. (PUI) is

For example, we just finished the RONS assessment for the Lofts at Grim. Respondents strongly agreed they had great access to childcare, healthcare, transportation, and education. They felt they have met their financial goals, and had a sense of pride in their community. Grim residents only somewhat agreed that they had adequate access to community safety, nutrition, employment, and technology. We are working with the Texarkana Police Department to increase patrols and improve overall building safety. Lofts at Grim had a “Pops with Cops” event on June 24th. Residents and a local community officer socialized over cool treats and talked about how to make the building and neighborhood safer by not leaving items in cars, calling the non-emergency line to report behavior like checking car door handles, or reporting that your car had been gone through the night before to both the police

department and property management. More reporting means more patrols. PUI and property management are working to increase food security by bringing a food pantry on-site and partnering with existing local hunger relief organizations. We’ll partner with local job trainers, like Mission Texarkana, and career coaches to increase job-training opportunities. PUI wants to upgrade resident events, whether on-site or off, so that people get the opportunity to know their neighbors and, in turn, build community. Finally, we will explore options for low-cost or free laptops and internet for residents to determine if there are any resources that would be a good fit for the community.

PUI is working to kick off a resident services at Lewis Lofts (Mankato, MN) and re-engage Lofts at Ventura (San Antonio, TX) in the coming weeks. I am looking forward partnering with, and serving more, of our amazing Property Managers, so that CEC residents have more access to opportunity and are empowered to meet their goals and to thrive.

HR Corner

By Jennifer Miller (2025), Director of Human Resources

Mid-Year Check-In: Reflect, Recharge, and Refocus

Can you believe we're already halfway through the year?

As we approach the end of June, it's a great opportunity to pause and reflect on the first six months of the year before we jump into the second half. While many of us set goals in January, the middle of the year provides a valuable chance to assess our progress, celebrate our accomplishments, and make adjustments where needed.

Take Time to Reflect

Think back to where you were at the beginning of the year. What goals did you set for yourself? What challenges have you overcome? What accomplishments are you most proud of? Often, we focus so much on what's next that we forget to recognize how far we've come. Whether you've learned a new skill, strengthened a relationship, supported a resident, helped a teammate, or navigated a difficult situation, those successes matter.

Celebrate Your Growth

Growth doesn't always come in the form of promotions or major achievements. Sometimes growth looks like:

Becoming more confident in your role
Learning from mistakes
Improving communication skills
Building stronger relationships with coworkers
Developing new technical skills
Taking on responsibilities outside your comfort zone

Every experience – both positive and challenging – helps us grow personally and professionally.

Refocus on What Matters Most

The second half of the year offers a fresh opportunity to recommit to your goals and priorities. Ask yourself:

What is one thing I want to improve before the end of the year?
What skill would I like to develop?
How can I better support my team and our residents?
What habits should I continue, start, or stop?

Small, consistent actions often lead to the greatest results.

Don't Forget to Recharge

Success isn't just about working hard – it's also about taking care of yourself. As summer gets busy, remember the importance of maintaining balance, taking time to recharge, and using your PTO when appropriate. When we care for ourselves, we're better equipped to serve our residents, support our teammates, and perform at our best.

Looking Ahead

At Cohen-Esrey, our success is built on the dedication, resilience, and commitment of our team members. Thank you for everything you have contributed so far this year. Whether you work at a property, in maintenance, operations, accounting, HR, or another support function, your efforts make a difference every day.

As we enter the second half of the year, let's continue to learn, grow, support one another, and strive for excellence in all that we do.

Here's to a strong and successful second half of 2026!

Let’s Get Creative With Resident Appreciation

Resident appreciation is one of the most effective ways apartment communities can improve resident satisfaction, strengthen community culture, and increase lease renewals. While amenities and pricing are important, residents often decide whether to stay based on how valued and connected they feel. A thoughtful appreciation program demonstrates that management sees residents as people rather than simply leaseholders. Five key strategies can help create a positive resident experience and foster long-term loyalty.

The first strategy is recognizing resident milestones. Important life events and community anniversaries provide opportunities to make residents feel special. Lease anniversaries, birthdays, graduations, new babies, and move-in anniversaries are all occasions worth celebrating. Recognition can be as simple as a handwritten note, a small gift, a gift card to a local business, or a personalized message from the management team. These gestures create a personal connection and help residents feel known and appreciated. When residents feel that management acknowledges important moments in their lives, they are more likely to develop a positive emotional attachment to the community.

A second approach is creating a “Caught You Being a Great Neighbor” program. This initiative recognizes residents who contribute positively to the community. Examples might include helping neighbors, participating in community events, volunteering, reporting maintenance concerns, or simply demonstrating kindness and respect. Residents selected for recognition could receive rewards such as coffee gift cards, rent credits, reserved parking spaces, or public recognition in community newsletters. This type of program not only shows appreciation but also encourages behaviors that strengthen the community and improve the living environment for everyone.

The third strategy involves hosting resident appreciation events throughout the year. Instead of relying on one large annual event, communities can create excitement through smaller, surprise gatherings that occur regularly. Examples include coffee and donuts in the morning, ice cream socials, taco lunches, popcorn stations, food trucks, or seasonal celebrations. These events provide opportunities for residents to meet one another, interact with staff, and build a stronger sense of community. Frequent, unexpected appreciation events often have a greater impact than larger but less personal gatherings because they demonstrate ongoing commitment to resident happiness.

A fourth opportunity lies in enhancing the maintenance experience. Residents often judge their overall satisfaction based on how quickly and effectively maintenance requests are handled. Following up after service requests is a simple but powerful way to show appreciation. Management teams can send thank-you messages, conduct satisfaction surveys, make courtesy calls, or leave small treats after repairs are completed. These actions communicate that management cares about the resident’s comfort and values their feedback. Excellent service recovery and follow-up can transform routine maintenance interactions into positive relationship-building moments.

The fifth strategy is developing a resident loyalty or VIP rewards program. Just as businesses reward repeat customers, apartment communities can recognize long-term residents through tiered benefits. For example, residents could earn Bronze, Silver, and Gold status based on the length of their residency. Benefits might include priority amenity reservations, complimentary carpet cleaning, discounted services, local business partnerships, special event invitations, or entries into prize drawings. Such programs encourage lease renewals while rewarding residents for their commitment to the community. They also create a sense of exclusivity and belonging that residents value.

An additional idea that complements all of these strategies is a weekly or monthly surprise recognition program. For example, a “Thankful Thursday” initiative could randomly select one resident each week to receive a gift card, a small gift basket, or a handwritten note of appreciation. These unexpected acts of kindness often generate significant goodwill because residents never know when they might be selected.

Ultimately, resident appreciation is not about spending large amounts of money. It is about creating meaningful experiences that make residents feel respected, recognized, and valued. Communities that consistently invest in appreciation efforts often see stronger resident relationships, higher satisfaction scores, improved online reviews, and increased lease renewal rates. By recognizing milestones, rewarding positive behavior, hosting engaging events, enhancing service interactions, and creating loyalty programs, apartment communities can build a culture where residents genuinely enjoy living and choose to stay for years to come.

Historic Buildings of Cohen-Esrey

Cohen-Esrey has a long history of developing and/or managing some really cool historic buildings. In this series, we feature one such building in each issue.

Grant Historic Residences

Grant Historic Residences in Goodland, KS, is a unique affordable housing community that blends historic preservation with modern living. Located at 520 West 12th Street, the development transformed a historic local property into quality residential housing, preserving an important piece of Goodland’s heritage while meeting a critical community need. Developed by the Cohen-Esrey Development Group (CEDG), and opened in 2017, the property offers 21 affordable apartment homes designed for individuals and families seeking reasonably priced housing. The redevelopment maintained the character and architectural significance of the original structure while incorporating modern amenities and energy-efficient features. Grant Historic Residences demonstrates how historic buildings can be successfully adapted for contemporary use, strengthening neighborhoods and preserving community identity. In addition to providing housing opportunities, the property contributes to the revitalization of downtown Goodland and serves as a model for rural community development. By combining historic preservation with affordable housing, Grant Historic Residences helps ensure that an important landmark continues to serve residents for generations to come. The building was originally Grant School (later Grant Junior High School) and was built in 1926 to relieve overcrowding in Goodland's public schools. It served as an elementary school from 1926 to 1969 and then as a junior high school until 2015.

Taking Marketing Ideas to the Next Level

Creative apartment marketing is most successful when it helps prospects imagine themselves living in the community rather than simply viewing floor plans and amenities. Traditional promotions such as discounted rent or gift cards can attract attention, but unique experiences often create stronger emotional connections and lead to higher leasing success. Five innovative marketing concepts can help apartment communities stand out in a competitive marketplace while building stronger engagement with prospective residents.

The first concept is a “Try Before You Lease” weekend program. Instead of asking prospects to make a leasing decision based solely on a short tour, communities can offer the opportunity to stay overnight in a furnished model apartment. Prospects experience the property as residents do, allowing them to evaluate noise levels, parking, amenities, neighborhood convenience, and overall comfort. The experience can be enhanced with welcome gifts, local restaurant vouchers, coffee shop coupons, and a neighborhood guide. By giving prospects a firsthand experience of daily life in the community, management can reduce uncertainty and increase confidence in the leasing decision. This approach shifts the focus from selling an apartment to demonstrating a lifestyle. This will only work on certain properties – so check with your Regional Manager before implementing.

A second idea is creating a Resident Influencer Program. Current residents are often the most credible and effective ambassadors for a community. Rather than relying entirely on traditional advertising, communities can encourage residents to share authentic experiences through social media, videos, referrals, and testimonials. Participants can earn rewards such as rent credits, reserved parking, gift cards, or special amenities for generating qualified leads or creating content. Potential renters often trust resident experiences more than professionally produced marketing materials. This strategy also creates a continuous stream of fresh, authentic content that showcases everyday life within the community.

The third concept is an Apartment Treasure Hunt that extends beyond the property and into the surrounding neighborhood. Prospects participate in a scavenger hunt by visiting local businesses, scanning QR codes, completing challenges, and learning about the area. Each stop can reveal information about apartment features, amenities, resident stories, or leasing incentives. Participants become familiar with nearby restaurants, shops, parks, and services while simultaneously engaging with the apartment brand. The program can conclude with prize drawings, gift cards, rent credits, or other incentives. This interactive experience transforms apartment marketing from a passive activity into an entertaining community event.

A fourth innovative strategy is offering an AI-powered apartment design experience. One challenge many renters face is visualizing how their furniture and belongings will fit within a new apartment. By using artificial intelligence, prospects can upload photos of their furniture and receive customized visualizations showing how their items would look in available floor plans. The technology can help with room layouts, decorating ideas, and space planning. Rather than imagining an empty apartment, prospects can see a realistic representation of their future home. This personalized experience addresses common leasing concerns while helping renters emotionally connect with the space.

The fifth idea focuses on promoting the lifestyle surrounding the apartment community through a “Live Like a Local” neighborhood subscription box. During tours, prospects receive a package filled with products, discounts, and information from nearby businesses. Items might include coffee from a local café, restaurant coupons, fitness passes, farmers market vouchers, event calendars, or neighborhood guides. The goal is to demonstrate the benefits of living in the area rather than focusing exclusively on the apartment itself. Prospects gain a deeper understanding of the community and the experiences available nearby. This approach recognizes that many renters choose a neighborhood as much as they choose an apartment.

Collectively, these marketing strategies share a common theme: they emphasize experiences, authenticity, and lifestyle rather than traditional advertising. They help prospects visualize themselves as residents, build trust through real resident engagement, and create memorable interactions that differentiate a community from competitors. Whether through overnight stays, resident ambassadors, neighborhood adventures, personalized design tools, or local lifestyle experiences, these ideas move beyond transactional marketing and focus on creating meaningful connections.

These concepts can often be implemented at a reasonable cost while generating significant visibility and resident engagement. Communities that successfully market experiences instead of simply promoting units are more likely to attract qualified prospects, strengthen their brand, and improve long-term leasing performance. By helping prospects envision a better way of living, these creative strategies can transform apartment marketing into a powerful tool for growth and resident attraction.

The Launchpad Receives Award

The Cohen-Esrey Development Group (CEDG) is honored that The Launchpad in Colorado Springs, CO has been awarded the 2026 Eagle Award from Housing Colorado. Since 2005, Housing Colorado has been the unified voice for Colorado’s affordable housing community. Together with their members, they have shifted the public narrative around housing, shaped the policy landscape, and ensured that generations of Coloradans will have an affordable place to call home.

This prestigious award "recognizes outstanding projects completed in the past year that add to or preserve affordable housing stock in Colorado." The Launchpad is a 50-unit supportive housing development in partnership with the PLACE, a local non-profit service provider. Together, we are serving young adults at risk of homelessness and making an immediate, tangible impact on the Colorado Springs community.

Cohen-Esrey is proud of this property, grateful for our partners, and deeply honored by this recognition. Thank you to everyone who helped bring this development to life.

Cities of Cohen-Esrey

Enid, OK: The Wheat Capital of Oklahoma

Enid, OK, is a vibrant city located in north-central Oklahoma and serves as the county seat of Garfield County. Founded during the Cherokee Outlet Land Run of 1893, Enid quickly grew into an important agricultural and transportation center. Today, it is known for its strong ties to the wheat industry and is often called the “Wheat Capital of Oklahoma” because of its significant grain production and storage facilities.

The city has a population of approximately 50,000 residents and offers a blend of small-town charm and modern amenities. Enid is home to Vance Air Force Base, one of the nation’s premier pilot training installations, which contributes greatly to the local economy and community. The city also features cultural attractions such as the Cherokee Strip Regional Heritage Center, which preserves the history of the area and the famous land run.

Residents and visitors enjoy numerous parks, recreational opportunities, and community events throughout the year. With its rich history, strong agricultural heritage, and welcoming atmosphere, Enid remains an important economic and cultural hub in northwestern Oklahoma.

Cohen-Esrey manages the 30-unit Clay Hall Senior Residences in Enid for a partnership led by PreservingUS, Inc.

An Empowerment Story

By Franci Rabinowitz (2025), Recruiter

Cohen-Esrey has created an environment where I feel valued, supported, and empowered to succeed. The collaborative culture and strong leadership consistently encourage me to share ideas, take initiative, and grow both personally and professionally. I’m fortunate to be part of a high-performing team that works well together and supports one another in achieving shared goals.

The best part is I get to meet people in the field who I spent time recruiting and see how they thrive in our properties.

On the left is Jennifer Miller (2025), Director of Human Resources, and on the right is Franci Rabinowitz (2025), Recruiter.

Fun Photo!

Here’s a blast from the past! Bob Esrey (1970) and Sara Antar (2002) at the 2007 Holiday Party. Fun times!

NPS Leaderboards

The three NPS Leaderboards have been updated as of June 26, 2026. In the 50-Units or Less category, Mills Crossing (Salem, IL) stays on top with a perfect NPS of +100! In the Properties 51 to 120-Units category, Justin Place (Kansas City, MO) continues to lead with an NPS of +96.3. And in the Properties of More than 120-Units category, Panorama Heights (Colorado Springs) remains in first place with an NPS of +77.42. There are 23 properties on Leaderboards – two less than our last report on May 29. Our overall NPS is +40!