Recent content from Jim Buchta
Kraus-Anderson launches Elliot apartment project
The paint is barely dry at Kraus-Anderson’s HQ Apartments, a 17-story tower at 818 Portland Av. S. in the Elliot Park neighborhood in downtown Minneapolis,…
Twin Cities home sales plunge 12 percent as supply thins even more
People shopping for homes last month encountered 26 percent fewer listings than a year ago.
Developer Jon Hempel remade a block in Minneapolis and buildings throughout Twin Cities
When Jon Hempel got his real estate license, he went vertical right away. His first purchase was a St. Paul office building, and they just…
Minnesota Mortgage Association President Steve Furlong is pushing technology forward
With mortgage rates expected to rise and technology rapidly changing the industry, it promises to be a challenging year for the group.
Minnesota attorney general sues Texas company for deceptive warranty sales
Official-looking solicitations claim that auto warranties have run out when they haven't.
Oppidan begins work on Cub-anchored project in Minneapolis
It's the latest on a long list of developments shaped by the light-rail system.
Plans emerge for 402-unit apartment complex near MOA, light rail
The 402-unit complex will bring McGough closer to goal of "third downtown."
Twin Cities homebuilding gains are held back by shortage of construction workers
The number of new single-family homes is ebbing as short-staffed builders focus on apartments.
Two new towers bring apartment boom to Nicollet Mall's south side
After years of growth on Nicollet Mall's north end, developers are now planning 17- and 31-story towers in the quieter part of downtown.
Real estate notebook: Four big projects are about to start in downtown Minneapolis
Several downtown housing projects are inching closer to groundbreaking. On Monday night, the Downtown Minneapolis Neighborhood Association land use committee committed to issuing letters of…
Twin Cities apartment boom is ready to kick into high gear
It's likely to change the dynamics of residential real estate as an era of ultralow vacancies and steadily rising rents may come to an end.
Lack of affordable homes pulls down Twin Cities' February closings
The problem wasn't a lack of demand; it's not enough supply.
Bader Development sells a pair of St. Louis Park buildings
Twin Cities-based Bader Development sold a pair of side-by-side apartment buildings it developed in St. Louis Park to Chicago-based investment firm Mesirow Financial. CBRE Multifamily’s…
Architect Paul Whalen takes cues from Mill District for 39-story Minneapolis tower
Before Mike Ryan became the president of Twin Cities-based Ryan A+E architecture and engineering firm, he was an architect in the Park Avenue offices of…
Condo tower would rise high over the Mississippi
"Eleven" condo project on West River Parkway would be tallest and most expensive in a decade.
Project appeals reflect concerns about housing density in Minneapolis
Housing density has become a hot topic in Minneapolis. The Minneapolis City Council's zoning and planning committee recently heard density-related appeals for a pair of redevelopment projects in south Minneapolis. But both were denied and the projects are going to proceed.
Find the hottest Twin Cities housing markets of 2017
For the second year, the Star Tribune compared home sale data in the Twin Cities to determine which cities had the hottest markets in 2017. How did your city fare?
Hottest Twin Cities housing market still is Richfield
In-demand communities have affordable homes along commuter routes. Low-key Little Canada and Brooklyn Center posted the biggest gains in the index compiled by the Star Tribune.
New technology saves homeowners money by heating water overnight for use at peak times
Technology being installed in Lakeville saves homeowners money by heating water at off-peak times, storing for later use
Twin Cities homebuyers stuck on sidelines so far in 2018
Fewer listings and closings, low inventory highlights imbalance between buyers and sellers.
With 10 days to go, plenty of rentals still available for Super Bowl visitors
But housing options are still plenty, and would-be hosts stand eager to serve.
Final data show 2017 was a great year to sell a house in the Twin Cities
But buyers had a tough year with prices rising and listings shrinking
Duluth architect Coulson designs energy-efficient buildings without the loud and proud
Architect Carly Coulson's ultraefficient designs blend in energy savings through a concept called Invisible Sustainability.
Tax changes may take the shine off home equity loans
But some say change will lead fewer to pile up debt.
Two 22-story residential towers proposed near Lake Calhoun
Developer wants to build largest residential project in Minneapolis in years.
Twin Cities apartment deals accelerated at year's end
For apartment-building sales in the Twin Cities metro, 2017 was a banner year. We have already reported about the astounding 19 offers that were made…
Twin Cities home prices rising fast, but not like Rochester, Duluth
Rochester home prices were up nearly 10 percent in the year that ended November.
Sunday conversation with Jon Lundberg, incoming CEO at Ebenezer Foundation
For several years Jon Lundberg has been the chief operating officer at Ebenezer Foundation, the biggest senior-housing provider in Minnesota. He will soon succeed longtime…
Foreclosure rate in Minnesota lowest in a decade
The foreclosure rate in Minnesota is far below the national average, as Minnesotans are in the right homes for their wallets, an expert says.
Twin Cities new-home construction leaps in December
It's the latest datapoint to underscore a year of superlatives in local real estate. And the Twin Cities area is likely to see high demand and prices continue into 2018.
Two Stanton projects in North Loop sold for $19 million
A Seattle-based real estate company won a bidding war for one of the first residential conversion projects in the North Loop neighborhood of Minneapolis. Goodman…
Eden Prairie based ReMax Results buys ReMax Advisors in Burnsville
Acquisition of ReMax Advisors is sixth addition for Eden Prairie firm in '17.
Twin Cities home sales rose in November; median price hits record high
2017 is on pace to be the best in a decade for home sellers in the Twin Cities.
Race for affordable houses sends developers back out to the exurbs
High costs in the metro are pushing development out; a project in Dayton would double the number of homes there.
Twin Cities median apartment rent eclipses national rate, but Dakotas rise faster
The Twin Cities is in the top one-third of all major U.S. metros for growth in median rent.
Builders top off two Mpls. apartment projects; another will soon start construction
Three sizable apartment projects in Minneapolis recently marked milestones. Here’s a look: Builders this week set the highest beam on 365 Nicollet, a 30-story tower…
Tax bill has developers of affordable housing scrambling
Developers rush to finish projects amid worry that the GOP bill will stifle renovation and construction of apartments and houses for low- to moderate-income families.
Twin Cities builders saw late-season gains, driven by demand for entry-level homes
Builders saw late-season gains, driven by demand for entry-level homes.
Look-alike apartment buildings in NE. Mpls. showcase new ideas in energy efficiency
One building will be built to conventional construction specifications. The other will be extra energy-efficient and equipped with a sophisticated ventilation system.
CommonBond Communities and Habitat for Humanity receive $1 million loans
Unique loan program benefits CommonBond and Habitat for Humanity
200-unit apartment building on Star Tribune land planned near river
The developer revealed a design for the building to North Loop neighbors on Wednesday night.
Builders union, inspectors clash on Prime Place apartment building near U
It has been a rough couple of years for the developers of some Twin Cities apartment buildings that experienced construction-related delays and complaints. Last year,…
November: Minnesota's cabin getaway lifestyle could come under pressure from tax reform
Second homes would no longer be eligible for a deduction on mortgage interest under the House GOP tax plan.
Shortage of listings driving up Twin Cities home prices
The number of properties on the market was down almost 20 percent in October from a year earlier.
Anne Mavity, longtime advocate for affordable housing, finds a new challenge
As the new executive director at the Minnesota Housing Partnership, she faces a daunting task ahead.
Apartments keep increasing and so do rents in the Twin Cities
Only 2.5 percent of metro apartments were empty this fall.
Lennar-CalAtlantic deal unites top Twin Cities homebuilders
The deal may ultimately produce more options to entry-level new home buyers in the Twin Cities.
Elizabeth G. 'Betty' Johnson, advocate for arts and education, dies at 86
Elizabeth “Betty” Johnson kept copious notes, detailed lists and multiple calendars. She was a clipper, too. When she read something interesting or important, she’d cut…
Starter homes and townhomes continue to boost Twin Cities market
New townhouse projects and starter homes being built in the suburbs are driving the growth.
$126 million in state funds to create 1,823 affordable housing units
The investments are expected to support more than 3,400 jobs.
Proposed St. Anthony Falls apartment tower meets resistance
Conflicts over the height and density of developments within the St. Anthony Falls Historic District are piling up. The latest involves the mixed-use project from…
Todd Grill takes the helm at Counselor Realtor
Todd Grill has held plenty of leadership roles in the Twin Cities real estate market: agent, longtime broker and president of both the Minneapolis Association…
Catholic Eldercare foresees new NE. Mpls. rentals
The five-story building, for people 55 and older who live independently, would be called Alta Vita.
Shortage of listings continues to constrain Twin Cities housing market
The cool-down is driven by the shortage of affordable homes for first-time buyers.
Chip Halbach leaves Minnesota Housing Partnership, which he started 30 years ago
Chip Halbach, the founder and longtime executive director of the Minnesota Housing Partnership, has retired and will be succeeded by Anne Mavity, the director of…
For the moment, at least, some Twin Cities home sellers are being forced to cut prices
More sellers cutting their asking prices as the winter slowdown approaches.
In St. Anthony Falls District, former funeral home comes down for condo tower
A neighborhood group challenged the city's approval for developer Alatus to proceed with the tower, in the planning stage for two years.
Alatus envisions slim, high-rise residential tower across from Convention Center
The building would be at least 20 stories on a site that includes the longtime home of the Church of Christ, Scientist.
Upscale apartment-Whole Foods complex in St. Paul sells for $87M to NY firm
A New York investor paid $87 million for 210 upscale apartments atop a Whole Foods store in St. Paul. CBRE Multifamily represented Ryan Cos. and…
Homebuilding continued at feverish pace in Twin Cities this month
The year continues to be a record-setter, though a trade group executive said even more work could be happening.
Edina condo tower developers set aside one-fifth of units for lower pricing
The builders of the Estelle luxury towers say they'll comply with Edina's affordable housing policy.
Renovations take off in Twin Cities, amid tight housing supply, cheap capital
Many Twin Cities homeowners are seeing an upside in fixing up.
Ralph Burnet, Jack Rice, Howard Shenehon join Minnesota Real Estate Hall of Fame
The Minnesota Real Estate Hall of Fame, established seven years ago at the University of St. Thomas’ Opus College of Business, has three new members…
Twin Cities home sales fall for 2nd straight month
Sales fall for second month, but prices rise to a new high.
HomeServices, parent of Edina Realty, acquires large East Coast firm
The deal for Long & Foster Cos. makes Minneapolis-based HomeServices of America the largest realty services provider in the country.
Twin Cities builders have cautious optimism for 2018
Among the worries found in a new survey: land and materials prices.
St. Paul company is one of first in country to install Tesla's Powerwall
Ross Starfeldt, recently became one of the first Minnesotans to embrace billionaire Elon Musk's vision of the future.
To design dense housing, take a cue from the Dutch
A symposium hosted by the U's School of Architecture in early October tackles the differences here and there.
Catholic Eldercare to build apartments for seniors in northeast Minneapolis
The five-story building, for people 55 and older who live independently, would be called Alta Vita.
Twin Cities apartment market stays hot, driving up rents
Persistent demand and an increase in new upscale apartments mean average rents are on the rise.
East Side Apartments to bring more affordable housing to Dayton's Bluff
Construction is wrapping up on the East Side Apartments, a three-story, 114-unit rental building at 1256 Wilson Av.
Sons of Norway sells headquarters to Ryan, Weidner for multi-use project
The organization of descendants of immigrants will return to the rebuilt block on Lake Street in Uptown.
Race gap in Twin Cities homeownership rate has gotten worse
The gap is another reflection of disparities between white and nonwhite incomes in Minnesota.
Cloquet teacher Len Anderson, 77, was a devoted champion for the St. Louis River
A biology teacher at Cloquet High School, he inspired thousands of students, started a water-quality testing program called River Watch and was a mentor to many.
Stagers take a bigger role as a demand remains high in Twin Cities home market
Sales fell in July, shaped by an even faster decline in supply of homes that were for sale. Even so, business is strong for home stagers, the firms that bring in furniture, artwork and appliances to make a home look just right for prospective buyers.
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