FRED Newsletter - August 2023 - Volume 5, Issue 8

SEASONS AT HOFFMAN ESTATES

Ahead of Schedule, Even with Delays

By Peter Todd, Jacob Kuzdas, and JJ Schultz

Seasons at Hoffman Estates is one of FRED’s newest projects in Hoffman Estates, Illinois. Even though this is a “Seasons” branded product, this is a new design with new architecture and a new strategy. The project has eight three-story buildings, a clubhouse, and a pool. It has first-floor walk-in units accessible from the exterior with a private entrance, second-floor walk-up units accessible from the exterior with their own private entrance and stairs, and third-floor with units on either side of a common corridor. The common corridor is accessible by stairs from the first-floor exterior.

First-floor units have private patios and second and third-floor units have balconies. There are a handful of single-car garages that are attached to the buildings and are available for rent. Even though there are architectural changes, these buildings are finished with FRED's typical high end interior design and finish products.

With any project, there are always challenges that need to be overcome. Recently, there has been a considerable delay with electrical components. We are in the middle of delays on switchgear and transformers that are almost a year out. External market forces, such as EV charging, have created a very high demand for these products.

Furthermore, there were unsuitable soils in a portion of the property that do not have the bearing capacity needed to hold the weight of the buildings. Even though this is a typical risk on some projects, the unsuitable soils at this project were much deeper than usual. Controlled Modulus Columns, or CMCs, were installed to transfer the building load down past the soft material, increasing the bearing capacity and reducing long-term settlements.

Despite these issues, construction is ahead of schedule! The first building is scheduled for turn over in late fall of 2023, with the entire project to be completed in late 2024.

PROJECT TEAM

Development: Ryan Schultz, Tony DeRosa, David Ferrell, Ashley Heidorn

Construction: Peter Todd, Jacob Kuzdas, JJ Schultz, Jon Ziegele

Property Management: Andy Kiener, Shauna Tisdall

Architecture: HKM Architects + Planners, Inc.

General Contractor: Builtech Services, LLC

Civil Design: Manhard Consulting

A village of about of about 50,00 people, is located 15 miles west of O’Hare at the intersection of Higgins Road and Moon Lake Boulevard. The average age of residents is around 50 years old and the average gross household income is about $90,000.

This clubhouse and leasing office will be the most expensive and dramatic of our projects we have completed thus far. It will “wow” potential renters.

Controlled Modulus Columns (CMCs) transferring the building load down to suitable soils.

DEPARTMENT UPDATE

MARKETING

Fresh New Looks

By Shannon McInnis, Creative Marketing Coordinator

At any time of year, it's safe to say the Marketing Department has a lot going on. A company's "marketing" can be an umbrella term that includes branding and design, digital advertising and outreach, websites, photography and video, social media, flyers, signage, events, promotions, and more. Within FRED, our 30+ properties also fall on a broad range of categories from 'legacy' communities needing a gentle brand refresh, to new construction/development projects which need brand new, well, everything...

While properties and FRED itself have consistent marketing needs year round, we also have larger goals each year, including these exciting updates in 2023:

360 VIRTUAL TOURS

NEW PHOTOGRAPHY

Another growing capability of our in-house team is professional photography. With Eric capturing and Shannon editing, we've added over 200 amazing new shots to our property websites and ILS this year.

BRAND UPDATES + REFRESHES

In 2022, Eric Isidoro (Operations Specialist) researched the technology needed to create the very popular 360 virtual (or "Walk Through") tour. This year, FRED invested in a RICOH camera that allows us to do just that. Since Shannon has been recruited to assist, we're now able to shoot, edit,

stitch, and publish 360 tours in-house with a faster turnaround time. These tools allow prospects to click through a virtual tour of their future home from anywhere and our in-house process saves FRED thousands compared to using third-party vendors.

MARKETING

DEPARTMENT TEAM

Erin Ball - Operations Manager

Shannon McInnis - Creative Marketing Coordinator

Eric Isidoro - Operations Specialist

Wells Street Station, Model Unit

OVERDOSE AWARENESS DAY And Why It Matters

By Erin Ball, Operations Manager

Over the last few years, the topic of mental health has been on the rise. It is a buzzword in the media and new resources are popping up every day. Even FRED offered a training session during Mental Health Awareness Month! Normalization brings action, which is exactly what we need.

Unfortunately, a topic still shrouded in shame is substance use disorder. Substance Use Disorder is defined by the National Institute of Mental Health as a treatable mental disorder that affects a person’s brain and behavior, leading to their inability to control their use of substances. Whether the substance is an illicit drug, a prescribed medication, or alcohol, substance use comes in all shapes and sizes.

Often a consequence of untreated mental health disorders, substance use has been stigmatized and resources have long been out of reach for many. Meanwhile, access to harmful substances has only become easier. When not treated, substance use can lead to things such as permanent change in brain function, increased risk factors for other mood disorders, and overdose.

My little brother, TJ, was just 23. A total goofball and my favorite person on the planet. He loved sunny days on the lake, rainy days home with his cat, and was the biggest music buff I have ever known. Sadly, he was among the 400+ in Milwaukee County to lose their life to an overdose in 2019.

My family was not the only one to suffer a great loss to this national epidemic; 2020 saw a 29.78% increase in fatal overdoses from the previous year, and 2021 saw a 19.12% increase on top of it (see more data here).

Although deeply personal, I share to remind everyone that there is a person behind every “junkie” and a story behind every “addict” (words you may consider dropping from your vocabulary). They are someone’s son, daughter, sister, brother. No person or family or demographic is exempt, so be kind and compassionate. Be someone who fights the stigma rather than contributes to it. Join me on August 31st in acknowledging and spreading the word about Overdose Awareness Day.

My brother was more than just a statistic. I am not ashamed to share his story – I actually plan to spend the rest of my days honoring it. "Be Still" was what we said to each other on the hard days; I carry those words with me. He was deeply loved by his people and loved his people deeply. I am thankful I was one of them.

What Makes Them Shine

By Sherry Coens, Property Manager

Liberty Square's team, also know as the Fabulous Five, have a combined 25+ years working at this beautiful community. This year at the AASCW, we won the Award for “Teamwork of the Year”! We were so proud and excited to receive this award as we truly are a family here with our residents. There is a warm welcome feeling from the moment you walk through our front doors We enjoy the many events planned and put together by our team We like to keep things exciting and new for our residents. Weekly, we have chair yoga, an array of card games, bingo, exercise groups, and Friday night at the movies. Monthly, we have music entertainment, a variety of luncheons, birthday celebrations, and a social hour that our residents are surely not going to miss. Annually, we celebrate all the holidays with traditional meals and parties and have a rooftop garden party with appetizers, drinks, and music. My Maintenance Supervisor Andy, always says that during these golden years for our residents, we provide a fun, safe, and happy community for them We would have it no other way, we love our team and our residents at Liberty Square!

PROPERTY SPOTLIGHT

EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT

BRANDON GAMBINO Groundskeeper

Saddle Brook

I started working at FRED in October of 2022. I was hired on as, and still am, the Groundskeeper at Saddle Brook

Apartments in Pewaukee, Wisconsin. As the Groundskeeper, I am sometimes called upon to deal with the creatures that live around Saddle Brook. One day, as I was about to clock out, I was asked if I could go remove a turtle from our pool area. I was prepared to go remove a box turtle, as we see those pretty often on the property. I got down to the pool and looked along the fence to find out I was actually dealing with a 20 lb. snapping turtle. Luckily, I have some experience with these dinosaurs and was able to remove it safely. Never a dull day at FRED!

VONG LEE June Winner

IT Operations Specialist | Corporate

Over the past year, Vong has assisted me with a number of IT projects. In each instance, Vong has impressed me with his responsiveness, depth of knowledge, and follow through. Vong is a tremendous asset to our robust IT team. Thanks for all your help, Vong!

Nominated

By: Ryan Schultz

FRED NEWS

By Earl VanderWielen, Project Manager

On July 12th, there was a topping off get together at the High Bluff at Creekwood Crossing project in Menomonee Falls The project began in late May of 2022 and the final of 21 roofs was put in place and shingled in the beginning of July of this year. The event highlighted the progression of the project, starting with the furnished model unit and ending with the final building still with barren stud walls. Everyone present signed a 2” X 12” board to commemorate the event The board was then attached to a wall in the attic to become a permanent part of the building!