APARTMENT LIVING DESIGN&LIVING
Aerial photos of Stone West Village
Sam J. Skaff and his dad, the late Sam F. Skaff pening their doors this past November, the entire Skaff family worked together to create a community experience through unique amenities and upscale design one might only find in a luxury home. Sitting down with their family, we were introduced to Sam and Laneil Skaff, the owners of Skaff Apartments, along with three of their four children: Jenna Stowers, Julie Stoe and Nate Skaff. Each has grown into their own role and enhanced the family business, even taking trips around the nation to scout out new living arrangements and styles that could be incorporated into our midwest terrain.
Digging up Dirt
Twenty-three years ago, Sam Skaff purchased 22 acres of land that would this year become the site for Stone West Village. The property begins with single family homes, then transitions to twin homes, apartments and two-story apartments. Once owning apartments solely in Moorhead, Sam Skaff wanted to expand into Fargo. His father had originally started the company in 1957 and built his first four-plex in 1962.
82
DESIGN & LIVING J U N E 2 017
"I talked to my dad because he’s pretty wise," said Sam Skaff. "I said, 'Dad, would you come over here and take a look at this land I’m ready to buy?' So, he came over here, stood on the land and I said, 'Would you pray with me over this?' We prayed, and at the end, I said looking at the land with no roads or anything, 'Who would be stupid enough to buy this?' My dad looked at me and said, 'Son, get your checkbook out as fast as you can.' I said, 'Dad, I don’t have any money.' He said, 'Well, what are banks for? Now go.' So, I left, I worked hard on it, and bought it. Two weeks later I got a phone call and someone offered me double. Of course, I didn’t sell it, but I called up dad and said thanks." Back in the day, Sam Skaff would take his family on field trips through bumpy dirt roads, telling tall tales of what might be there someday. "It’s been a family dream and it's years later, and that’s why it’s working so well," said Sam Skaff. "It really is a good area. It’s close to West Acres, it’s close to a lot of workplaces, the interstate and medical. Laneil and I were hoping we could pass this on to the family, so it’s been a long time with the company.