July 13, 2026

Welcome to People and Properties, the Cohen-Esrey newsletter where we celebrate the successes of our team members and keep you informed about what is happening in the Cohen-Esrey world. If you have something you would like to share or an achievement that you would like to celebrate, please send it to Lee Harris at lharris@cohenesrey.com. If you are on a property, please print and distribute this newsletter to each member of your property team. You can also find People and Properties on KnowledgeNet. Click here to view previous editions.

Something for Everyone in Tonganoxie

The Cohen-Esrey Development Group (CEDG) developed the Sundance-Tonganoxie Apartments in two phases – each single-story. Phase I (24-units) was completed in 2005 and Phase II (16-units) was completed in 2016. Both phases were built using affordable housing tax credits. Phase I has since been converted to market-rate following the expiration of the Land Use Restriction Agreement. Phase II remains in the tax credit program. Phase I has two-bedroom units consisting of 920 square feet and renting for $1,030 - $1,050 per month. Phase II has two-bedroom units consisting of 885 square feet and renting for $860 per month. Residents enjoy a wide range of amenities including attached garages, outdoor covered picnic area, barbecue grill, lending library, video library, private patios, private entries, icemakers, ceiling fans, and full-size washer/dryer connections.

Tonganoxie, KS, is a growing community in Leavenworth County located about 25 miles west of Kansas City. Known for its small-town atmosphere and convenient access to the Kansas City metropolitan area, Tonganoxie has become an attractive place for families, professionals, and retirees seeking a quieter lifestyle without sacrificing nearby urban amenities. The city's name comes from a Delaware Native American chief whose name meant "shorty" or "little one." Agriculture has long played an important role in the local economy, and the surrounding countryside remains characterized by productive farms and open prairie. Today, Tonganoxie continues to experience steady residential growth while maintaining its historic charm, strong schools, and close-knit community spirit. Residents enjoy local parks, annual festivals, youth sports, and a vibrant downtown featuring locally owned businesses and restaurants. With its blend of rural heritage, expanding housing opportunities, and easy regional access, Tonganoxie offers an appealing balance of tradition, growth, and quality of life. The 2025 population was estimated to be 6,208 – an increase of nearly 25% over ten years, making Tonganoxie one of the faster growing small communities in northeast Kansas.

Autumn Johnson (2025) is the Property Manager, and Charlie Kinnard (2025), is the Regional Manager. Jalen Havel-Stephens (2024), is the Property Accountant, and Rhianna Jones (2025), is the Property Accounting Assistant.

We welcome the following new team members to Cohen-Esrey and the Nexus 5 Group.

Nicholas Pepper – The Launchpad – Colorado Springs, CO – Maintenance Technician
Gustavo Gallegos – Lofts at Creekview – San Antonio, TX – Assistant Property Manager
Mishonna Jacobs – Jefferson on the Lake – Olathe, KS – Assistant Property Manager
Cheryl Lowers – West Park Rapid, Rapid City, SD – Property Manager
Christopher Alonzo – Heritage at Cottonwood Creek – San Marcos, TX – Property Manager
Travis Niemeyer – Glenbrook Townhomes – Lincoln, NE – Resident Services Assistant
Kimberly Edmonds – Sinclair Flats – Mankato, MN – Leasing Agent
Anna Jacobs – Landing at 818 – Sun Prairie, WI – Property Manager

Transformational Construction

Construction continues at Cohen-Esrey Development Group (CEDG) future communities.

Overlook 157 in Asheville, NC is an imposing structure.

A partially finished kitchen island and plank style flooring at Overlook 157.

Clubroom overlooking the courtyard at the newly completed Lofts at Creekview in San Antonio, TX.

Property office at the newly completed Lofts at Creekview in San Antonio, TX

Meet the Blue Valley Court Team

Meet the Blue Valley Court team. L-R: Kourtney Thomas (2025), Leasing Agent; Arlietha Johnson (2026), Assistant Manager; and Naomi Taylor (2025), Property Manager. The third-party ownership group provides contract maintenance for this property as part of a renovation initiative.

Blue Valley Court is a 165-unit affordable community in Kansas City, MO that Cohen-Esrey manages for a third-party client.

Core Value of the Month

HR Corner

By Jennifer Miller (2025), Director of Human Resources

Growing Stronger Through Change

Change isn't always easy. Sometimes it brings excitement and new opportunities, and other times it can feel uncertain or even disappointing. Whether we're experiencing changes in our workplace, our teams, or our personal lives, one thing remains constant: our ability to choose how we respond.

Resilience isn't about pretending challenges don't exist or always having a positive attitude. It's about adapting, learning, and continuing to move forward—even when circumstances aren't what we hoped they would be.

At Cohen-Esrey, our values provide a foundation that doesn't change, even when everything else does. During times of transition, our commitment to Integrity, Commitment, Customer Fulfillment, Team Member Fulfillment, and Community Impact becomes even more important.

Living our values can look like:

Offering support to a teammate who may be struggling.
Communicating with honesty and respect, even during difficult conversations.
Remaining focused on providing excellent service to our residents and customers.
Looking for solutions instead of dwelling on obstacles.
Extending grace—to ourselves and to one another—as everyone navigates change differently.

Resilience isn't built overnight. It's strengthened through small, everyday choices to remain professional, support one another, and stay focused on what we can control.

As we move through the second half of the year, let's continue to lean on one another and on the values that define who we are. Every challenge presents an opportunity to grow stronger, become more adaptable, and make a positive impact on those around us.

Thank you for your continued commitment to our residents, your teammates, and our organization. Your resilience helps make Cohen-Esrey stronger every day.

This month, ask yourself: How can I demonstrate one of our company values during a challenging moment? Sometimes the smallest actions—offering encouragement, listening well, or lending a hand—can make the biggest difference.

Historic Buildings of Cohen-Esrey

Cohen-Esrey has a long history of developing and/or managing some really cool historic buildings. In this series, we feature one such building in each issue.

8th & Main Senior Residences

The landmark building at the corner of 8th and Main Streets in downtown Independence, KS, has been a prominent part of the community for more than a century. Constructed in 1900, the four-story structure was originally built as a hotel, reflecting the optimism and commercial growth that accompanied Independence's emergence as a regional center for agriculture, oil, and trade at the turn of the twentieth century. Its distinctive architecture, generous windows, and commanding location quickly made it one of downtown's most recognizable buildings.

As downtown evolved over the decades, the historic building adapted to changing community needs while remaining an important landmark. Recognizing both its architectural significance and its potential for revitalization, the Cohen-Esrey Development Group (CEDG) undertook a comprehensive rehabilitation in 2011. The renovation carefully preserved many of the building's historic features, including its high ceilings and classic architectural details, while modernizing the interior to create comfortable apartment homes for older adults.

Today, the property is known as 8th & Main Senior Residences, providing quality housing that blends historic character with contemporary conveniences. Its successful preservation has helped strengthen downtown Independence by giving new life to a treasured local landmark while ensuring that an important piece of the city's history continues to serve the community for generations to come.

The Delinquency Champions!

By Michele Rollo-Burns (2018), Director of Leasing and Revenue

Each month we recognize communities and teams that have excelled at rent collections. The Key Performance Indicator (KPI) is 2% or less Current Resident Rent Balances. For the month of June 2026, we have 32 properties that are Delinquency Champions or made Honorable Mention, up from 29 the prior month. Collecting rent takes a strong and consistent effort! Congratulations to each team!

Water Conservation Ideas for Apartments

Nationally, water and sewer rates have increased by approximately 24% over the past five years, according to Bluefield Research, one of the most widely cited sources on U.S. municipal utility rates. Their analysis covers 61 utilities in the 50 largest U.S. cities, representing roughly 20% of the U.S. population. For multifamily properties where the owner pays the water bill, these rate increases can have a significant impact on operating expenses. A property that spent $100,000 annually on water five years ago would now be spending roughly $124,000 if consumption remained unchanged – a $24,000 increase solely from higher utility rates.

Apartment communities consume thousands of gallons of water every day, making conservation both an environmental responsibility and a sound financial strategy. Rising utility costs, aging infrastructure, and increasing pressure on water resources mean that apartment managers who actively reduce consumption can improve net operating income while demonstrating responsible stewardship.

One of the most effective strategies is identifying and repairing leaks. A single leaking toilet can waste hundreds of gallons of water each day, while dripping faucets, faulty irrigation valves, and underground pipe leaks can quietly consume thousands of gallons before they are noticed. Implementing routine inspections, monitoring monthly water bills for unusual increases, and using smart water meters or leak detection technology can help managers identify problems early before they become costly.

Upgrading plumbing fixtures also delivers significant savings. Replacing older toilets with WaterSense-certified high-efficiency models, installing low-flow showerheads, faucet aerators, and efficient kitchen faucets can reduce water use by 20 to 40 percent without sacrificing resident comfort. These improvements often pay for themselves through lower utility expenses over time.

Outdoor irrigation is another major opportunity. Managers should evaluate landscaping to ensure plants are appropriate for the local climate. Drought-tolerant native plants require less irrigation while often providing an attractive appearance. Smart irrigation controllers that adjust watering schedules based on rainfall and weather conditions, along with drip irrigation systems, reduce unnecessary watering. Regular inspections of sprinkler heads help prevent overspray onto sidewalks, parking lots, and streets.

Resident education also plays an important role. Simple reminders encouraging residents to report leaks promptly, run only full loads of laundry and dishes, and avoid excessive water use can make a measurable difference. Community newsletters, move-in packets, and signage in laundry rooms are inexpensive ways to reinforce conservation habits.

Laundry facilities present another opportunity for savings. High-efficiency commercial washing machines use significantly less water than older equipment while maintaining excellent cleaning performance. Similarly, ensuring dishwashers in apartment units are Energy Star certified helps reduce both water and energy consumption.

Managers should also establish preventive maintenance programs. Water heaters, pressure regulators, irrigation systems, and plumbing fixtures should be inspected regularly to ensure optimal performance. Excessive water pressure not only wastes water but also accelerates wear on plumbing components, increasing maintenance costs.

Finally, tracking water consumption is essential. Benchmarking usage by building or unit allows managers to identify unusual patterns and measure the effectiveness of conservation initiatives. Communities that submeter individual apartments often experience lower overall water consumption because residents become more aware of their personal usage.

Reducing water consumption requires a combination of technology, preventive maintenance, resident engagement, and thoughtful landscaping. By making water conservation an ongoing operational priority rather than a one-time project, apartment managers can lower operating expenses, extend the life of building systems, improve sustainability, and create more efficient communities that benefit both ownership and residents.

A Healthy Tip

By Jennifer Miller (2025), Director of Human Resources

Stay Safe While Enjoying Summer!

Summer is the perfect time to enjoy everything the season has to offer—family vacations, backyard barbecues, gardening, hiking, pool days, and outdoor events. While you're making memories in the sunshine, don't forget to protect yourself from a few common summer hazards that can quickly interrupt the fun.

☀️ Protect Your Skin from the Sun

Even one severe sunburn can increase your risk of skin damage and skin cancer later in life.

Stay sun-safe by:

Applying a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher about 15 minutes before going outside.
Reapplying sunscreen every two hours—or more often if you're swimming or sweating.
Wearing sunglasses, a wide-brimmed hat, and lightweight clothing that covers your skin.
Seeking shade whenever possible, especially between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., when the sun's rays are strongest.
Drinking plenty of water throughout the day to stay hydrated.

🌿 Be Aware of Poison Ivy

If you're hiking, camping, or working in your yard, remember the saying: "Leaves of three, let it be!"

If you think you've come into contact with poison ivy:

Wash the affected skin with soap and cool water as soon as possible.
Wash clothing, gloves, shoes, and tools that may have touched the plant.
Avoid scratching the rash to reduce the risk of infection.
Use cool compresses or over-the-counter anti-itch creams to ease discomfort. Contact your healthcare provider if the rash is severe or spreads to your face or eyes.

🦟 Prevent Bug Bites

Mosquitoes, ticks, and other insects are most active during the summer months. While many bites are simply itchy, some insects can carry illnesses.

Help protect yourself by:

Applying an EPA-registered insect repellent when spending time outdoors.
Wearing long sleeves and pants when walking through wooded or grassy areas.
Performing a tick check after spending time outside.
Eliminating standing water around your home to help reduce mosquito breeding.

💡 Did You Know?

UV rays can cause sunburn in as little as 15 minutes, even on cloudy days.
Dehydration doesn't just happen during exercise—you can lose fluids simply by being outside in hot weather.
Mosquitoes are most active at dawn and dusk, while ticks can be found year-round whenever temperatures are above freezing.
Poison ivy isn't just found in the woods—it can grow along fences, parks, trails, and even in your own backyard.

🌞 July Wellness Challenge: Get Outside – Safely!

This month, challenge yourself to spend 30 minutes outdoors at least three times each week. Whether you take a walk, enjoy lunch outside, work in your garden, or play with your kids or pets, fresh air and movement are great for both your physical and mental well-being.

Before you head outside, remember your Summer Safety Checklist:

✅ Apply sunscreen

✅ Bring a water bottle

✅ Wear sunglasses and a hat

✅ Use insect repellent if needed

✅ Check for ticks after outdoor activities

Small healthy habits can make a big difference. We hope you enjoy a safe, active, and healthy summer!

Happy July from your HR Team!

Cities of Cohen-Esrey

Kearney, NE: Midway City

Kearney, NE, is a vibrant regional hub in the heart of the state, strategically located along Interstate 80 between Omaha and Denver. With a population of approximately 34,000, Kearney serves as the commercial, healthcare, educational, and cultural center for much of central Nebraska. The city is home to the University of Nebraska at Kearney (UNK), whose students, faculty, and athletic programs contribute significantly to the local economy and community life.

Agriculture has long been the foundation of Kearney's economy, but the city has diversified into healthcare, manufacturing, transportation, education, and professional services. Major employers include CHI Health Good Samaritan, UNK, and several regional manufacturers and logistics companies.

Kearney is perhaps best known for the spectacular annual migration of sandhill cranes. Each spring, hundreds of thousands of cranes stop along the nearby Platte River, attracting birdwatchers and photographers from around the world. Visitors also enjoy attractions such as the Great Platte River Road Archway Monument, Yanney Heritage Park, and a vibrant downtown featuring local shops, restaurants, and entertainment.

The city's combination of strong schools, quality healthcare, recreational amenities, and steady economic growth makes it an attractive place to live and work. Kearney continues to experience thoughtful development while maintaining the welcoming character and community spirit that define Nebraska's central plains.

Cohen-Esrey manages the 50-unit Centennial Park in Kearney for a third-party client.

An Empowerment Story

By Macaria Gonzalez (2010), Property Manager – Eileen’s Place

As a Property Manager, there are moments that remind me why we do what we do. Recently, I had the opportunity to sit down with one of our residents, Carrie H., to talk about her journey and what having a home at Eileen's Place (Kansas City, KS) has meant to her.

Carrie moved into Eileen's Place in November 2024, after experiencing homelessness with her teenage daughter. Living with a disability, she described those months as some of the darkest of her life. She was doing everything she could to keep a roof over their heads, using what little money she had to pay for hotel rooms whenever possible, never knowing where they would sleep next. During that difficult time, Carrie reached out to our Regional Vice-President, Cassie Colston (2004), hoping someone could help. Cassie connected her with me and Holly, our on-site Supportive Services Case Manager with Metro Lutheran Ministry (MLM). Together, we worked to find a solution.

Within 30 days, Carrie was approved through the Wyandotte County Housing Authority's Project-Based Voucher (PBV) program and moved into one of our referral units at Eileen's Place. While we worked through the housing process, Holly helped connect Carrie and her daughter with temporary shelter, food, and other essential resources so they could remain safe until their apartment was ready. When Carrie talks about that time, her gratitude is overwhelming. She shared that we "saved her life" by reaching out during what she describes as the lowest point in her life. She said we gave her hope when she couldn't see any for herself and reminded her that there are still people who genuinely care.

Carrie said that her and her daughter have a beautiful, furnished apartment they are proud to call home. Because of the PBV program, her rent is affordable and based on her income. Having all utilities included, an in-unit washer and dryer, furniture, beds, a couch, and the basic household necessities meant she didn't have to worry about how she would furnish a home after experiencing homelessness. Instead, she could focus on healing and rebuilding her life. Something she credits she has been able to do over the last two years she has lived at Eileen’s.

Carrie also shared how the food resources, supportive services, and community events at Eileen's Place have made a tremendous difference for both her and her daughter. She believes those opportunities have strengthened their mental well-being, given them a sense of belonging, and helped them thrive. She ended our conversation by saying she will forever be grateful for the genuine kindness, compassion, and support she received. Most importantly, she said her experience at Eileen's Place restored her faith that "good people with good intentions still exist."

Stories like Carrie's remind me that affordable housing is about so much more than providing an apartment. It is about restoring hope, creating stability, and giving families the opportunity to build a brighter future. I am incredibly proud to be part of a team that makes moments like this possible every day.

Fun Photo!

Pam Oakes, Real Page System Administrator joined Cohen-Esrey in 1984! Here she is in 2008.

This is How It’s Done . . .

By Maelin Seamons (2022), Marketing Coordinator

Delivering +100 NPS Month After Month

Rebecca Roddy has spent nearly two decades in the property management industry, working in the field since 2008. She joined Cohen-Esrey in 2019 and currently serves as the Property Manager at Mills Crossing in Salem, IL, where her commitment to resident service has helped her consistently maintain an impressive +100 NPS for several months.

For Rebecca, the most rewarding part of property management has always been helping people. "I enjoy helping people, finding them help with rent through different agencies when times get hard, and helping them sign up with HUD vouchers," she said. Whether it's connecting residents with financial assistance or guiding them through available resources, Rebecca finds fulfillment in making a meaningful difference in their lives.

According to Regional Manager Heather Sauerwin (2010), Rebecca's success comes as no surprise. "Rebecca genuinely cares about her residents, and it shows in everything she does," Heather said. "Her residents consistently give her 10s on surveys while taking the time to leave thoughtful comments about their positive experiences."

That resident-focused mindset is one of the key reasons behind her exceptional NPS results. Rebecca makes it a priority to monitor KNET to see which residents have received the resident satisfaction survey. Rather than hoping they'll respond, she personally reaches out to encourage them to check their email and complete the survey, creating another opportunity to connect with residents and hear their feedback.

Beyond simply asking residents to complete the survey, Rebecca believes success comes from making people feel heard. By taking the time to listen, answer questions, and provide assistance whenever possible, she has built strong relationships and earned the trust of her residents—something reflected in her consistently outstanding satisfaction scores.

Heather has witnessed the impact of Rebecca's approach firsthand. "She has built strong relationships by making residents feel heard, valued, and respected," Heather said. "Her compassion, professionalism, and commitment to excellent customer service are the reasons she continues to achieve such outstanding resident satisfaction scores."

When asked what advice she would give other property managers striving for similar results, Rebecca keeps it simple. "Check KNET, contact your residents, and do your best to make them feel heard," she said. Her philosophy reflects the same resident-first approach that has earned the trust of those who call Mills Crossing home.

Rebecca's dedication demonstrates that outstanding resident satisfaction isn't built through one big initiative – it comes from small, consistent acts of service. By putting residents first each day, she has created an experience that continues to earn their trust and their enthusiastic recommendations.