November 3, 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.

A Great Place to Raise a Family

Pecan Ridge at Rosehill is an affordable apartment community in Texarkana, TX. The 124-unit property was built in 2012 and offers one, two, and three bedroom townhomes. One-bedroom units range from 787 to 925 square feet and rent for $349 to $747 per month. Two-bedroom units range from 1,128 to 1,242 square feet and rent from $416 to $896 per month. Three-bedroom units range from 1,287 to 1,402 square feet and rent from $468 to $1,023 per month. Residents enjoy two playgrounds, a community room, a BBQ/picnic area, a business center, library, coffee bar, and fitness center. Unit interiors have patios and balconies, plank style flooring, ceiling fan, large windows, and additional storage. The property is just three blocks from New Boston Road where there are restaurants and retail shops. The property offers Section 8 rental assistance to residents who qualify. Cohen-Esrey Communities (CEC) manages Pecan Ridge for a third-party client.

Texarkana, Texas, is a unique city straddling the Texas-Arkansas state line, sharing its name with its twin city in Arkansas. With a metro population of about 145,000, it’s known for its rich history and vibrant culture. The city’s iconic Federal Courthouse, uniquely positioned on the state line, symbolizes its dual identity. Texarkana offers a blend of Southern charm, with attractions like the Perot Theatre, a historic venue for performances, and Spring Lake Park, ideal for outdoor activities. Its economy thrives on manufacturing, healthcare, and retail, while the annual Quad-State Fair draws visitors from nearby states. Texarkana’s welcoming community, affordable living, and proximity to major highways make it a dynamic hub in the Ark-La-Tex region.

Courtney Sanders (2024), is the Property Manager. Kotarra Rone (2024), is the Regional Manager. Jalen Havel-Stephens (2024), is the Property Accountant, and David Garrett (2024), is the Accounting Assistant.

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

Samuel Elkins – Corporate – Closing Specialist
Cami Spurgin – Hawthorne Hills, Cedar Rapids, IA – Assistant Property Manager
Lindsay Norman – Brighton Creek, Kansas City, MO – Leasing Agent
Richard Tyree – Oakwood, Vermillion, SD – Maintenance Technician
Matthew Frehner – Walnut Street Flats, Reedsburg, WI – Maintenance Technician
Jacqueline Estell – Intrada St. Louis, St. Louis, MO – Leasing Agent
Melissa Nelson – The Landing at 818, Sun Prairie, WI – Property Manager
Todd Knight – The Landing at 818, Sun Prairie, WI – Maintenance Technician

Meet the Woodcrest Team

Meet the Woodcrest Apartments team. (L to R) Adrian Sanchez (2024), Maintenance Technician and Ladasia Milton (2024), Property Manager.

Woodcrest is an 88-unit affordable community located in Oklahoma City, OK, and managed by Cohen-Esrey Communities (CEC) for a third-party client.

Transformational Construction

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

Eleven weeks and counting until the first units are ready for occupancy at the Lofts at Creekview in San Antonio, TX.

Great looking kitchens and bathrooms at Heritage at Cottonwood Creek in San Marcos, TX.

One more clubhouse photo at Village Park in Amarillo, TX. The contractor is resolving an issue involving fireproofing and will resume work shortly.

Almost ready to start on the next floor at Overlook 157 in Asheville, NC. The view is spectacular!

Welcome Sam!

Matt von Ende (2017), Managing Director of Cohen-Esrey Apartment Investors (CEAI) is pleased to announce that Sam Elkins has joined the Cohen-Esrey team as a Closing Specialist. This is a new role for the company and Sam will be assisting with the closing of properties developed by the Cohen-Esrey Development Group (CEDG); loan closings coordinated by Cohen-Esrey Capital Partners (CECP); tax credit syndication closings also coordinated by CECP, as well as CEAI closings involving apartment acquisitions.

Sam recently moved to Kansas City and loves living across the street from an AMC theater. He has two cats; one cuddly white cat named Oskar, and one prickly black cat who loves running water named Toothless. Sam’s favorite hobbies are walking to the movie theater and going on road trips. He is looking forward to building a foundation in Kansas City and at Cohen-Esrey.

A Healthy Tip

By Sara Antar (2002), Payroll Administrator

Stay Healthy in November

By following these tips, you can stay healthy and enjoy all that November has to offer. Remember, it's never too late to prioritize your well-being and make healthy choices for the busy holiday season ahead.

Stay Warm and Hydrated:

Dress in layers to stay warm in colder temperatures.
Drink plenty of fluids, especially water, to prevent dehydration.

Boost Your Immune System:

Get your flu shot and other recommended vaccinations.
Eat a healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.

For a healthy Thanksgiving, focus on making small, strategic changes.

Before the meal

Eat breakfast: Don't go to the main meal starving. Have a healthy breakfast and a small snack to avoid overeating later.
Stay active: Exercise on Thanksgiving Day to burn calories and offset the meal ahead. This can be a walk with family, a pre-meal workout or if weather permits have a family game in the backyard.
Choose light appetizers: If there are appetizers, opt for baked or grilled options, and avoid high-calorie finger foods.

During the meal

Plan your plate: Survey the buffet and plan what you want to eat. Aim to fill half your plate with non-starchy vegetables, a quarter with lean protein, and a quarter with whole grains or other starches.
Fill up on veggies: Load up on vegetables, salads, and fruit, as they are high in fiber and help you feel full with fewer calories.
Be mindful of portions: Use a smaller plate and practice portion control to avoid overeating. It is easy to get carried away with large helpings.
Eat slowly: It takes about 20 minutes for your brain to realize you are full, so savor each bite and chew slowly.
Limit alcohol: Alcohol adds calories and can lower your inhibitions, making you more likely to overindulge. Drink water between alcoholic beverages.

After the meal

Take a break before seconds: Wait at least 20 minutes after your first helping before considering a second. Often, you will find you are no longer hungry.
Bring a healthy dish: If you are not hosting, bring a healthy side dish to share, like a large salad or roasted vegetables.

During the holiday season

Don't stress about perfection: Aim for a healthy, balanced approach rather than total perfection. The goal should be weight maintenance rather than weight loss during the busy holiday season.
Focus on gratitude: Remember that Thanksgiving is a time to be grateful for family, friends, and all the blessings you have. Enjoy your Thanksgiving holiday with your family and friends!

Historic Buildings of Cohen-Esrey

This is a new series for People & Properties. Cohen-Esrey has a long history of developing and/or managing some really cool historic buildings. In this series, we’ll feature one such building in each issue.

The Brewery Lofts

The Hastings Brewing Company, formed in 1906, constructed the building in 1907. The company specialized in manufacturing lagers. In 1910, an accompanying bottling plant designed by C. W. Way was built. By 1911, Hastings was the second largest brewery in the state. When Prohibition went into effect in 1917, the company reorganized as Hastings Cream and Beverage Company. It produced ice cream and non-alcoholic beverages until 1919. In 1923, Karl Kauf and George Rinderspacher moved their meat processing and grocery wholesale business into the brewery. In 1929, K & R was one of the three largest businesses in Hastings. Business boomed in the 1930s, allowing them to add new storage facilities and equipment. Sometime in the 1980s, the building stopped its meat and food processing operations and was used as cold storage.

The Cohen-Esrey Development Group (CEDG) acquired and renovated the property in 2018 converting it into 35 affordable apartments. Apartments have huge windows, vaulted ceilings,and feature granite countertops and wood flooring Residents enjoy a convenient downtown location with easy walking and biking access to nearby shops, restaurants and entertainment. The property is now known as the Brewery Lofts.

The Revenue Growth Champions!

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

The Launchpad Wins an Award!

On October 22, 2025, the Affordable Housing Tax Credit Coalition (AHTCC) presented the Charles L. Edson Tax Credit Excellence Award to the Cohen-Esrey Development Group (CEDG) for the development of the Launchpad in Colorado Springs, CO. The Edson award is an annual recognition program that honors outstanding affordable rental housing developments in the U.S. financed by the affordable housing tax credit program.

The awards are intended to highlight developments that “strengthen communities, improve resident opportunities, and support economies across the country” through effective use of the LIHTC. The Launchpad provides 50-units of affordable housing for homeless youth in Colorado Springs – especially those who have aged out of foster care.

The awards are named in honor of Charles L. Edson, who was a longtime figure in U.S. affordable housing. He served as Transition Director for the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) under President Carter, worked in HUD’s Office of the General Counsel, was Co-Editor-in-Chief of Housing and Development Reporter for nearly 40 years, and was a founding partner of a prominent housing law firm.

Jon Atlas (2015), CEDG Managing Director, and Greg Steuber (2024), CEDG Development Manager, received the award on behalf of the company at the ceremony in Washington, D.C. Wayne Bland from The Place, our supportive services partner, and Julie Sharp with Merchants Capital, our tax credit equity partner, were also present for the awards ceremony. Merchants Capital nominated the Launchpad for the award.

(L to R) Greg Steuber (CEDG), Wayne Bland (The Place), Jon Atlas (CEDG), and Julie Sharp (Merchant’s Capital).

Angry Residents – An Opportunity

We have all encountered an angry resident – probably too many times! There’s certainly a level of dread when someone comes storming into the office or fires off an e-mail filled with anger and frustration. In reality, an angry resident presents an opportunity for us to win over that person and deliver Customer Fulfillment.

When encountering an angry apartment resident, the key is to remain calm, professional, and empathetic. Begin by actively listening – allow the resident to express their frustration without interruption. Often, people just want to feel heard. Maintain composed body language and a steady tone, showing that you take their concerns seriously. Avoid arguing or taking the anger personally; instead, focus on understanding the root cause of their complaint.

Once the resident has finished explaining, acknowledge their feelings and validate their experience with statements like, “I understand why you’re upset.” This helps de-escalate tension. Next, ask clarifying questions to gather specific details and identify possible solutions. Be transparent about what can and cannot be done and provide a clear plan or timeline for resolution.

If the issue cannot be resolved immediately, follow up promptly with updates to demonstrate accountability and care. Make sure to continue following up regularly until the issue is resolved. The worst thing is for the resident to find it necessary to chase us for answers. Document the interaction professionally in case further action is required.

Finally, maintain a problem-solving mindset – your goal is to turn a negative encounter into an opportunity to build trust. Residents who feel respected and heard are more likely to remain cooperative and satisfied, even when challenges arise.

HR Corner

By Gina Long (2022), Human Resources Business Partner

Benefits Open Enrollment – Coming in November

If you’re a full time team member, Open Enrollment is your once-a-year opportunity to review, adjust, and make the most of your team member benefits. Whether you’re satisfied with your current elections or considering changes, taking the time to review your options ensures your benefits continue to meet your personal and family needs.

What Is Open Enrollment?

Open Enrollment is the annual window when team members can:

Enroll in benefit plans if they haven’t before.
Make changes to current elections, such as switching health plans or adding dependents.
Add or drop coverage for health, dental, vision, or voluntary benefits.
Review supplemental options like flexible spending accounts (FSAs), health savings accounts (HSAs), and life insurance.

After this period closes, changes generally cannot be made unless you experience a qualifying life event (like marriage, birth/adoption of a child, or a change in dependent status).

This year’s Open Enrollment will be held in mid-November, with a January 1, 2026, effective date for the benefits you elect.

Why Participating Is Important

Even if you’re happy with your current benefits, it’s still worth reviewing your choices each year. Here’s why:

Plan Updates – Carriers often update networks, coverage levels, or premiums each year. Reviewing changes ensures you’re not caught off guard.
Personal Changes – Life changes (new family members, health needs, or financial goals) can shift what’s best for you.
Cost Savings – You might find more cost-effective options or discover new benefits such as telehealth, wellness incentives, or employer HSA contributions.
Maximize Value – Open Enrollment is also the time to elect pre-tax accounts like FSAs or commuter benefits, which can reduce your taxable income.

This year, we’ll be moving to United Healthcare for vision and dental, with lower team member rates on both plans!

Tips for a Smooth Enrollment

Review your current benefits and compare them to what’s being offered this year.
Estimate your healthcare needs for the upcoming year – consider prescriptions, upcoming procedures, or dependents’ needs.
Attend informational meetings or webinars to learn about new or changing benefits.
Ask questions early – HR and benefits teams can help clarify options and deadlines.
Confirm your elections before the deadline to ensure coverage continues seamlessly.

Final Thoughts

Open Enrollment is more than a routine task – it’s a chance to align your benefits with your goals and lifestyle. Take advantage of the opportunity to ensure your coverage fits your needs and that you’re getting the most from what your employer offers.

Stay tuned for more information regarding your open enrollment dates, our benefit meetings to showcase any changes, and how to complete your benefits open enrollment through BSwift.

Core Value of the Month

Cities of Cohen-Esrey

Peoria, IL: “Where Illinois Was Born”

Peoria, IL, located along the Illinois River, is one of the state’s oldest and most historically significant cities. Established in 1691 by French explorers, Peoria is often recognized as the oldest European settlement in Illinois. Its location on the river made it a key hub for trade, transportation, and industry, helping it grow into a vibrant urban center over the centuries. Today, it serves as the county seat of Peoria County and is a major economic and cultural anchor in Central Illinois.

Peoria’s economy has deep industrial roots, historically tied to manufacturing and agriculture. For decades, it was best known as the global headquarters of Caterpillar Inc., a Fortune 100 company that symbolized the city’s blue-collar work ethic and engineering prowess. Although Caterpillar moved its headquarters to the Chicago area in 2017, the company continues to maintain a strong presence in Peoria, contributing to the local economy and community. Other key industries include healthcare, education, and logistics, with OSF HealthCare and Bradley University standing out as major employers and institutions.

Culturally, Peoria is a dynamic blend of Midwestern charm and modern development. The Peoria Riverfront District offers scenic views, restaurants, entertainment venues, and festivals throughout the year, making it a lively gathering spot. The city also boasts attractions like the Peoria Civic Center, the Peoria Zoo, and the Peoria Riverfront Museum, which showcases science, art, and history exhibits. Sports and recreation play a large role as well, with the Peoria Chiefs minor league baseball team and extensive park systems maintained by the Peoria Park District.

Known for its motto, “Where Illinois Was Born,” Peoria combines rich history with contemporary growth, offering a balanced mix of tradition and innovation that continues to define its identity in the heart of the Midwest.

Cohen-Esrey has managed three apartment communities in Peoria totaling 376 units including a 125-unit affordable community that is currently managed for a third-party client.

An Empowerment Story

By Heather Sauerwein (2010), Regional Manager

Heather Sauerwein (2010), is a Regional Manager in Cohen-Esrey Communities (CEC) Affordable Division. Here is what she has to say about her Empowerment:

“When I think about Empowerment, I immediately think of Cohen-Esrey. This company has played a major role in shaping both my career and my confidence. I first joined Cohen-Esrey over 14 years ago and quickly discovered that leadership here doesn’t just manage people, they invest in them. Over the years, I’ve been encouraged to stretch beyond my comfort zone, take on new challenges, and lead with authenticity.

Even after stepping away for a short time to explore another industry, I was drawn back to Cohen-Esrey because of the culture of trust, support, and opportunity that feels like home. Returning reminded me that Empowerment isn’t just about advancement, it’s about belonging somewhere that values your voice, your ideas, and your potential.

Now, as a Regional Manager, I have the privilege of paying that Empowerment forward. I strive to support my teams the same way I was supported, by recognizing strengths, encouraging growth, and celebrating wins both big and small. Cohen-Esrey has given me more than a career; it has given me the confidence to lead with purpose and the inspiration to help others thrive!”

A Fun Photo!

Since it’s Halloween season, we thought you would enjoy seeing a costume worn by Eric (Where’s Waldo?) Kirk (2011), Corporate Accounting Manager, several years ago.

NPS Leaderboards

The three NPS Leaderboards have been updated as of October 31, 2025. In the 50-Units or Less category, Willow Point (Concordia, MO) remained in first place with an NPS of +95.00. In the Properties 51 to 120-Units category, Pam Apartments (Pampa, TX) stayed at the top with an NPS of +96.08. And in the Properties of More than 120-Units category, The Boulevard (Springfield, IL), is the leader with an NPS of +86.96. There are 20 properties on Leaderboards – one less than last month. Our overall NPS has risen to +24!