A Million Dollar Makeover

Upgrades to pair of apartment complexes leave residents all smiles.

By Jay Corn

Kanabec County Times

Published: 8/21/2008

Photo Source:  Kanabec County Times

A $1 million facelift has rejuvenated the living quarters of more than 100 Mora residents.

The recently-completed overhaul of North Mora Estates (19 units) and a 16-unit complex on North Second Street has drastically streamlined the efficiency of all 35 apartments, and Ken Talle - president and owner of the Chanhassen-based management company that owns the properties - stressed all efforts were made during the project to be environmentally friendly.

“We tried to be as ‘green’ as possible wherever we could,” Talle said. Each apartment unit, according to Talle, received all new windows, blinds, cabinets, lighting fixtures, ceiling fans, over-range microwaves, kitchen floors and bathroom fixtures. High-efficiency boilers, hot water heaters and water softeners were also installed, and dishwashers were added to each kitchen.

Upgraded insulation and carbon monoxide detectors, now a mandated requirement for all residential living quarters, were also installed. “This is great,” a beaming 84-year-old James (Jim) Dennison, an 11-year resident of North Mora Estates, said. “It’s all so much easier to keep clean, which is special to me.”

Extensive concrete replacement and upgrades were also included as part of the remodeling - as was a central satellite hookup that now gives residents the option of either cable or satellite television. “It was something the residents wanted,” Talle said. “Now we don’t have to have dishes all over - it’s all tied into a central line.”

The apartments are all Section 8 rental assistance units - as designated by the Housing and Urban Development Agency - whose occupants spend at least 30 percent of their income on housing.

The upgrades were financed through a loan issued by the Minnesota Finance Housing Agency, who Talle credited for recognizing a need and stepping up with funds to help make the project possible. “It’s really a wonderful state agency that has done a lot of great things for out-state Minnesota,” he said.

Photo Source: Blumentals/Architecture Inc.

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