A new sign isn't the only sign of progress at the Mill District City Apartments in Minneapolis, where occupancy is about to begin. The long-awaited project, which is situated between downtown Minneapolis and the Mississippi River just upstream from the Guthrie on the River, is in the final construction phase. Crews are carting in refrigerators, dishwashers and other appliances, and the final touches are being put on the exterior, including a new sign!

In downtown Minneapolis, and throughout the metro area, apartment construction dominates the housing industry. Hundreds of new units are being built in the Uptown neighborhood and in the suburbs senior housing is popping up all over. This boomlet reflects a shift towards a persistent caution about for sale housing and greater acceptance of renting as a lifestyle choice, and these apartments are a welcome addition to a neighborhood that doesn't already have much in the way of market-rate rentals.

The 175-unit, $30 million project is being developed by Village Green Cos. of Michigan, which owns and operates several other apartment buildings in the Twin Cities, including the Eitel City Apartments. Rents start at $990 per month for a studio; some units are more than $2,400 for a three-bedroom unit with river and city views.

For information about the project go to www.villagegreen.com/minneapolis/mill-district-city-apartments/

Just for fun, you can play house by going to the website, click on floorplans and use the "floorplan organizer" tool, which lets you move various pieces of to-scale furniture, including a crib and TV, around the apartment. Very cool!