Week ending March 20, 2026 

We did it!  The Heights opened to our first residents the weekend of March 14-16.  After slightly more than four years of planning and building, we have added 36 brand-new quality apartments to the housing stock of Cook County.   

A million thanks to a million people who all contributed to the successful completion of the project.   The Heights is your community asset. 

Highlights

The lights are on at the Heights.  Photo taken Friday night before first move-ins on Saturday. 

Week ending March 6, 2026 

The Heights can announce move-ins beginning Saturday, March 14! Last week we passed the elevator inspection, which was the last significant hurdle.     

Quality inspections   

Two weeks ago we developed the first punch walk list on all apartments on the 3rd and 2nd floors.  Then we began to address any items that were identified.   

This past week we completed the second punch list walk, again on all 3rd and 2nd floor units.   Many of the items we noted on the first walk-thru have been completed.  We added those items from the most recent  punch list and are now addressing them.       

The double inspection helps us catch everything before move-in.  The goal is to check everything, make notes, and fix anything that remains to be done.  

The final quality control measure will be Thursday and Friday this week as we do a final walk-though on all the units that have planned move-ins for the weekend.  

As a reminder of how the interior construction flows, we followed a detailed timeline, with some trades leading, and others following closely.   Most tasks start on the 3rd floor, then move down to 2nd and finally to 1st floor.   This includes the punch list inspections.               

We have been doing construction cleaning for several weeks now, and the building looks great.    The final construction clean for the 1st floor occurred this weekend.   Early this week we plan to complete our inspections and punch list for 1st floor.     

Move-in Planning 

• The Heights will open with over 50% of apartments  leased.  

• The majority of those tenants are eagerly awaiting immediate move-in. 

• All those move-ins are scheduled for Saturday, Sunday and Monday. 

• Each tenant has a move-in date and time.   This will help to alleviate congestion. 

• Members of The Heights management team will be on hand to answer questions and facilitate however they can.  

Construction Activity

• March 4th the Fire Department visited The Heights, arriving with two trucks and lights blazing and sirens blasting.   It was a planned building tour.    This enabled the volunteers to familiarize themselves with the building safety features.  This contributes to a safer environment for residents and first responders.  Thanks to Ben Silence for organizing the event.    

• And a special call out to our dedicated trade vendors who have kept the site so clean and organized.  

Marketing 

• With timing now confirmed, we have increased our marketing activity with the objective of communicating that we now offer immediate occupancy.   

• The website continues to drive activity – www.TheHeightsBluffs.com

• Our property manager – Bachand Properties is available by phone at 715-394-4667.  

• Interest and activity has picked up dramatically as we move towards spring.  If you are sitting on the sidelines, now is a great time to get engaged and select a unit that meets your needs.  

Current photo of exterior. 

Week ending February 27, 2026 

We are getting really close to completion…... 

This week we have the last inspections for the elevator  and electric.   Our hope is that by Wednesday we can announe a firm date for first move-ins!     

This past week we completed a punch list walk.  On that we walked all completed units and inspected everything.   Anything not yet compete was noted and now we are attending to everything that needs to be done.   

We do a second walk-thru this coming Friday.  The double inspection helps us catch everthing before you move-in.  The goal is to check everything, make notes, and fix anything that remains to be done. 

As a reminder of how the interior construction flows, we follow a detailed timeline, with some trades leading, and others following closely.   Most tasks start on the 3rd floor, then move down to 2nd and finally to first floor.            

We have been doing constrution cleaning for several weeks now, and the building looks great.    The final construction clean will occur on March 7.   Then we will begin cleaning all the apartments as part of the make-ready for move-in.  For that we prioritize on the apartments that have tenants moving in right away.   

   Construction Activity

• 3rd floor is 95% complete.  Remaining tasks are minor touch up type items. 

• 2nd floor is 90% by end of week.  

• 1st floor subcontractors are all present for the final push to complete these apartments.   We estimate completiion by the end of the week.      

• Overall, painting is 95% complete

• Carpets are about 50% complete and they move fast from this point.  

• Appliances deliver in two phases.   1st floor delivered on Friday.  The other floors will deliver by the end of the week.  

• The office, laundry room and community room are complete and we have started moving in furniture and appliances, and setting them up.  

• Hallway and exterior sconce lights, bedroom ceiling fans, HVAC units and all bathroom fixtures are complete for 3rd floor, and mostly complete for 2nd floor. 1st floor should be mostly complete this week.   

• March 4 we host the Fire Department on  a building tour.    This enables the volunteers to see and learn the building, which contributes to a safer environment for residents and first responders.   

• And a special call out to our dedicated trade vendors who have keep the site so clean and organized.  

Marketing 

• The website continues to drive activity – www.TheHeightsBluffs.com

• Our property manager – Bachand Properties is available by phone at 715-394-4667.

• Watch your favorite local media for up-to-date timing on completion and move-in information.     

• Interest and activity has picked up dramatically as we move towards spring.  If you are sitting on the sidelines, now is a great time to get engaged and select a unit that meets your needs.  

Current photo of exterior. 

 

Week ending February 20, 2026 

This is a short update, but lots to say. 

The key thing is that we have inspections this week for the elevator, plumbing and electric.   Successful outcomes mean that we can announce our construction completion and move-in dates.   Yea!  

We also do the first formal inspection tour this week.  We call this a punch list inspection.  The goal is to check everything, make notes, and fix anything that remains to be done. 

As a reminder of how the interior construction flows, we follow a detailed timeline, with some trades leading, and others following closely.   Most tasks start on the 3rd floor, then move down to 2nd and finally to first floor.            

The punch list inspection starts on 3rd floor and works down.   A second inspection will be next week, probably including both 2nd and 1st floors. 

We have been doing constrution cleaning for several weeks now, and the building looks great.    The final deep move-in clean will begin the weekend of March 6.   For that we focus on the apartments that have tenants moving in right away.   

   Construction Activity

• 3rd floor is 90% complete.  Remaining tasks are minor touch up type items. 

• 2nd floor will be at 90% by end of week.  

• 1st floor is a bit more difficult to describe because all the trades are now doing something.  We could have completiion early the following week.    

• Overall, painting is 95% complete

• Carpets are about 50% complete and they move fast from this point.  

• Appliances deliver in two phases – this Friday and the following Friday. 

• The office, laundry room and community room are complete and we have started moving in furniture and appliances, and setting them up.  

• Hallway and exterior sconce lights, bedroom ceiling fans, HVAC units and all bathroom fixtures are complete for 3rd floor.   2nd floor will be done early this week. 1st floor should be mostly complete this week.   

• March 4 we host the Fire Department on  a building tour.    This enables the volunteers to see and learn the building, which contributes to a safer environment for residents and first responders.   

• And a special call out to our dedicated trade vendors who have keep the site so clean and organized.  

Marketing 

• The website continues to drive activity – www.TheHeightsBluffs.com

• Our property manager – Bachand Properties is available by phone at 715-394-4667.

• Watch your favorite local media for up-to-date timing on completion and move-in information.     

• Interest and activity has picked up dramatically as we move towards spring.  If you are sitting on the sidelines, now is a great time to get engaged and select a unit that meets your needs.  

Week ending February 13, 2026 

We are approaching completion of the building very rapidly now.   I hope to be able to announce completion and first move-in dates soon.   We continue to manage our timeline for completion, which makes us highly optimistic of a timely opening.  

As a reminder of how the interior construction flows, we follow a detailed timeline, with some trades leading, and others following closely.   Most tasks start on the 3rd floor, then move down to 2nd and finally to first floor.            

   Construction Activity

• 3rd floor is mostly complete.  Remaining tasks are mostly punch list items, which should be completed this week.  

• 2nd floor is close behind 3rd.  

• A major initiative starts this weekend focused on 1st floor.  Starting Sunday we will prime, paint, install carpet in the corridor and ceiling tiles in the corridor. 

• Hallway and exterior sconce lights, bedroom ceiling fans, HVAC units and all bathroom fixtures should be complete this week.   

• The elevator is installed and this week we are preparing for inspection. 

• The water system will be tested this week. 

• The sprinkler system is complete.   

• This week we host the Fire Department on  a building tour.    This enables the volunteers to see and learn the building, which contributes to a safer environment for residents and first responders.   

• This Friday appliances for the 1st floor apartments will be delivered and installed.    The 2nd and 3rd floors await the completion of the elevator.   We hope that delivery and installation follow close behind.   But meanwhile, completing the 1st floor will save us time on the back end for other 2 floors.  

• Light posts were installed in parking lots east and west.  Adjustments to make sure that the entire parking ares are well illuminated while being as subtle as possible.     

• The office was painted.   We plan on setting it up immediately and will begin to use it as a functioning office for tenants, prospective tenants and suppliers. 

• The community and laudry rooms were painted.   This next week we will begin setting them up with furniture and washers and dryers.  

• And a special call out to our dedicated trade vendors who have keep the site so clean and organized.  

Marketing 

• The website continues to drive activity – www.TheHeightsBluffs.com

• Our property manager – Bachand Properties is available by phone at 715-394-4667.

• Watch your favorite local media for up-to-date timing on completion and movepin information.     

• Interest and activity has picked up dramatically as we move towards spring.  If you are sitting on the sidelines, now is a great time to get engaged and select a unit that meets your needs.  

Week ending February 6, 2026 

Lots of activity and progress this past week.  We continue to manage our timeline for completion, which makes us highly optimistic of a timely opening.  

As a reminder of how the interior construction flows, we follow a detailed timeline, with some trades leading, and others following closely.   Most tasks start on the 3rd floor, then move down to 2nd and finally to first floor.            

Construction Activity

• Elevator installation began the week of January 12 and should conclude this next week.  After that we have inspections.  

• All floors are fully sheetrocked.  2nd and 3rd are primed and painted.  Next steps are to install the drop ceiling and to lay carpet in the central corridors.  The 1st floor will be in a similar state a week or so later.  

• The 3rd floor now has hallway sconce lights and all bedrooms have ceiling fans.  This next week the same will be completed for 2nd floor. 

• Inside the 1 and 2 bedroom apartments, where two modules line up, the flooring was not installed at Dynamic (the factory).  This was due to shipping constraints.  All those connecting sections are being installed now. 

• The final front doors arrived and were installed on Thursday.   Each of these doors has a metal awning that projects over the entryway.  Awnings are also installed.   See photos below.  

• Most of the sprinkler system heads are installed.  

• Light posts were installed in parking lots east and west.  We need to adjust some settings to optimize the illunination pattern.  Unfortunately we need a lift machine to reach them as they are 30’ high.   

• The community and laudry rooms were painted.   This next week we will begin setting them up with furniture and washers and dryers.  

• Next week we will install exterior lights at each patio and balcony. 

• And a special call out to our dedicated trade vendors who have keep the site so clean and organized.  

Marketing 

• The website continues to drive activity – www.TheHeightsBluffs.com

• Our property manager – Bachand Properties is available by phone at 715-394-4667.

• Now that we are zero in on completion and move-in dates, we will ramp up our marketing efforts again.  

• Interest and activity has picked up dramatically as we move towards spring.  If you are sitting on the sidelines, now is a great time to get engaged and select a unit that meets your needs.  

Front doors and awnings

 

Week ending January 30, 2026 

Its been several weeks since the last blog update.  Apologies are in order.   I know that you are awaiting more news.  The problem for presenting updates is that everything going on is on the inside.   Where you cannot see it.  And it is difficult to get good “glamour shots” to show the activity and progress.  

Rest assured that things are happening.  There are more people and trades working inside than ever before.  In fact its kind of crowded.  We have a detailed timeline, tightly orchestrated.  Some trades are leading, and other are following closely.   Most tasks start on the 3rd floor, then move down to 2nd and finally to first floor.            

   Construction Activity

• On the west face of the building you will see a vertical band of blue siding, about 12’ wide.  We are working on a signage design that will be our marqee idenfication.  This will be metal letters in that space that will serve as our 24 hour sign.   No specific date for that installation yet.   

• Elevator installation began the week of January 12.  All electronics are installed and a good portion of the hardware is in place.  The elevator space is remarkably large.   It should be complete this week or the following week.  See photos.

• All floors are fully sheetrocked.   Most are taped and sanded.   

• Priming and painting are complete on the 3rd floor.  This week the 2nd floor will be primed and painted.   And we hope to finish priming and painting by the week of February 9.    See photos.  

• There are two separate projects for flooring.   Inside the apartments where two modules line up, the flooring was not installed at the Dynamic (the factory).  This was due to shipping constraints.  All those connecting sections are being installed now. 

•  The second project is the flooring in the public areas – corridors, common rooms, entryways.   That will occur closer to final completion, mostly to mitigate wear and tear from construction-related activity.   

• We have ordered the hardware for the mail and package stations.  And we are framing out the space in the entry foyer.    See photos.  

• We gave a tour of the building to the fire marshall.  In a few weeks we will host the entire team to see the building.   

• And a special call out to our dedicated trade vendors who have keep the site so clean and organized.  

• On the exterior items we are planning and organizing so that we can move quickly  beginning March, with most activities being completed by May or June.   Outside projects are at the mercy of weather and road conditions, so we try not to get too deep into exact dates.       

Marketing 

• The website continues to drive activity – www.TheHeightsBluffs.com

• A recent study by Boreal.org ranked our site as the leading site for average length of visit.  That means that the subject matter is important, and that the site is well-designed to hold the attention of the visitor.  Thank you for visiting us.  

• Our property manager – Bachand Properties is available by phone at 715-394-4667.

• Activity has picked up dramatically since the holidays and we are seeing lots of activity.   If you are sitting on the sidelines, now is a great time to get engaged and select a unit that meets your needs.  

Elevator installation.  First photo looking down the shaft

 Painting the corridors.  Machine for stirring paint. Power spraying.  Happy crew.

Week ending January 9, 2026 

During this past week everything returned to normal activity after the year end holidays.   Full crews for electricians, plumbers and carpenters were working away.         

   Construction Activity

• The siding is complete. On the west face there is a 12’ wide panel of blue siding, that extends from the top to the bottom.   We plan on attaching metal letters in that space that will serve as our 24 hour sign.   No specific date for that installation yet.  

• Interior sprinkler installation began this past week. 

• Elevator installation begins this week.  This will take several weeks to complete, mostly due to the many inspections required.    

• The third floor hallway is fully sheetrocked. 

• The second floor is halfway done.   The remainder of that and first floor will be done this coming week. 

• As sheetrock is hung in the corridors, taping will begin.   That leads to priming and painting which should be able to start within a few weeks. 

• Low voltage wiring is starting.   

• Crazy as it seems, we are finalizing the landscaping plan that will be executed in the spring.   Same for the amentiy area planning.   It is fun visualizing all the green and colorful additons to come, along with the fun, outside activities.   This in sharp contrast to these cold and bleak days.    

Marketing 

• The website continues to drive activity – www.TheHeightsBluffs.com

• Our property manager – Bachand Properties is available by phone at 715-394-4667.

Week ending January 2, 2026

Happy New Year.   2025 ended with back to back truncated work weeks.  Nevertheless, progress was made.   And we expect full crews back on site beginning January 5.   Next week’s blog should contain a lot of updates.      

Construction Activity

• The most noticeable change is that the 24 balconies were all installed.   We needed to slow walk the start of that stage in order to allow the siding to be completed on the north face.   The photo below shows how impressive the building looks.

• The building has power.   This allows us to schedule the installation of the elevator, which begins January 12.   This will take several weeks.    Meanwhile,

• As reported on the previous blog, both the stormwater pond and the rain garden are completed.  

• We now await the spring for landscaping to begin.    

Marketing 

• The website continues to drive activity – www.TheHeightsBluffs.com

• Our property manager – Bachand Properties is available by phone at 715-394-4667.

Week ending December 12, 2025

We started the week by deciding that our January goal for occupancy carried risk.   The timeline for the construction phases to be completed  depended on everything going 100% smoothly. 

That created a potential risk for our tenants-to-be.  They are juggling a move-out date with their current housing arrangements and our completion date.  The closer we get to January, the harder it will be for them to react to changes.   We opted to create a more conservative schedule.  

 Although we are disappointed with the delay, the decision considers the interests of the tenants-to-be ahead of everything else.   We are in touch with everyone and will maintain close communication with them for the transition.          

Construction Activity

• The majority of the building has power.   The electricians continue to work their way through the building section by section.  This enables all the interior trades to work comfortably.   In fact, many were working without jackets last week.   

• The stormwater pond excavation was completed, and the various layers of membranes and materials were installed.   It really is an impressive piece of infrastructure that will serve The Bluffs, Phase 2 (The Woods) and the City very well. 

• The rain garden has been excavated and installation of the various layers began.          

• Siding on the north face will be completed on Monday!   This coming week, with warmer temeratures forcast, the west face will be completed and possibly most of the east face.  Those faces are far less complicated than the north and south faces.  And they should progress quickly.        

• Additional exterior steps include final grading around the building, pouring the concrete patios for first floor units and the curb near the entrance at Hwy 61 and balcony installation, this latter item is scheduled for the week of December 15.  

• Now that we have power, we can schedule the installation of the elevator.  That will take about a month to complete.     

• Interior work by plumbers, carpenters and electricians continues.  These are the “invisible” tasks that you cannot see from the outside.

• Window treatments in the living rooms and bedrooms have been installed in nearly all apartments.  All interior windows and first floor exterior windows are washed.  After balconies are installed we can complete the exterior sliding glass doors on the uppper levels.  

Marketing 

• The website continues to drive activity – www.TheHeightsBluffs.com

• Our property manager – Bachand Properties is available by phone at 715-394-4667.

• The link below is a time lapse video of the modular set. Copy and paste this into your browser. The photography was set to music by Chuck Olsen at WTIP. It is worth the viewing. https://youtu.be/qnwVvBPM1YE  The Heights, Bluffs – Where Classical Meets Construction

North face siding almost completed

Delivery of balcony components & doorway awnings

Week ending December 5, 2025

Despite the weather we continue to make progress.      

Construction Activity

• Lots of discussions with the various sub-contractors tightening up the timetable for completion.  With everyone on the same page, we anticipate staying on course.   

• The electricians continue to work their way through the building section by section.   With power we will have both lighting and heat, allowing us to make progress on the interior.   

• The stormwater pond excavation was completed, and the various layers of membranes and materials were installed.   It really is an impressive piece of infrastructure that will serve The Bluffs, Phase 2 (The Woods) and the City very well. 

• The rain garden has been excavated.  During this next week it will be completed.         

• Siding on the north face will be finished this week, leaving the east and west faces to be worked on.  Those faces are far less complicated than the north and south faces.  And they should progress quickly.        

• Additional exterior steps include final grading around the building, pouring the concrete patios for first floor units and the curb near the entrance at Hwy 61 and balcony installation, this latter item is scheduled for December 15. 

• We expect that installation of the elevator will begin, now that we have power.   

• Interior work by plumbers, carpenters and electricians continues.  These are the “invisible” tasks that you cannot see from the outside.

• Window treatments in the living rooms and bedrooms have been installed in nearly all apartments.  All interior windows and first floor exterior windows are washed.  After balconies are installed we can complete the exterior sliding glass doors on the uppper levels.  

• Landscaping for now includes seeding and erosion control mats.  This week we receive the native plant seed mix. 

Marketing 

• The website continues to drive activity – www.TheHeightsBluffs.com

• Our property manager – Bachand Properties is available by phone at 715-394-4667.

• The link below is a time lapse video of the modular set. Copy and paste this into your browser. The photography was set to music by Chuck Olsen at WTIP. It is worth the viewing. https://youtu.be/qnwVvBPM1YE  The Heights, Bluffs – Where Classical Meets Construction

Stormwater pond nearly completed

Week ending November 28, 2025

A short holiday week and abrupt change of weather.      

Construction Activity

• Power is activated!    The electricians are working their way through the building section by section.   With power we will have both lighting and heat, allowing us to make progress on the interior.   

• The stormwater pond excavation was completed, and the various layers of membranes and materials were mostly installed.   One more membrane and layer of topsoil is still needed.        

• Siding is installed for almost one-half of the north face.   Progress has slowed due to the high winds and low temperatures.  Goal is to finish the south face this week.  The two ends of the building - the west and east faces - are much less complex and will be completed after the north face.     

• Additional exterior steps include final grading around the building, pouring the concrete patios for first floor units and the curb near the entrance at Hwy 61 and balcony installation. 

• We expect that installation of the elevator will begin shortly, now that we have power.   

• Interior work by plumbers, carpenters and electricians continues.  These are the “invisible” tasks that you cannot see from the outside.

• Window treatments in the living rooms and bedrooms are being installed.  All interior windows and first floor exterior windows are washed.  After balconies are installed we can complete the exterior sliding glass doors on the uppper levels.  

• Landscaping plans for this fall/winter include seeding and erosion control mats.   Due to the snowfalll, the timing of that is unknown. 

Marketing 

• The website continues to drive activity – www.TheHeightsBluffs.com

• Our property manager – Bachand Properties is available by phone at 715-394-4667.

• The link below is a time lapse video of the modular set. Copy and paste this into your browser. The photography was set to music by Chuck Olsen at WTIP. It is worth the viewing. https://youtu.be/qnwVvBPM1YE  The Heights, Bluffs – Where Classical Meets Construction

Power to building

 

Stormwater pond nearly completed

 

 

 

 

Week ending November 21, 2025

Lots of progress this week as we race against the weather.    

Construction Activity

• Power is not yet activated. But we are making progress.   3 phase power is now extended to the site.   The transformer and CT box are connected.   At this point I expect that power could be activated on Monday!   With power we will have both lighting and heat, allowing us to make progress on the interior.        

• Siding on the south face (view from the highway) is basically completed with only some minor chaulking to be completed.   

• Siding is installed for almost one-half of the north face.   The pace quickened this week as the entire team worked on that side.  The two ends of the building - the west and east faces - are much less complex and will be completed after the north face.     

• The permanent roof is installed! 

• Work on the stormwater system including the pond began.   The pond could be finished this next week.  

• Foundations for the lamp posts to illuminate the parking lots were poured.   The posts themselves could be installed anytime beginning next week.  

• Final grading around the building is planned for next week. 

• After grading, the first floor concrete patios can be poured.   Also the final portion of the curbing along the driveway to Hwy 61. 

• Balconies were delayed a week and now they will be installed in early December.   

• Installation of the elevator will begin shortly after power is activated.   

• Interior work by plumbers, carpenters and electricians continues.  These are the “invisible” tasks that you cannot see from the outside.

• Window treatments in the living room and bedrooms are being installed, and windows are being washed.  

• Several landscaping planning meetings were conducted.  Most plan elements will be implemented in 2026.

•  The rain garden will be established in early December.  In the spring we will seed the area and also plant 960 native plugs! 

• Another “fun” project is designing the community amentity area.  We are planning this with professional designers along with input from the actual tenants.   

Marketing 

• The Chamber of Commerce hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Wednesday, November 19 at 1 pm.  Exactly at 1 pm it started to rain.   Undeterred, and thanks to Bill and his tent, the attendees huddled together closely under shelter for the brief ceremony.  Follow link to story and more photos at WTIP.org

• https://wtip.org/the-heights-ribbon-cutting-and-building-tours/

• Asked why we were doing a ribbon-cutting before the building is actually ready, I responded that we wanted to do it now and show off the product instead of hosting when the weather is even more challenging.  

• Afterwards, from 1 – 5 we offered “dusty boots” guided tours of a portion of the building. Our objective for the tours was to give the public a sneak peek of each of the apartment types – 2 Bedroom, 1 Bedroom and Studios – in order to appreciate the above-average size, ample storage and features of the apartments.  

• 109 people plus two babies and one dog signed up and took the tours.  

• Thanks to so many who helped prepare for this event, including all the sub-contractors who organized and cleaned their areas.   And special thanks to our intrepid tour guides – Jan, Patti and Dennis - who braved the cold for several hours to show so many people the apartments.  

• The website continues to drive activity – www.TheHeightsBluffs.com

• Our property manager – Bachand Properties is available by phone at 715-394-4667.

• The link below is a time lapse video of the modular set. Copy and paste this into your browser. The photography was set to music by Chuck Olsen at WTIP. It is worth the viewing. 

https://youtu.be/qnwVvBPM1YE  The Heights, Bluffs – Where Classical Meets Construction

Week ending November 14, 2025

A really good week for The Heights as multiple construction phases progressed.  

Construction Activity

• Power could be activated on Monday!   The City of Grand Marais and the electric vendor have a few connections to make.  That is my untechnical description.  Fingers crossed as this will make it much easier, and more comfortable to work indoors.      

• Siding is basically completed on the south face (view from the highway).  Minor chaulking needs to be completed.   

• One third (the first floor) of the north face has been sided.   The pace will pick up this week as the entire team will be working on that side.  The two ends of the building - the west and east faces - are much less complex and will be completed after the north face.     

• The permanent roof is nearly completely installed.   This Monday that crew buttons up some areas and removes all their equipment from the roof. 

• After completion of the roof and siding, the balconies will be installed beginning November 24.   Then the final grading around the building, then the first floor concrete patios can be poured. 

• Installation of the elevator will begin shortly after power is activated.   

• The two main entrances have temporary construction doors at the moment. Those will be replaced with attractive and robust permanent doors shortly before opening.   Each door will have an awning.  

• Broadband is extended to the building. 

• Interior work by plumbers, carpenters and electricians continues.  These are the “invisible” tasks that you cannot see from the outside.

• An example of something not visible from the outside is the basement area.  The building sits on a crawl space, and there is a small portion that is a true basement. That is where many of the mechanical systems, like the elevator shaft, are located.  Those areas are being sheetrocked and then will be primed and painted. 

• Along with the immediate work to complete the building, we are working on “fun” things that will happen in the spring of 2026.   For example, we received the first draft of the landscaping plan which includes the 120’ long rain garden.  Native plants will form the backbone of the plan.

• Another “fun” project is designing the community amentity area.  We are planning this with professional designers along with input from the actual tenants.   

Marketing 

• Mark your calendars for November 19 from 1-5 pm. At 1 pm the Chamber of Commerce will host our ribbon-cutting ceremony. Afterwards, from 1 – 5 we will offer “dusty boots” guided tours of a portion of the building. Our objective for the tours is to give the public a sneak peek to appreciate the size and features of the apartments. This will be on a first come-first served basis. 

• Note that our tour times are right between lunch and dinner seating at Empty Bowls. This important fund-raising event at Up Yonder. So, after lunch, come on over to the ribbon cutting at 1 pm and then take a guided tour of the building. Or, come later in the afternoon, tour first, and then visit Empty Bowls for dinner. 

• This week you should see ads and stories related to ribbon-cutting and tours.

• The website continues to drive activity – www.TheHeightsBluffs.com

• Our property manager – Bachand Properties is available by phone at 715-394-4667.

• The link below is a time lapse video of the modular set. Copy and paste this into your browser. The photography was set to music by Chuck Olsen at WTIP. It is worth the viewing. 

https://youtu.be/qnwVvBPM1YE  The Heights, Bluffs – Where Classical Meets Construction

Finishing touches on south face

Week ending November 7, 2025

Main activity this week was installing siding. 

Construction Activity

• Siding is progressing and picking up steam.  The south face should be completed by Wednesday.    Additional manpower has started on the north face.  The first floor of the north face should be completed by Tuesday.   By Wednesday there will be two crews working on the north face.   So we should enjoy a rapid pace.   The west and east faces are very simple and should go very quickly.    The target for completion of the siding is the week of the 17th.    

• Interior work by plumbers, carpenters and electricians continues.   

• We are still waiting for installation of power to the building. 

Marketing 

•  Mark your calendars for November 19 from 1-5 pm. At 1 pm the Chamber of Commerce will host our ribbon-cutting ceremony.  Afterwards, from 1 – 5 we will offer guided tours of the building on a first come-first served basis.   Think of this as our “muddy boots” event.  

• Note that our tour times are right between lunch and dinner seatings at Empty Bowls.  This very important fund-raising event will be held at Up Yonder.   So after lunch, come on over to the ribbon cutting at 1 pm and then take a guided tour of the building.   Or, come later in the afternoon, tour first, and then visit Empty Bowls. 

• The website continues to drive lots of activity – www.TheHeightsBluffs.com

• Our property manager – Bachand Properties is available by phone at 715-394-4667.

Week of November 10th

• It will be very busy this coming week as we have several additional subcontractors who are ready to start their installations.  

South face siding nearly complete.

 

Week ending October 31, 2025

Most exciting week since the modular set in September.   We paved the entrance, street and parking lots!

Construction Activity

• We paved the entrance, street and parking lots with the first coat of asphalt.   This was huge because it needed to be accomplished before weather got too cold.   And it really gives a great sense of the project since you can see the building, concrete curbs and now asphalt. See the photos below.   As is common with late-season asphalting, we will pave the second and final quote in the spring.   Doing so allows this first coat to settle and make it through the first winter.  

• In the photos below you see the paved areas, and to the north, the unpaved areas.   Remember that the rain garden will be added soon.  That creates a visual buffer between the Phase 1 building and the future Phase 2. 

• Siding is progressing as the team gains experience with the nuances of the building.  There are many projections in the south face that create the need for precise fittings of the material.  For example: window trim, sliding glass doors, balconies and patios, exterior lights, exterior electic outlets, HVAC unit, ductwork, etc.   This next week the south face will be completed.  Additional manpower will be added to get a jump start on the north, west and east faces.  At this point enough of the surface is completed for the viewer to get a good sense of the color scheme.  We are getting positive feedback on the colors – Timberland Suede and Rapids Blu.  

• Interior work by plumbers, carpenters and electricians continues. 

• Power to the building should be actived with a week or so.  That is another milestone that will enable completion. 

• This week we met with our landscape and amenity vendors who are designing those areas.  Those features will be installed mostly in spring 2026.  We will share those plans in the upcoming weeks.  

Marketing 

•  Mark your calendars for November 19 from 1-5 pm. At 1 pm the Chamber of Commerce will host our ribbon-cutting ceremony. From 1 – 5 we will offer guided tours of the building on a first come-first served basis. 

• Our marketing activities continue to generate lots of interest. 

• Blog readership continues to grow. Thank you for your engagement!

• Look for our latest press release and resulting story about our first resident at The Heights. See the Cook County News Herald, page 15. Or scroll down to last week’s blog. 

• Last week’s blog has a link to the time lapse photo of the modular set. This short video has been a hit. Be sure to see it. 

• The Heights was nominated for an award through the Chamber of Commerce. On October 30 the winner was announced at the annual gala awards ceremony in Grand Portage. Although we did not receive the award, we are winners just to be nominated. 

• The website continues to drive lots of activity – www.TheHeightsBluffs.com

• Our property manager – Bachand Properties is available by phone at 715-394-4667.

 

Week ending October 24, 2025

We are making progress on the highly visible exterior construction phases.  

But first, spare a minute or two and view the link below.  It is a time lapse video of the modular set.   Copy and paste this into your browser.   The photography was set to music by Chuck Olsen at WTIP.   It is worth the view.   

https://youtu.be/qnwVvBPM1YE  The Heights, Bluffs – Where Classical Meets Construction

Construction Activity

• Siding on the south face is progressing.   The first level and the east corner of the second level are complete.  And you can get a sense of the color scheme.   This could be completed this next week.   Then the siding team moves to the north face. 

• Most of the planned concrete areas have been poured.  The curbs and gutters and sidewalks really help define the space.  There remains just a few more feet of curb to be poured at the entrance to Hwy 61.  That may be completed this next week.

• This coming week we should begin paving with asphalt the street and parking lots.  This may roll over into the week of November 3.    

• Installation of the balconies for the 2nd and 3rd level apartments will begin.  

• This week we meet with our landscape and amenity vendors to refine and finalize those plans.   Only a small portion of those plans will be executed in 2026.  Most will happen in spring 2026.     

Marketing

• Mark your calendars for November 19 from 1-5 pm.  At 1 pm the Chamber of Commerce will host our ribbon-cutting ceremony.  From 1 – 5 we will offer guided tours of the building on a first come-first served basis. 

• Our marketing activity continues to generate a lot of interest. 

• Blog readership continues to grow.  Thank you for your engagement!

• We created a  press release and generated a story about our first resident at The Heights.   See the Cook County News Herald, page 15. 

• The time lapse photo of the modular set will be a hit.  

• The Heights has been nominated for an award through the Chamber of Commerce.   On October 30 the winner will be announced at the annual gala awards ceremony in Grand Portage.  We are winners just to be nominated.  

• The website continues to drive lots of activity – www.TheHeightsBluffs.com

• Our property manager  – Bachand Properties is available by phone at 715-394-4667

The Heights, Bluffs Welcomes First Resident.  

The Heights, Bluffs welcomes it’s first resident, 9 year old Neveah (Veah) Smith.  Veah and her family were the first to complete their application for The Heights.   They are excited to move into her brand-new apartment as soon as construction is complete. 

Veah expresses her excitement in her own words. 

Week ending October 17, 2025

Lots of progress.  And this week it is noticeable progress that you can see from the highway. 

Exterior Activity

• The siding team has started on the south face.  The  first level is nearly complete and you can get a sense of the color scheme. 

• Concrete has been poured.  We now have curbs and gutters, and sidewalks.   This really helps define that spaces

• Next week the plan is to begin paving with asphalt the street and parking lots.  This will take one to two weeks to complete. 

• As paving is completed, the remainder of the outdoor activity will move into high gear.  That includes establishing power and water

Interior activity

• Stairs to the basement and crawl space have been installed.  There is both plumbing and electrical that need to be hooked up in that space. 

• The elevator shaft is installed.    As soon as we have power to the building, the elevator vendor will be able to start with installation.   They are quoting a month to complete, so that would be a working elevator by the end of November.

• The electricians have mostly completed hooking up all the units. 

Marketing

• Mark your calendars for our ribbon-cutting ceremony and guided tours of the building. That will be on November 19 from 1-5 pm.  

• The website continues to drive lots of activity – www.TheHeightsBluffs.com

• And our property manager partner is available by phone at 715-394-4667

Above:  Siding on south face   Below:  Close up siding colors

Above:   Widening the entry      Below:  Curbs and gutters

 Week ending October 10

There is a flurry of activity at the site, as more and more sub-contractors begin working on their parts.      

Lots of progress has been made during this past week.  Much of it is still invisible from the highway, mostly because it is either inside the building, or on the north face, which is on the opposite side of the highway. 

Exterior activity

• Water and sanitary sewer lines are completed.  

• Power and internet have been extended to the building
  
  
  

  

   

• Siding on the east face was completed up to 10’ high. 

• This allowed the electricians to install meters on the outside of the building. 

• The entrance at Hwy 61 has been widened. 

• Roofers have started installation of the permanent roof.  

• Grading for street, parking lots and curbs and gutters is nearly complete. 

Interior activity

• Electricians and plumbing continue to hook up each apartment to the central systems. 

• The elevator shaft has been prepared to allow the installation of the elevator as soon as power is activated.  

What’s next?   

• This coming week curbs and gutters, sidewalks and the apron at Hwy 61 will be poured.  

• The following week asphalt paving is scheduled for the street and parking areas. 

• Siding will be installed on the south side of the building. 

• Internal button up activities will continue. 

Marketing

Now that the building is up, we become more precise about project timing.  That in turn allows us to begin marketing The Heights in earnest.  

• Our website is live.  If you haven’t visited us yet, the url is:  www.TheHeightsBluffs.com.   The site has been pretty active as everyone has been waiting for this launch.   

• We hung a 20’ banner on the building.    

• Look for us at Boreal, Cook County News Herald, WTIP and North Shore Journal.  

• CCNH ran two ads this week.  See pages 7 & 13.   

• For an interview with WTIP’s Kalli Hawkins on September 19 that focused on explaining the AMI program (Income Qualified).   Visit wtip.org and search for The Heights. 

Leasing 

Leasing, has begun and we have good traction to the website.   There are several leases signed and a healthy pipeline of prospective renters that our property management partner, the Bachand Group, is working with.   We are optimistic that our proposition offers the best value in town and that the market will react favorably to that.   You can reach the Bachand Group at 715-394-4667

Banner on Building

Siding on east face up to 10’ – Timberland Suede

Electric meters

Trench for electrical 

Widening entrance from Hwy 61

Week ending October 3

By now nearly everyone has seen the building, which popped out of the ground seemingly overnight.  To make it even more visible, we added a 20’ long banner.  

Lots of progress has been made during this past week.  Much of it is still invisible from the highway, mostly because it is either inside the building, or on the north face, which is on the opposite side of the highway. 

Exterior activity

• Water and sanitary sewer lines are mostly completed.  

• Installed 3 new manholes and upgraded the manhole at the highway right-of-way. 

• Extended the water and sanitary sewer to serve Phase 2.  Yes, there will be a Phase 2.  More on that in a later blog.

• Siding has been delivered to the site and preparations to start have been made.  

• Concrete stoops have been poured at the two north face entrances. 

Interior activity

• Electricians and plumbing are hooking up each apartment to the central system. 

• The elevator shaft has been prepared to allow the installation of the elevator.  

What’s next?   

• This coming week we will begin to prepare the roadway / street. 

• Grading and establishing curbs and gutters will be week of 13th

• Paving scheduled for week of 20th

• Internal button up activities will continue. 

Marketing

Now that the building is up, we become more precise about project timing.  That in turn allows us to begin marketing The Heights in earnest.  

• Our website is live.  If you haven’t visited us yet, the url is:  www.TheHeightsBluffs.com.   The site has been pretty active as everyone has been waiting for this launch.   

• We hung a 20’ banner on the building.   To make it even more conspicuous. 

• Look for us at Boreal, Cook County News Herald, WTIP and North Shore Journal.  

• CCNH ran two ads this week.  See pages 7 & 16.   

• For an interview with WTIP’s Kalli Hawkins on September 19 that focused on explaining the AMI program (Income Qualified).   Visit wtip.org and search for The Heights. 

• North Shore Journal ran a story on The Heights.   Cut and paste the link below into your browser.   https://northshorejournal.co/community/grand-marais/ 

Leasing 

Leasing, has begun.   There are several leases signed and a healthy pipeline of prospective renters that our property management partner, the Bachand Group, is working with.   We are optimistic that our proposition offers the best value in town and that the market will react favorably to that.   You can reach the Bachand Group at 715-394-4667

Banner on Building

 

Week ending September 26

The last two weeks have been about the busiest pace of activity we have experienced on the entire project! 

Most important, we completed the “set” of the “modules”.   We have a building!

The set was scheduled for the week of the 15th.   The hard-working teams from Dynamic Homes and Ideal Homes set all 36 modules in less than 2 ½ days.  That totally blew away the budget expectation of 4 days.   According to Dynamic, this was one of the best sets they have ever done.  No hassles, no hiccups.   Everything went exactly as planned – just faster.    

Many people parked across the highway and watched the process.   It was worth the show.  The crane with between 150 to 200 feet of extension hoisting and placing the modules one-by-one.   With nary of breath of wind, the process was flawless.  

On Friday the 19th the Dynamic and Ideal teams went home for the weekend after buttoning everything down and making it all weather-tight.   As they departed, our excavation vendor, KTM wasted no time as they resumed work on the water and sanitary sewer installations.  

Also, that day our website went live.  If you haven’t visited us yet, the url is:  www.TheHeightsBluffs.com.   The site has been pretty active as everyone has been waiting for this launch.   

WTIP also aired an interview that Kalli Hawkins and I did.  The main goal was to help explain how the Income Qualified rents work.   That interview is available at WTIP.org.  Just search for The Heights.  

CCNH ran a story on The Heights.  See the September 20 issue, page 19.  

This week, on Monday, September 22 we held an on-site meeting with all the sub-contractors whose roles can start, now that the building is in place.   We reviewed the plans and timing.   Everyone walked away very confident that the final stages of construction will flow seamlessly.   

The team needs to move quickly and efficiently as we race against colder and inclement weather.  More importantly, we are working to be ready for people to move in.   

Speaking of leasing, we have started.   There are several leases signed and a healthy pipeline of prospective renters that our property management partner, the Bachand Group, is working with.   We are optimistic that our proposition offers the best value in town and that the market will react favorably to that.   You can reach the Bachand Group at 715-394-4667

During this next week the noticeable activities will include:  grading and prepping for paving the street and parking lots, siding the building, and setting curbs and gutters.   Unseen from the outside, lots of work will occur inside the building, getting plumbing and electric hooked up to each unit.  

Scroll down for photos.