June 16, 2025

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.

Solving a Problem

The Cohen-Esrey Development Group (CEDG) recently opened The Launchpad, a 50-unit supportive housing apartment community in Colorado Springs, CO. The property is designed to accommodate homeless youth and will potentially reduce that number by 37% in Colorado Springs. A little known fact – when a young person turns 18, they age out of foster care and are subject to homelessness. A non-profit – The Place – is partnering with CEDG to provide comprehensive supportive services for the residents. The Launchpad has a team of partners too numerous to name, but special thanks go to the City of Colorado Springs, Pikes Peak Real Estate Fund, the Colorado Division of Housing, El Paso County, Colorado Housing Fnance Authority, Impact Development Fund, numerous foundations, and of course Merchant's Capital, our tax credit investor. More than 100 people attended the grand opening ceremony on May 27, 2025.

The property has common laundry facilities, a community kitchen and lounge, a covered patio, a conference room, and a basketball/futsal court are available on each floor and residents enjoy a large community room with full kitchen along with a picnic and grilling area. The Place also provides 24-hour program support. One-bedroom apartments are 375 to 437 square feet and rent for $633 per month. Two-bedroom apartments are 816 square feet and rent for $759 per month.

Colorado Springs has seen rapid population growth with the metro area surpassing 755,000. At 6,035 feet, the city stands over one mile above sea level. It is near the base of Pikes Peak, which rises 14,115 feet above sea level on the eastern edge of the Southern Rocky Mountains. The city is the largest city north of Mexico above 6,000 feet in elevation. Snowfall is usually moderate and remains on the ground briefly because of direct sun, with the city receiving 38 inches per season, although the mountains to the west often receive in excess of triple that amount. March is the snowiest month in the region, both by total accumulation and number of days with measurable snowfall. In addition, eight of the top ten heaviest 24-hour snowfalls have occurred from March to May. Summers are warm, with July, the warmest month, averaging 70.9 °F, and 18 days of 90 °F+ highs annually. Due to the high elevation and aridity, nights are usually relatively cool and rarely does the low remain above 70 °F.

Taylor Branch (2025), is the Property Manager and Rebecca Grimm (2019), is the Regional Manager. Dominic Padilla (2024), is the Property Accountant and Callie Vannier (2025) is the Accounting Assistant.

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

Lauri Duncan – Corporate – Mobile Leasing Consultant
Mia Hunt-Forte – Oaks at Rosehill, Texarkana, TX – Assistant Property Manager
William Johnson – Woodbridge, Texarkana, TX – Maintenance Technician
Jennifer Wonderly – Centennial Park, Kearney, NE – Property Manager
Lauriana Lucas – The New Broadview, East St. Louis, IL – Property Manager
Esteban Diaz – Perry 81, Overland Park, KS – Maintenance Technician
Benjamin Carpenter – Corporate Office – CEDG Regional Vice-President
Joseph Thompson – Jefferson on the Lake, Olathe, KS – Make Ready Technician
Sheena Brackins – Arts Senior Apartments, New Orleans, LA – Leasing Agent

Meet the Panorama Heights Team

Meet the Panorama Heights team. (L to R) Blake Burgard (2025) Maintenance Technician; Jade Leak (2025) Property Manager; and Thierry Eslinger (2025), Assistant Property Manager.

Cohen-Esrey Communities (CEC) manages the 133-unit Panorama Heights, an affordable community in Colorado Springs, CO, for a partnership sponsored by the Cohen-Esrey Development Group (CEDG).

Transformational Construction

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

Roof decks are being installed at the Lofts at Creekview in San Antonio, TX.

Clubhouse kitchen looking sharp at Village Park in Amarillo, TX.

Construction is more than 50% complete at the Heritage at Cottonwood Creek in San Marcos, TX.

Slab pour has commenced at Overlook 157 in Asheville, NC. Seventeen people worked 12 hours to pour 279 cubic yards of concrete.

Welcome to Cohen-Esrey, Ben!

Karen Crouch (2019), Managing Director of Cohen-Esrey Communities (CEC) is pleased to announce the hiring of Ben Carpenter as Regional Vice President overseeing property management for the Cohen-Esrey Development Group (CEDG) portfolio.

Ben brings over two decades of multifamily property management experience, having launched his career in multifamily in 2000. From 2004 to 2011, he held both leadership roles in the nonprofit HUD/LIHTC sector, with a strong emphasis on supportive housing. His work during this time focused on creating stable, service-enriched communities for vulnerable populations.

In 2012, Ben transitioned into the senior living industry, where he spent more than eight years in leadership positions overseeing operations for multiple retirement communities and assisted living facilities. Most recently, he served as Regional Vice President for three years, managing a portfolio of over 2,800 HUD/LIHTC senior housing units across the central United States.

Ben is deeply passionate about fostering communities where housing enhances the daily lives of residents, with a focus on supportive services and high-quality maintenance standards.

Originally from Michigan, Ben has called Tyler, TX, home for the past 15 years, where he lives with his wife and three children. His two sons are currently attending college, and his daughter is in high school. An avid outdoorsman, he enjoys running, hiking, mountain biking, and spending time on the lake with his family and their three large dogs. A lifelong learner, he keeps his mind active with podcasts and has a keen interest in science, technology, and psychology. He’s also a devoted NFL fan.

Welcome to Cohen-Esrey, Ben!!

Gavin Has Been Promoted!

Congratulations to Gavin Renft (2020), on his recent promotion to Superintendent for the Nexus 5 Group. Previously, he was a Project Engineer. His role will be overseeing multi-family projects in the field in addition to doing business development. Gavin’s Roles and Accountabilities include:

Creating and maintaining project schedules to proactively communicate expectations to the project team, resulting in timely project completion.
Creating and maintaining, RFI’s, job notes/daily logs, progress tracking, time sheets and cost coding material receipts to effectively communicate with Project Managers and Project Engineers.
Enforcing project rules, safety and good conduct by maintaining good project site signage, safety equipment usage, frequent project walks and documentation.
Knowing and maintaining the construction documents on site (drawings, as-builts, specs, submittals, shop drawings, RFI’s and change orders) to ensure that all subcontractors are working from the current documents.

This promotion is well-deserved! Nice work, Gavin!!

Congratulations, Tori!

A big congratulatory shout-out goes to Tori Turner (2024), Assistant Property Manager at Pecan Ridge in Texarkana, TX, was married on May 17, 2025, to her best friend, Andre. Besides Tori and her husband, Andre, her daughter Kirstyn and son Kaysen, are pictured in the accompanying photo.

We are thrilled for this beautiful couple and wish them many, many happy years of marriage and their life together!

Nexus 5 Completes Stone Manor Project

The renovation by the Nexus 5 Group of an historical landmark in downtown Overland Park, KS, Stone Manor Event, is now complete and the venue is open for business. Stone Manor was originally constructed in 1908 as the Strang Line Car Barn. The structure has been thoughtfully restored and transformed into a stunning 7,000-square-foot event space. The renovation preserved the building’s unique character while introducing modern amenities, including a new warming kitchen and bar, bridal and groom suites, and custom stone masonry designed to complement the original rustic style.

This one-of-a-kind facility offers a timeless atmosphere for weddings, corporate events, and private gatherings. The blend of historical charm and contemporary comfort makes Stone Manor a truly memorable destination for any occasion.

Here is an offering from their website: "Located in quaint downtown Overland Park, KS, Stone Manor on 79th is a one-of-a-kind space to host any special occasion. Housed in the historic Strang Line Car Barn built in 1908, the space offers the warmth and character of natural stone walls, a wood-planked barrel-roof ceiling, and crystal chandeliers. The entire event space has been fully renovated with modern day

conveniences, including two bridal suites, while maintaining the beauty of its historical charm. This combination of character and convenience works effortlessly together to bring about an atmosphere that is unparalleled."

The Stone Manor owner, Doug Glade, had this to say, “Our experience working with Nexus 5 was exceptional. Their team is solutions oriented, collaborative, friendly, fun and consistently works with high integrity. Most importantly, this project was brought in on budget and on time, allowing us to hit the ground running. The Nexus 5 Group provides high-quality work and outstanding customer service. Throughout the organization… top-notch! We literally couldn’t have done this project without Nexus 5.”

The Nexus 5 project team for Stone Manor included Brian Weber (2020), Project Manager, Katie Reed (2022), Project Engineer, and Charlie Green (2021), Superintendent.

Congratulations, Matt!

Matt von Ende (2017), Managing Director of Cohen-Esrey Apartment Investors (CEAI), is a brand new daddy. His wife, Rotem, gave birth to their son, Iddo, on May 25, 2025. The little guy was 19 inches long and weighed 7 pounds 10 ounces. We hope that Matt is becoming very skilled at changing diapers! Congratulations on this blessed event!

The Revenue Growth Champions!

By Michele Rollo-Burns (2018), Director of Revenue

Each month we recognize communities that have realized stellar year-over-year (YOY) revenue growth. For the month of May 2025, here are the standouts with positive rent growth. Congratulations to each team for the progress made! Twelve properties are on the list this month.

Cities of Cohen-Esrey

New Orleans, LA

New Orleans, LA, is a city rich in history, culture, and distinctive charm. Located in the southeastern part of the state along the Mississippi River, New Orleans is best known for its vibrant music scene, eclectic cuisine, and colorful celebrations—most famously, Mardi Gras. Founded in 1718 by French colonists, the city has a deep-rooted cultural blend that includes French, Spanish, African, and Caribbean influences, all of which are reflected in its architecture, food, and traditions.

One of the most iconic neighborhoods in New Orleans is the French Quarter. Known for its historic buildings with ornate balconies, lively atmosphere, and jazz clubs, the French Quarter is a hub of activity day and night. Bourbon Street, in particular, is famous for its nightlife and festive energy. Just a short walk away is Jackson Square, a historic park flanked by the stunning St. Louis Cathedral, street performers, and local artists.

New Orleans is also renowned for its musical legacy, especially as the birthplace of jazz. Legendary musicians like Louis Armstrong began their careers here, and live music remains an integral part of the city’s identity. Visitors can experience everything from traditional jazz and blues to funk, zydeco, and brass band parades in various venues across the city.

The city’s cuisine is another highlight, with dishes like gumbo, jambalaya, po'boys, and beignets offering a true taste of Louisiana. The local food is heavily influenced by Creole and Cajun traditions, emphasizing bold spices, seafood, and hearty ingredients.

Despite facing significant challenges, including Hurricane Katrina in 2005, New Orleans has shown remarkable resilience and continues to thrive as a destination that embraces its past while looking toward the future. Events such as the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival and Mardi Gras draw visitors from around the world.

With its unique blend of cultures, festive spirit, and deep artistic roots, New Orleans stands out as one of America's most fascinating and soulful cities. Whether you're drawn by the music, the food, or the history, there's something unforgettable waiting around every corner.

Cohen-Esrey currently manages five properties totaling 307 units in New Orleans. However, we are working with a third-party client on assuming the management of several additional assets in the city. More to come on that opportunity soon.

Dee Krause’s New Role

We are excited to announce the promotion of Dee Krause (2022), to Recruiting Manager in the Human Resources Department!

This well-deserved promotion comes as a result of the growth we’re experiencing and the strong foundation Dee has helped build over the past three years. Since joining our team, Dee has consistently demonstrated exceptional commitment, a strong work ethic, and natural leadership that have made a lasting impact on our organization.

Before joining us, Dee spent several years in education as a high school teacher and later as an administrator – experience that shines through in her thoughtful communication, strategic thinking, and team-first approach.

Please join us in congratulating Dee on her new role. We look forward to the continued contributions she will make in this next chapter!

Congratulations, Amanda!

Karen Crouch (2019), Managing Director of Cohen-Esrey Communities (CEC), is pleased to announce the promotion of Amanda Rivera (2023), as an Area Manager in the Market-Rate Division.

Amanda joined Cohen-Esrey in October 2023, and most recently has been the Property Manager at Perry 81 in Overland Park, KS. She has been in the property management industry for approximately 15 years. Amanda began her career in her family’s rental business and, after high school, advanced through roles including Leasing Agent, Assistant Property Manager – where she earned an MVP nomination from Apartment Association of Kansas City – and finally as a Property Manager, successfully managing two multifamily communities. In 2018, Amanda was promoted to Regional Manager, recognized for her hands-on leadership and commitment to team development.

In her new role as an Area Manager, she will focus on operational efficiency, team building, and enhancing resident experiences. Outside of work, Amanda enjoys being a sports mom, traveling, and spending quality time with her family.

Please join us in congratulating Amanda on her well-deserved promotion!

An Empowerment Story

By Dominic Padilla (2024), Property Accountant

Dominic Padilla (2024), is the Property Accountant in the Corporate Office. Here is what he has to say about his Empowerment:

“Cohen-Esrey has Empowered me to become the best I can be not only for myself but for my teammates as well. I’ve worked for all different types of companies, some with teams that were huge with hundreds of teammates. Out of all of them this company has taken teamwork the most seriously, creating a community where everyone can thrive and create bonds and for this, I am grateful.

On the day of my interview while waiting in the lobby Sherry McGee (2023), then Customer Fulfillment Advocate – now Mobile Leasing Consultant, explained how there was a great culture here and TJ Vetaw (2023), Commercial Maintenance Technician, even came up to me and helped me by adjusting my tie. I then

interviewed with Jeanette Jayne (1996), Executive Vice-President and Managing Director, hearing about her stories here at Cohen-Esrey on giving her opportunities to Thrive and knew this is where I wanted to be.

I wanted to go to a company where there were endless possibilities for growth and since joining, we’ve onboarded so many properties expanding to new locations across the country. With the help of my team, I’ve learned so much and with this knowledge I will be able to do the same when a new teammate comes and asks me a question. I will continue to try my best to grow as an employee and as a person to help Cohen-Esrey grow as well.

With this, we can all work together helping each other be Empowered and have good Team Member Fulfillment.”

A Fun Photo

Mark Fletcher (2008), Chief Operating Officer, answers a question during a presentation at the 2018 Annual Leadership Conference.

This is How It’s Done . . .

By Arley Hoskin (2022), Leasing Performance Strategist

With more than a decade of experience in property management, Aisha Robinson says it’s the people who drew her to the industry. Aisha currently serves as the Property Manager for Oneida Mill Lofts in Graham, North Carolina. “I like helping people. I think my calling is to help people in any aspect,” she said. “It makes me feel good when I know someone lives somewhere they love.” Oneida Mill Lofts is a 133-unit affordable property.

Aisha began as the Assistant Property Manager in March 2023 and was promoted to Property Manager within six months. Before joining Cohen-Esrey, she worked for storage company CubeSmart, for 13 years. She said that role helped her build property management experience and develop strong people skills. “Most of the time when people need storage units, it’s not for a great reason,” Aisha said.

She brings the same interpersonal skills she used at CubeSmart to her work at Oneida. Regional Vice President Cassie Colston (2004), said Aisha’s calming presence is one of her standout qualities. "What stands out most about Aisha is her infectious smile and the warmth she brings into every space she enters,” Cassie said. “It’s more than just a smile—it’s calming, nurturing, and a reflection of the genuine care she has for her team and residents. Aisha has a natural ability to uplift those around her. Her presence alone makes people feel supported and valued.”

Oneida currently has an occupancy rate of 98. This is How It’s Done . . .

5%, with a waiting list of 140 people. “We’re going to get it back to 100 percent by the end of next month,” Aisha said. She also works diligently to stay on top of recertifications and delinquencies.

"Aisha truly exemplifies our core values of team member and customer fulfillment. She leads with heart and purpose, always aiming to leave people better than she found them,” Cassie said. “She’s a bright light in our organization, and I’m incredibly proud to have her on our team. She not only manages a property – she builds a community, inspires her peers, and brings positivity wherever she goes.”

Aisha said she’s learned a lot about building community from mentors at Cohen-Esrey, including her Cassie Colston and Gina Dickerson (2022), who served as Oneida’s Property Manager when Aisha began as an Assistant Property Manager. Gina now works as a Mobile Leasing Agent.

Aisha manages a team that includes Assistant Property Manager Shalanda Corbett (2025) and Lead Maintenance Technician Travarus Washington (2024). “Other Property Managers can learn a great deal from Aisha’s consistency, her focus on people, and her unwavering commitment to doing what’s right – even when it’s hard,” Cassie said. “She shows that success in property management isn’t just about meeting numbers; it’s about caring for your team and customers, being present, and setting a standard of excellence through action. Her leadership style is rooted in empathy, accountability, and a genuine desire to see others succeed.”

The Oneida Mill Lofts team works together to keep occupancy up and residents happy. From left, Assistant Property Manager Shalanda Corbett (2025), Lead Maintenance Technician Travarus Washington (2024), and Property Manager Aisha Robinson (2023).