MINNEAPOLIS (Jan. 9, 2025) — United Properties is poised to bring its new senior living concept, Amira Villas, to the Minnetonka community in 2025. Located at 901 Carlson Pkwy., Amira Villas Minnetonka will consist of eight, three-story residential buildings with a total of 30 villas. The new 55-plus active adult rental community will enhance the residential offerings at the existing Amira Minnetonka campus located in the northwest quadrant of Interstates 494 and 394.

Amira Villas will introduce a new housing option in the Minnesota market, with units designed to offer spacious, one-level living to accommodate active adults who want more flexibility and less responsibility without downsizing. The elevator-serviced, single-level villas offer more space than most townhouses or traditional senior living options. Floor plans range from 1,570-sq.-ft., two-bedroom, two-bathroom to 2,255-sq.-ft., three-bedroom, 2.5-bathroom designs and include private garages. Amira Villas residents will have full access to the existing amenities, activities and programming offered to Amira Minnetonka residents.

“We are excited to expand our offerings within our Amira communities,” says Dave Young, vice president, senior living development, United Properties. “Amira Villas will offer a unique living experience that aligns with our mission of creating vibrant, supportive environments for 55-plus active adults in the Minnetonka community.”

The pet-friendly homes also include upscale finishes, secured private entries, in-unit washers and dryers, walk-in closets, kitchen islands, ceramic tile showers, flex room space and oversized decks. The community will have parking for approximately 20 guests on the east side of the property.

Pre-leasing agreements for Amira Villas Minnetonka are currently available, and future residents can expect to move in this summer. To learn more, visit amiracommunities.com/senior-living/mn/minnetonka/carlson-pkwy/villas.

The Minnetonka City Council approved the construction of the 2.3-acre development on Aug. 26, 2024. Project partners include T5 Real Estate Solutions, Bremer Bank, Whitten Associates, RT Residential and Great Lakes Management.

MINNEAPOLIS, MN (Nov. 13, 2024) — United Properties is pleased to announce that The Ellie, its recently completed residential development, has received the 2024 Sustainable Eden Prairie Award in recognition of its exemplary water conservation efforts. This annual award recognizes significant and innovative investments that contribute to the overall vitality and sustainability of the community.

“We’re thrilled that The Ellie has been recognized for its thoughtful approach to sustainable design, especially in the area of water conservation,” says Carrie Eggleston, senior development manager, United Properties. “We set out to create a sustainable home within the ‘garden of the prairie,’ and The Ellie is just that — a modern example of an innovative, environmentally conscious development.”

Named in honor of Elizabeth Fries Ellet, the woman credited with naming Eden Prairie, The Ellie is a four-story, 239-unit rental property on 6.4 acres of land located at 8075 Eden Prairie Rd.

The Sustainable Eden Prairie Award recognizes the property’s water conservation efforts, which include:

• WaterSense showerheads in all units, reducing water usage without compromising performance.
• A central courtyard that maximizes green space with bioswales and native plantings to filter stormwater, while permeable soil mixes aid stormwater absorption and treatment.
• Rainwater collection systems for stormwater reuse in resident garden plots, fostering sustainable water practices within the community.
• Green roof installation over the building’s entry, along with six “green pocket” roof sections on the fourth floor. These green roofs contribute to stormwater management by reducing runoff while also providing energy savings and improving air quality.
• A reduced-size, on-site pool that minimizes water consumption.

The Ellie’s comprehensive sustainability efforts span beyond water conservation, addressing energy efficiency, waste reduction and ecological landscaping.

Energy efficiency

Through Xcel Energy’s Energy Design Assistance (EDA) program, The Ellie implemented computer energy modeling to optimize energy use and cost savings. The building achieved a 14% annual electric consumption reduction, 18% demand savings and 33% less natural gas usage. Additional features include ENERGY STAR-rated appliances, programmable thermostats, high-efficiency LED lighting and electric vehicle (EV) charging stations, earning The Ellie a top ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager score of 100 out of 100.

Landscape preservation

The Ellie preserved seven heritage trees on-site, seamlessly integrating them into the design to provide shade and enhance the area’s natural beauty. Native plants were chosen for landscaping, reducing water use and supporting local biodiversity by attracting pollinators. These features enrich the outdoor space and reflect The Ellie’s commitment to sustainable, low-impact design.

Waste management

Sustainable practices also guided The Ellie’s waste management. Four single-family homes originally on-site were relocated for reuse, reducing construction waste. The property achieves a 54.31% operational waste diversion rate, with more than half of all on-site waste recycled.

The Sustainable Eden Prairie Awards, chosen by the city’s Sustainability Commission, recognize projects that demonstrate commitment to environmental stewardship. To learn more about The Ellie, go to theelliemn.com.

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MINNEAPOLIS (March 20, 2024) — United Properties announced today plans to build Amira Lake Elmo, its newest 55-plus active adult rental community, located at 8695 Eagle Point Blvd., Lake Elmo, Minnesota. The company closed on the purchase of the land on March 11, 2024.

Providing residents with the opportunity to live near suburban amenities while being surrounded by natural beauty, Amira Lake Elmo will sit on nearly 12 acres of land less than two miles from Woodbury’s wide array of shopping and dining options. The property features picturesque views of surrounding wetlands, easy access to Oak Marsh Golf Course and Lake Elmo Park Reserve’s miles of hiking trails, and a swimming pond and fishing pier.

“Amira Lake Elmo follows the successful model we’ve established in Roseville, Bloomington and Minnetonka,” says Naomi Ohnstad, development director, United Properties. “This fourth location will cater to residents on the east side of the Twin Cities metro and offer the best of both worlds — ample green space in close proximity to the amenities of nearby Woodbury.”

Amira Lake Elmo will have 147 units ranging from alcove studio to three-bedroom units with premium finishes such as luxury vinyl plank flooring, quartz countertops, stainless steel appliances and large windows. Other amenities will include on-site maintenance, covered parking, additional private storage, electric vehicle charging stations and a pet wash station. Like other Amira properties, Amira Lake Elmo will have all-inclusive rent, with only electricity and personal property insurance billed separately.

To support an active, well-rounded lifestyle and foster a sense of community, residents will have access to daily events and activities, a bike repair station, yoga studio and saunas, art studio, hobby shop, library and clubhouse.

“Amira residences have been popular with 55-plus adults who are ready to embark on their next adventure because we’re offering them a community of their peers and a carefree lifestyle,” says Ohnstad. “Our residents are delighted to be able to focus on what matters most to them — community, family, friends and their interests.”

Occupancy is expected in summer 2025. Project partners include Eagle Building Company, LSE Architects, Associated Bank and Great Lakes Management.

To learn more, visit amiraliving.com.

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MINNEAPOLIS (Feb. 1, 2024) — United Properties announced today its acquisition of Champlin Shores, a senior living community located at 119 E. Hayden Lake Rd. in Champlin, Minnesota. Under its new ownership, the property will be rebranded as Amira Choice Champlin. Operating partner Ebenezer Senior Living assumed service responsibilities at the community yesterday.

Under the Amira Choice brand, which empowers seniors at any stage to live optimistically, confidently and with a sense of purpose, a continuum of care and support is offered to residents with independent living, assisted living and memory care options available, allowing residents to comfortably age in place. In addition to bringing on a new operating partner, United Properties plans to update the facility with new furniture, flooring, fixtures and more over the next three years.

“We’re delighted to bring Amira Choice and our trusted operating partner, Ebenezer Senior Living, to the residents of our new Champlin location,” said Laura Peterson, vice president, senior living portfolio, United Properties. “We think they will be pleased with the improvements we’re making, all of which are being carefully considered with the needs and desires of the current community in mind.”

Located a half-mile from the Mississippi River, the community features 133 units with studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom floor plans featuring walk-in closets, full kitchens, individual climate control and shared wireless internet. Other amenities include underground parking, a dining room with chef-prepared meals and tableside service, fitness studio, community room, fireside lounge and library, and an on-site salon and spa. The property also features a large deck overlooking Mill Pond and easy access to nearby walking paths.

Amira Choice Champlin will join six other Amira Choice communities developed and owned by United Properties in the Minneapolis-St. Paul metro, and two communities in Florida. The company also owns three Amira active adult communities for 55-plus residents in the Twin Cities, with plans to expand its portfolio in the years ahead.

Learn more about Amira and Amira Choice at amiraliving.com.