City Living Goes Majorly Upscale in These New Twin Cities Residences
Photo courtesy of Thinkstock, Joe Christensen.
In a region known for cold winters, apartment living in Minneapolis-St. Paul could hardly be hotter. According to a recent Minnesota Public Radio report, builders added nearly 5,000 new apartment units to the Twin Cities rental market in 2014, and expect 3,500 more completed by the end of 2015. Remarkably, vacancy rates in the region remain low, as Twin Citians are steadily snapping up every spot available.
One reason for the building boom—and the increased popularity of apartment living—is the jump in upscale amenities residents can choose from to find the apartment experience that perfectly fits their lifestyle needs. Pool cabanas? Bocce courts? Perks for your pet? It’s all there. We recently took a look at some of the region’s newest properties, plus the unique features that have people clamoring to move in.
VELO
Whether cycling, bocce’ing, or just soaking in the sun, Velo’s residents can take full advantage of the outdoors. Photo courtesy of Velo.
The French word for “bicycle” is “velo,” so this Minneapolis property’s focus on the two-wheeled lifestyle is no surprise. Located in the city’s popular North Loop, Velo is near several regional bike trails and just a short ride from the Mississippi River. As a home base, it’s heaven for the bicyclist, with a full bike shop and bike storage on-site.
For those winter months when pedaling is a less-convenient pursuit, Velo caters to all forms of getting around, with Zipcars available and transportation advisors there to accommodate walking, shared rides, and public transit. Minnesota’s comfortable summers are a part of the picture as well, with an upper-level terrace featuring sun showers and even a bocce court.
NIC ON 5TH
With rooftop swimming, sitting, and fire pitting on the top, and light-rail access on the bottom, Nic on 5th caters on so many levels. Photo courtesy of Nic on 5th.
It’s all about location at the Nic on 5th, which is located at the Nicollet Avenue Station for Metro Transit’s popular light rail line, meaning a ride to the airport, Mall of America, the University of Minnesota, Target Field, and myriad other destinations is literally at your doorstep.
And if you have four-legged roommates, the Nic caters to pets, too, with an outdoor heated dog run, featuring all-weather turf that’s easier on a pet’s feet than the surrounding city streets. For those who savor outdoor time, indulge in an open-air pool along with fire pits and cabanas, as well as a 24-hour concierge to help residents make the most of city living.
222 HENNEPIN
Whether admiring the skyline or the online (with a private social network), you’ll get all-star access at 222 Hennepin. Photo courtesy of 222 Hennenpin.
Long before it was a social network connecting the world, Facebook began as an exclusive way for students at one prominent East Coast college to connect with one another. Perhaps one day, folks will talk about Active Building the same way. But for now, it’s a unique private social network reserved exclusively for residents of the 286-unit 222 Hennepin in the fast-growing North Loop of Minneapolis.
When residents aren’t getting to know their neighbors online, they can likely be found enjoying the stunning views of the Minneapolis skyline from the complex’s roof deck, complete with a pool and a fire pit for cool evenings.
THE WALKWAY
Chic details inside and out make The Walkway sparkle. Photo courtesy of The Walkway.
When residents of The Walkway in Minneapolis’s popular and vibrant Uptown neighborhood sit in the hot tub and talk of a hangover, it’s not a remnant of having too good a time the previous night. This popular new property’s defining feature that has passers-by stopping on the street and snapping pictures nearly every sunny day is a unique glass-enclosed second-floor hot tub that partially hangs over the Lake Street sidewalk.
The hot tub is just one of the unique amenities making this cozy 91-unit complex a popular and comfortable residence. Designers have gone decidedly upscale, with touches like aged wood floors and 24-hour service.
ELAN UPTOWN
Nearby bike trail access, a pet park, and Zipcars on site make Elan Uptown the ultimate in city convenience and mobility. Photo courtesy of Elan Uptown.
Minnesotans love the outdoors in all four seasons, but the Twin Cities come to life in the region’s notoriously beautiful summers. Elan Uptown, located on Emerson Avenue south of downtown Minneapolis, accommodates those who love to spend summers outdoors, even in the heart of the city. The resort-style pool features cabanas, an outdoor kitchen, and fire pits, so the fun doesn’t stop when the sun goes down.
Pets are welcome as well, with an on-site pet park and dog washing station. For those looking to get out, find Zipcars, bicycle storage, and the Midtown Greenway bike trail conveniently nearby.
WAHU
Move over, cinderblocks. Student residences in the snazzy WaHu make the coolest. dorms. ever. Photo courtesy of WaHu.
Some believe that college days are truly the best years of your life, and living in a place like WaHu (named for its location at the corner of Washington and Huron) on the University of Minnesota campus does little to dampen that perception.
This new property offers truly upscale student living, including an indoor pool for those much-needed study breaks, even in the dead of winter. The apartments are just a block from the Stadium Village stop on Metro Transit’s Green Line, but Zipcars are also available on-site for those moments when your own buggy is needed.
Which residence would you choose? What amenities would you love to have where you live? Tell us in the comments below.
