September 21, 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.

Fairfield West:
Quality, Affordability, and Community

Fairfield West Townhomes is a 50-unit affordable housing community located in northwest Lincoln, NE. Offering two- and three-bedroom townhomes, of 800 and 960 square feet respectively, Fairfield West provides family-oriented housing in a convenient location with access to employment, shopping, schools, recreation, and the many services available throughout Nebraska’s capital city.

The community features spacious townhome-style residences designed to provide residents with many of the advantages associated with single-family living. Apartment amenities include white kitchen appliances, window coverings and attached garages in some homes. Residents also enjoy landscaped green space and a playground, providing outdoor areas particularly well suited for families with children. Fairfield West is a smoke-free community and offers convenient access to downtown Lincoln.

Fairfield West has long played a role in Lincoln’s inventory of affordable housing. Nebraska Investment Finance Authority records show that a 50-unit acquisition and rehabilitation of the property was proposed in 2013, representing an investment of approximately $7.5 million in preserving and improving the property.

The property’s location in northwest Lincoln places residents near Interstate 80 and Interstate 180, public transportation and the Lincoln Airport, while maintaining the residential character of the surrounding neighborhood.

By combining affordable rents of $1,514 and $1,672 for the two- and three-bedroom floor plans, attached-garage options, green space and professional management, Fairfield West Townhomes provides an important housing resource for Lincoln families. The community demonstrates the continuing importance of preserving established affordable properties that allow working households and families to remain connected to employment, education and the broader Lincoln community. Cohen-Esrey manages the property for a third-party client along with the nearby Glenbrook Townhomes, another 50-unit property.

Breanna Schreier (2025) is the Property Manager, and Heather Sauerwein (2010), is the Regional Manager. Mike Gioia (2020), is the Senior Property Accountant, and Nancy Lewis (2021), is the Property Accounting Assistant.

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

Bulmaro Solis – Jefferson on the Lake – Olathe, KS – Maintenance Technician
Rose De La Rosa – Corporate – Mobile Leasing Consultant
Elizabeth Dianne Tingle – Corporate – Mobile Leasing Consultant
Joseph Gonzalez – Lofts at Creekview – San Antonio, TX – Maintenance Technician
Joe Llamas – Lofts at Creekview – San Antonio, TX – Lead Maintenance Technician
Ernest Dominguez – Loma Vista Lofts – San Antonio, TX – Lead Maintenance Technician
Roman Brauning – Stepping Stone – South Sioux City, NE – Maintenance Technician
Dana Colson – Corporate – Affordable Housing Compliance Specialist – Rehire

Transformational Construction

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

No prospective resident will have trouble finding Overlook 157 in Asheville, NC.

Putting the finishing touches on interior painting at Overlook 157.

Meet the Owensboro Historic Residences Team

Meet the Owensboro Historic Residences team. Tracey Frashure (2024), Property Manager, and Charles Hardesty (2023), Maintenance Technician.

Owensboro Historic Residences is a 29-unit affordable community in Owensboro, KY, that was developed by the Cohen-Esrey Development Group (CEDG).

The Lost Art of the Telephone

In an age of text messages, emails, resident portals, automated notifications, and artificial intelligence, one of the most effective tools in apartment management is sitting right on our desks and in our pockets: the telephone.

We have become incredibly efficient at communicating without actually talking to people. A prospective resident submits an online inquiry and receives an automated response. A resident reports a maintenance problem through an app. A renewal notice arrives by email. A delinquent resident receives a text message. Technology makes these processes faster and easier, but something important can be lost along the way—the personal connection.

Sometimes the best thing we can do is simply pick up the telephone.

Consider a prospective resident who has submitted an online inquiry. We could respond with an email containing pricing, availability, and a link to schedule a tour. Or we could call and say, “I saw that you're interested in our community. Tell me what you're looking for.”

That simple conversation changes the relationship. Instead of being another apartment community competing for attention in an inbox, we become a real person interested in helping someone find a home.

The telephone can be even more powerful with existing residents.

Suppose a resident submits a maintenance request because the air conditioning isn't working. The technician completes the repair and closes the work order electronically. That's efficient. But imagine the impact if someone from the management office called the resident the following day and asked, “I wanted to make sure your air conditioning is working properly. Is everything okay?”

That call might take 30 seconds. The impression it leaves could last for years.

The same principle applies when dealing with complaints. Emails and text messages are particularly poor tools for resolving emotional situations. Words can easily be misunderstood, and lengthy exchanges can cause frustration to escalate. A five-minute telephone conversation can sometimes accomplish what 15 emails cannot.

The telephone also provides something electronic communication doesn't: tone of voice. We can hear frustration, uncertainty, excitement, disappointment, and appreciation. More importantly, residents can hear those same qualities in us. They can hear when we genuinely care.

Telephone conversations can also improve collections. A generic text saying, “Your rent is past due,” is easy to ignore. A personal call creates a conversation. Perhaps there is a legitimate problem. Perhaps a payment arrangement is possible. Or perhaps the resident simply needs to be reminded that someone is paying attention.

Renewals present another opportunity. Instead of relying exclusively on an emailed renewal offer, call the resident. Ask how things are going. Find out whether there are unresolved concerns. Tell them that we value having them as a resident. We may learn something that prevents a move-out.

None of this means abandoning technology. Online leasing, resident portals, texting, automation, and AI are valuable tools that make apartment management more efficient. The challenge is making sure efficiency doesn't replace relationships.

Property management has always been a people business. We manage buildings, budgets, leases, work orders, and financial statements—but ultimately, we serve people.

The telephone gives us an opportunity to turn a transaction into a conversation and a conversation into a relationship.

So, the next time you're preparing to send that third email or another text message, consider something different.

Pick up the phone.

You might be surprised by what happens next.

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.

Dorgenois Lofts

Dorgenois Lofts is part of the historic former Falstaff Brewery complex at 2600 Gravier Street in New Orleans’ Tulane-Gravier neighborhood. The brewery operated at the site from the early 1900s until its closing in 1978, leaving behind an imposing collection of industrial buildings that became a familiar part of the New Orleans skyline.

The initial redevelopment of the Falstaff property did not include the complex’s historic Brewhouse and Silo buildings because of cost considerations. Renaissance Property Group later undertook their rehabilitation as Dorgenois Lofts, preserving some of the most distinctive architectural features of the former brewery. The redevelopment also included the landmark tower supporting the Falstaff neon “weatherball,” a longtime New Orleans landmark.

Financing the project proved challenging following the 2008 financial crisis. Renaissance received an affordable housing tax credit allocation and City of New Orleans HOME funding in 2009, but initially could not secure an investor. A financing package utilizing federal recovery programs together with Federal and Louisiana Historic Tax Credits ultimately allowed construction to begin in October 2010.

The restoration culminated around Mardi Gras 2012 with the re-lighting of the historic Falstaff weatherball. Today, Dorgenois Lofts combines affordable housing with historic preservation, giving an important piece of New Orleans’ industrial heritage a productive new life.

How Much Did It Cost in 1970?

Cohen-Esrey was founded in 1970. My how costs have changed over the years. Look at this comparison of representative retail prices for items related to our industry.

10 Rules for Building Great Resident Relationships

Cohen-Esrey | Second Mile Service

1. Know Their Names
Residents should feel known—not like an apartment number. Learn names, use them, and take a genuine interest in the people who call our communities home.

2. Always Acknowledge a Resident
Smile. Say hello. Make eye contact. Whether you are a property manager, leasing professional, maintenance technician, or groundskeeper, never walk past a resident as though they aren't there.

3. Listen Before You Respond
Sometimes residents simply want to know they have been heard. Give them your attention. Don't interrupt. Understand the problem before trying to solve it.

4. Do What You Say You Will Do
Trust is built by keeping promises. If you say you will call back, call back. If you promise an update tomorrow, provide it tomorrow. Never make a commitment you cannot keep.

5. Remember: You Are Entering Someone’s Home
Maintenance team members should treat every apartment with the same respect they would expect in their own homes. Introduce yourself, explain the work, protect the resident's belongings, clean up, and explain what was accomplished before leaving.

6. Follow Up
Don't assume a problem was solved just because the work order was closed. Ask: “Is everything working properly?” A 30-second follow-up can make an enormous impression.

7. Communicate – Especially When There’s a Problem
Residents can be remarkably understanding when they know what is happening. If a repair is delayed or circumstances change, tell them. Silence creates frustration. Communication builds trust.

8. Look for the Second Mile
Don't stop at what is required. Look for the small extra thing you can do. Help with a package. Hold a door. Check on a resident after a storm. Solve a problem before being asked. Small acts create lasting impressions.

9. Treat Every Resident With Dignity and Respect
Residents will sometimes be frustrated or angry. Remain professional. Be patient. Never allow a difficult conversation to change the respect we show another person.

10. Remember Why Relationships Matter
Residents who feel valued are more likely to renew, recommend our communities, care about their property, cooperate when problems arise, and tell others about their positive experiences.

The Cohen-Esrey Standard

Every interaction is an opportunity to strengthen – or weaken – a relationship.

Before ending an interaction with a resident, ask yourself:

Did I listen?
Did I show that I cared?
Did I solve the problem—or take ownership getting it solved?
Did I do what I promised?
Did I look for an opportunity to go the Second Mile?

We Manage Apartments.

We Serve People.

We Build Relationships.

That's Second Mile Service.

Welcome to Cohen-Esrey x 2, and Welcome Back!

Naomi Sedberry (2024), Mobile Leasing Manager, is pleased to announce that Rose De La Rosa has joined Cohen-Esrey as a Mobile Leasing Agent. With over 25 years of experience in property management, Rose has had the opportunity to build a rewarding career doing what she loves most – connecting with people and helping them find a place they can truly call home.

When she’s not working, she enjoys spending time with her children and grandchildren, who are such an important part of her world. She also loves fishing, sharing a good laugh, and simply making the most of life.

Welcome to Cohen-Esrey, Rose!

Naomi is also pleased to welcome Dianne Tingle to the Mobile Leasing Team. Dianne is a proud San Antonio native with more than two decades of industry experience. A grandmother of three girls Dianne is a people person at heart. She believes that finding a home is more than simply finding an apartment – it’s helping someone find a place where they feel comfortable, safe, and excited to begin the next chapter of their life. Throughout her career, she has gained experience in leasing, She loves meeting new people, building lasting relationships, and being part of a team that works together toward a common goal. Whether she’s helping a prospective resident find their new home, working with a team member, or creating relationships within the community, Dianne wants people to feel that they were heard, valued, and genuinely helped.

We also take this opportunity to welcome back Dana Colson who has rejoined the Affordable Housing Compliance Department! Dana brings with her 18 years of affordable housing experience, having served in both onsite roles and as a Regional Manager. Her deep knowledge of compliance and operations will be a tremendous asset as we continue strengthening our policies, procedures, and overall compliance practices. We are confident that her expertise will help take our department to the next level.

Outside of work, Dana enjoys camping and fishing, and we’re sure she’ll bring that same energy and enthusiasm into her new role at Cohen-Esrey.

Glad to have you back, Dana!

HR Corner

By Sara Antar (2002), Payroll Administrator

More Than Just Paperwork: How HR is Your Strategic Partner in the Workplace

When you think of the Human Resources (HR) team, what comes to mind? For many, HR is viewed simply as the department that handles onboarding paperwork, manages benefits open enrollment, or steps in when there is a policy issue.

While those administrative tasks are essential, our HR team’s primary mission is much larger: we are here to advocate for your growth, support your well-being, and build an inclusive workplace where you can thrive.

Here are some of the ways you can partner with HR at every stage of your career journey with us:

Career Growth and Professional Development

We don't just want you to do your job well today—we want to help you build your career for tomorrow. HR actively designs and connects you with professional development opportunities, including:

Continuous learning platforms and skills workshops.
Leadership courses and mentorship programs.
Internal pathways for promotions and lateral career moves.

Wellness and Work-Life Balance

Your life outside of work matters. HR is dedicated to supporting your holistic health—mental, physical, and financial. Turn to HR when you need to access:

Mental health/grief resources and counseling
Tailored wellness initiatives and stress management tools.
Guidance on navigating flexible work arrangements to prevent burnout.

A Safe Space for Open Dialogue

Workplace dynamics can be complex. HR serves as a neutral, confidential sounding board and advocate for all employees. Reach out to us if you need help with:

Navigating difficult conversations with colleagues or managers.
Addressing concerns regarding workplace equity, inclusion, or safety.
Clarifying company policies so you always know your rights and resources.

Celebrating Your Milestones

A great workplace culture is built on appreciation. HR works behind the scenes to champion employee recognition and foster community through:

Celebrating your milestones, work anniversaries, and personal achievements.
Organizing team-building events and volunteer opportunities to keep us connected.
Gathering your feedback via regular polls and surveys to actively reshape company culture.

Connect With Us Today

We want to hear from you before a challenge arises, not just after. Whether you want to plan your next career move, ask a question about your benefits, or share an idea to improve our workplace, our doors are always open. HR@cohenesrey.com

Meet Your HR Team

Jennifer Miller (2025) – Vice President, Director of Human Resources

Claire Fagan (2026) – Human Resources Business Partner

Franci Rabinowitz (2025) – Recruiter

Sara Antar (2002) – Payroll Administrator

Marilee Scheid (2019) – Director of Learning and Development

Improving Curb Appeal Without Spending a Fortune

First impressions matter – especially in apartment management. Long before a prospective resident sees an apartment, meets a leasing professional, or learns about our amenities, they have already formed an opinion about the community.

They saw the entrance.

They noticed the landscaping.

They drove through the parking lot.

They looked at the buildings, sidewalks, signs, and common areas.

The good news is that improving curb appeal doesn't always require a major capital investment. Some of the most noticeable improvements cost very little. What they require is attention to detail and a willingness to look at the property through the eyes of a customer.

Start with the entrance. The property entrance is our front door. Signs should be clean, straight, well-lit, and easy to read. Landscaping around the entrance should be trimmed and attractive. Seasonal flowers or a few strategically placed planters can create an immediate impression of care without requiring a large investment.

Next, look at cleanliness. Few things improve a property's appearance more inexpensively than picking up litter. Parking lots, sidewalks, landscaped areas, breezeways, stairwells, and dumpster enclosures should be checked regularly. Cigarette butts, paper, abandoned advertising materials, and overflowing trash containers send a message that nobody is paying attention.

Power washing can also produce dramatic results. Sidewalks, building entrances, curbs, breezeways, dumpster pads, and retaining walls gradually accumulate dirt and stains that we may stop noticing because we see them every day. A prospective resident sees them immediately.

Landscaping doesn't have to be elaborate to look good. Healthy grass, neatly trimmed shrubs, fresh mulch, edged sidewalks, and weed-free flowerbeds often make a greater impression than expensive landscaping that isn't maintained. Removing dead plants may actually improve appearance more than adding new ones.

Pay particular attention to small maintenance items. A crooked downspout, broken light fixture, missing address number, damaged screen, leaning sign, faded parking stripe, loose handrail, or peeling section of paint may seem insignificant individually. Collectively, they can make an otherwise good property appear tired.

This is where a regular property walk becomes invaluable.

Managers and maintenance supervisors should periodically walk the community as though they were prospective residents seeing it for the first time. Better yet, drive onto the property from the same direction a prospect normally would. What do you notice? Where does your eye go? What looks neglected?

Don't forget nighttime curb appeal. Drive the property after dark occasionally. Are building numbers visible? Are exterior lights working? Does the entrance look inviting? Are there dark areas that create a poor impression or potential safety concern? Replacing burned-out bulbs is inexpensive, but it can dramatically change how a community feels.

Residents can help, too. Encourage residents to keep patios and balconies attractive and establish reasonable standards for items visible from the exterior. Well-maintained resident spaces contribute to the appearance of the entire community.

Finally, focus attention where it matters most. If the budget is limited, concentrate on the areas everyone sees: the entrance, leasing office, model route, mail area, dumpster areas, parking lots, and major pedestrian paths.

Great curb appeal isn't necessarily about spending more money. It's about noticing more.

A clean, orderly, well-maintained property tells residents and prospects something important before we ever say a word:

We care about this community – and we're proud of it.

Cities of Cohen-Esrey

Reedsburg, WI: The Butter Capital of America

Reedsburg, WI, is a picturesque community in Sauk County in the south-central part of the state, approximately 15 miles southwest of Wisconsin Dells and about an hour northwest of Madison. With a population of roughly 10,000, Reedsburg combines small-town character with a strong local economy and convenient access to some of Wisconsin’s most popular recreational destinations.

The community traces its roots to the mid-1800s, when settlers were attracted to the area’s abundant timber, fertile farmland, and the Baraboo River. Reedsburg was named for early settler David C. Reed, who helped establish the community and constructed a dam and sawmill along the river. Agriculture, lumber, and manufacturing subsequently became important foundations of the local economy.

Today, Reedsburg serves as a regional center for employment, healthcare, education, shopping, and services. Manufacturing remains important, complemented by agriculture, healthcare, retail, and businesses serving the surrounding rural area. The historic downtown features locally owned businesses and architecture reflecting the community’s long history.

Reedsburg also benefits from an attractive natural setting. The 400 State Trail begins in Reedsburg and provides miles of bicycling and recreational opportunities through scenic countryside. Nearby attractions include Mirror Lake State Park, Devil’s Lake State Park, and the Wisconsin Dells.

With affordable housing, established neighborhoods, good community services, and proximity to Madison and Wisconsin Dells, Reedsburg offers an appealing combination of economic stability, outdoor recreation, and traditional Wisconsin small-town living.

The Cohen-Esrey Development Group (CEDG) developed the 33-unit Walnut Street Flats, an affordable housing community in Reedsburg that was completed in 2019.

An Empowerment Story

By Brenda Lembke (2025), HUD Service Coordinator, Yorkshire Manor

At Cohen-Esrey, Empowerment isn't just a corporate value – it’s the trust that allows us to make a real difference. As a part-time Resident Services Coordinator at one of our affordable housing communities, I have experienced firsthand how Cohen-Esrey encourages its team members to grow and thrive.

Recognizing the daily needs of our residents, I wanted to find practical ways to help. With the company's backing and support of local organizations, I was able to start an on-site food pantry alongside a hygiene and cleaning supply pantry. To bring our neighbors closer together, I also host fun quarterly resident events.

What I love most about Cohen-Esrey is the wonderful freedom they give me. I have the autonomy to choose and design my own events, and to reach out to local community partners for support. This freedom allows us to build a warm, connected environment where our residents truly feel seen, heard, and cared for. Cohen-Esrey has given me the perfect place to use my skills while bringing support to others. It is truly a company that champions growth, purpose, and positive change.

Fun Photos!

Here’s an old Halloween photo from 2014. Jessica Bell (2014), Senior Project Engineer for Nexus 5 is wrangling Marcie Teenor (2013) Chief Financial Officer. Legend has it that Jess threw the rope 50 feet to snag Marcie!

NPS Leaderboards

The three NPS Leaderboards have been updated as of September 18, 2026. In the 50-Units or Less category, Mills Crossing (Salem, IL) keeps the lead with a perfect NPS of +100! In the Properties 51 to 120-Units category, Justin Place (Kansas City, MO) remains the leader with an NPS of +97.14. And in the Properties of More than 120-Units category, Panorama Heights (Colorado Springs) has vaulted into first place with an NPS of +72.73. There are 21 properties on Leaderboards. Our overall NPS is +41!