I have been writing for the Messenger for awhile now, and last week I discovered that I am inspired by other people's inspirations. The Sunset Home was sold over a year ago to Jerry Anderson, and a lot of speculation was made about what would happen to the buildings involved in the transaction. Jerry decided to sell the property, and unfortunately passed away this past year.
There was talk that to renovate the property would cost more than to tear it down and start over. Rumors ran rampant, and as I tried to find out any information about the property, I kept hitting dead ends, so I finally acquiesced to the impossibility of getting enough information to write an article that wasn't based on rumors. So...I walked away from the story.
Well, finally I was able to get the story, and I am happy to share with my readers a happily ever after experience that is evolving in Kenyon. Kenyon Real Estate LLC and a company called Revocity purchased the property. These companies are made up of local investors who want to help renovate properties that need new life and will benefit the people who live in the area. Pivotal Management & Consulting is Janna Reese and Chris Viscomi's management company, and they partnered with TREKK to help manage Garden View.
The good news is, this is a unique way to purchase inventory that needs some love and revamp it into something that provides communities with fresh blood. The rest of the staff there, as well as the investors, decided to pursue the renovations instead of tearing it down.
The result is Garden View Apartments at 215 Huseth Street in Kenyon, and they are now leasing the 1 and 2 bedroom apartments, starting at $1,060.00 per month. These apartments are handicap accessible, and include full sized kitchens, walk in showers, on-site laundry and parking, a Fitness Center, and your internet is included as well. There will be a few commercial spaces to rent as well, and a few extra special amenities.
I went to the Open House, and it was quite busy. I was able to talk to Janna Reese, who is also the owner of Janna's Market Grill in Faribault. Her husband was a friend of Jerry Anderson, and part of the investment group that purchased the property. "We feel grateful to be here", she said. "The Kenyon Real Estate Fund is here to invest, revitalize and re-purpose properties to bring value to the community. We feel that redeveloping buildings and properties that have outlived their purpose brings local people and businesses more tangible equity. Locals taking care of each other in so many ways." Think about it. More people in town to buy groceries, gas, hardware, food.......... Anything the town has to offer.
I also listened to her talking to the people who were there to see the rooms that are available. She said to one couple that all they have to do is pick out the apartment they want and go online to apply for the unit they are interested in online.
There is a $75.oo fee for background checks, and references to accommodate the safety of the people who live there. She also has contacts with people who can list the properties they currently own with a realtor, and offered her services to help them get moved, and who can do an auction, if that's the way they want to proceed.
All in all, this feels like a company who cares. They plan to have members of the Pivotal Management and Consulting on site at least 10 hours a week to provide in person service to the residents.
Chris is one of the management team, and I was able to speak with him as well. I asked him what the goal is for the newest living quarters in Kenyon, and he replied without hesitation, "Doing right by the community". I think that says it all!
For more information about the investment group, or to inquire about the apartments, you can visit www.kenyonapts.com or call (507) 210-8129 and speak to one of the staff. Or you can contact Chris at chris@pivotalmanagementandconsulting.com. In the meantime, check out the 21 spacious units for you or a loved one who would enjoy community living, and see what they have to offer. But hurry, as there was a lot of interest at the open house, so I don't think the apartments will stay empty long!
