MetroPlains Management is thrilled to announce the addition of two new communities to its growing portfolio of apartment homes. Gateway and Northgate, located in Owatonna, MN, offer a variety of apartment sizes and styles to suit any lifestyle.

Gateway features one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartment homes that are designed with modern amenities and stylish finishes. Each unit is equipped with a full-sized washer and dryer, a private balcony or patio, and a fully equipped kitchen with stainless steel appliances. The community also boasts a fitness center and a community room for residents' enjoyment.
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Northgate, on the other hand, offers one- and two-bedroom apartment homes that are perfect for those who want a cozy and comfortable living space. Each unit has access to laundry facilities, a private balcony or patio, and a fully equipped kitchen. The community also has a fitness center and a community room for residents to enjoy.

Both Gateway and Northgate are in a prime location in Owatonna, MN, which is a growing city that offers many attractions and amenities. Owatonna is known for its stunning parks, historic sites, and cultural events that residents can enjoy all year round. The communities are also conveniently located near local shopping centers, restaurants, and other entertainment options.

MetroPlains Management is known for its commitment to providing top-notch service and amenities to its residents, and these new communities are no exception. The company's dedication to providing high-quality living spaces, responsive management, and top-notch amenities make it a leader in the property management industry.
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In conclusion, the addition of Gateway and Northgate to MetroPlains Management's portfolio is an exciting development for both the company and its residents. With their prime location, modern amenities, and comfortable living spaces, these communities are sure to be a top choice for those looking for a new place to call home in Owatonna, MN.

MetroPlains Management is excited to announce a brand-new apartment community located in Jamestown, ND is now leasing! 

Eagle Flats features affordable 1, 2 & 3 bedroom apartment homes. Some of these units hold project-based vouchers allowing our residents to pay only 30% of their gross annual income for rent. 

Each apartment home comes with an in-unit washer/dryer, dishwasher and much more! The community features access to a heated parking garage, elevator, fitness center, community room and much more! 

Our leasing team is standing by now to take your call. If you would like to setup a showing or start your application, please call or text us at 701-368-1174. 

MetroPlains Management is proud to announce that Water's Edge Apartments located in Winona, MN is now leasing! This beautiful new property features affordable 1, 2 & 3 bedroom apartment homes. 

This community features amenities such as in-unit washer/dryer, an elevator, dishwasher, exercise room, community room, bike racks, master bedroom walk-in closets, off-street parking, playground and so much more. 

To start your application today, please call 507-721-9141 or email watersedge@metroplains.com. 

MetroPlains Management is pleased to announce the promotion of Kari Holmstrom to Vice President of Operations. Kari joined the company three years ago and has since been known as the “fixer” from remote training with staff during the height of COVID, to assisting with problematic properties, to overcoming challenges in difficult lease-ups. Kari has frequently been recognized for pulling together teams to solve an issue and helping individuals succeed. She has a passion for mentoring site staff to develop into leadership roles, taking daily opportunities to coach her teams. Kari is certified by the National Affordable Housing Board as a Housing Credit Certified Professional, HCCP, as well as a Certified Section 8 Specialist.
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Kari has over 18 years of affordable property management experience in positions such as Director of Compliance to Executive Director. Her knowledge and experience is extensive, spanning from operations, maintenance, staff training and development, compliance, policy development and implementation. Kari believes in strategic goal setting and uses financial analysis to reach the goals of our owners as well as support those populations we serve.

It's a chore many of us dislike, but something that must be done. Here's a few short simple tips to get your fridge in sparkly like-new condition again! 

Step 1) Prepare a Staging Area
You will need to remove the food out of your fridge to get a good deep clean. If you don't have a lot of counter space, you'll need to set up a little folding table or even use a few chairs. If you think the cleaning is going to take a while, consider putting your food items into a cooler to keep them colder. Also don't forget to make sure your kitchen sink is empty, and your garbage is nearby with enough room for any expired items, you'll more than likely need it! 

Step 2) Gather Your Supplies
Vinegar is a great cleaning supply for this job, it's an easy food-safe cleaner. Just mix the vinegar in a spray bottle with hot water. You'll also need some cleaning cloths or paper towels, and possibly a scrubbing brush or sponge. 

Step 3) Work Shelf by Shelf
This is especially true if you don't have much counter space, or if the cleaning is going to take longer. (You don't want those perishable food items out too long!) If your sink is large enough, take the shelfs out and clean them in the sink with warm water and soap, then dry them with a microfiber cloth. If your sink is not large enough, spray down the shelfs and wipe them clean using your cleaning cloths and vinegar spray. 

Step 4) Doors and Drawers
For a deep clean, remove the drawers and wash them in the kitchen sink with soap and water. If they won't fit in your sink, spray them down and wipe them clean. Make sure they are dry before putting them back. The spray bottle and a cloth will work great for the door. Start at the top and work your way down. 

Step 5) Clean Items Before Putting Them Back!
If you are going through all this work to clean the fridge, why put those sticky jam jars and messy ketchup bottles back in your fresh and clean fridge? Simply wipe them down with a damp cloth. If those messy jam jars are sticky, run them under warm water and wipe them clean and dry. 

Do not forget to check all items and if anything is expired, use this opportunity to toss it! 

Step 6) Wipe Down the Outside Too
Use the same vinegar spray to wipe down the exterior of your fridge as well. If you have a stainless-steel fridge, there is some cheap stainless steel cleaner options at your local dollar store as well. Don't forget those handles and especially the top of the fridge if accessible! 

Step 7) Keep it Fresh!
Now that your fridge is like new again, you'll more than likely want to keep it smelling that way for quite some time. Stick a fridge freshener in the back. Arm & Hammer baking soda in the box also works great for this! 

Congrats! Sit back and enjoy knowing your fridge is like new again!

​Homefield 3 Senior Living Apartments is a brand-new affordable apartment community for those 62 and older. 

Located right off 42nd street next to beautiful Anderson park, Homefield 3 allows you to live independently without the hassles of snow removal, lawn care or home maintenance. 

Homefield 3 features 1 & 2 bedroom affordable apartment homes. You'll love all that this community has to offer. Included in your rent you'll have access to a community room, exercise room and media room. You'll also get an in-unit washer/dryer, dishwasher, fully equipped kitchen, large open living area, 9 foot ceilings, a detached garage, and so much more. 

If you're interested in learning more about this community or would like to setup a tour call 701-532-1485. We'd love to hear from you, but don't wait, these homes are filling quickly and will not last long! 

Hilltop Cottages located in beautiful Pine City, MN is now accepting applications!

Hilltop Cottages are located in beautiful Pine City, MN. Hilltop Cottages feature 1, 2 & 3 bedroom cottage style homes. This property features amenities such as: a clubhouse, an on-site office, fitness room, community room and a community playground. The individual cottages feature keyless deadbolts, vinyl flooring in main areas with carpet in the bedrooms, a dishwasher, fully equipped kitchens, ceiling fans, in-home washer & dryer, 9 foot ceilings, a patio, attached garages and so much more! 

Northside Artspace Lofts located in Minneapolis, MN is now accepting applications!

Located just outside downtown Minneapolis and within walking distance of a future light rail stop, the Harrison Neighborhood has a rich cultural heritage supporting the arts and creative sectors. Northside Artspace Lofts features a brand-new five story, 100-unit artist apartment community featuring 1, 2 & 3 bedroom apartment homes. 

Northside Artspace Lofts is rich with amenities available to all residents, including a large gallery at the main entrance, community work-space, community gathering areas, outdoor arts engagement and child play areas, resident community and pollinator gardens and so much more! 

Finding your next apartment home doesn't have to be stressful. Here's just a few tips to help get you started in your search. 

Set A Budget And Stick To It
Make sure you can afford the rent at the places you are looking. Management companies usually like to see their prospects making 2-3 times the amount in rent, which is usually a good starting point for prospects when looking at price. It is easy to get wrapped up in the amenities and other great things about an apartment community and what they have to offer. Sticking to a budget and looking at apartments that fit within that budget is a great way to save money and not get distracted. It’ll make your wallet happy too.

Find Out About Amenities
A lot of apartment communities have amenities such as a fitness center, community room, pools, tennis courts, etc. This is great for residents! The convenience of having things around is important. Think of what amenities you are looking for in a community, for example, dog owners may want a dog park in their apartment community, or a walking path around their building to ensure the health of their dog. List the amenities you are looking for; how important they are to you and how they fit into your budget. If you find an apartment building that has all of your listed amenities but is out of your price range, don’t fret. Maybe there is a different apartment community that has some of your amenities but has other options within the area. A community that has a pool and playground with a tennis court down the street will be comparable to the community that has all three amenities. Keep in mind your options and how they can work for you.

Clarify Parking
Parking can be a hassle. Make sure you ask your future apartment community about their parking guidelines. Some require a parking pass, some have designated guest parking and some apartment communities do not have any parking guidelines.

Community Rules
Community rules are important. No one likes getting in trouble over a misunderstanding. Ask your future management company for a copy of the lease before you sign it and a resident handbook if applicable. While reading through the community rules, ask yourself if you are able to follow these rules realistically. For example, some apartment buildings have rules such as “Laundry Room Hours 8:00am-10:00pm” make sure these times fit within your schedule or if you need to find a laundromat around the area.

Location
Make sure the location of your new home is where you want to be. Check the travel time to your most frequent visited places such as your favorite place to eat, work, favorite biking trails, etc.

Utilities
No one likes unwanted surprises, especially when talking about bills. Make sure you know what is included in rent and what needs to be payed separately. Make sure these separate bills still fit within your budget. Feel free to ask your future management company if cable and internet are included and if not what companies provide service in that area. Do some research and find out what deals those companies can provide and make sure their price fits within your budget.

MetroPlains Management's team is here to help you during your search. 

MetroPlains Management is pleased to announce the promotion of Jim Rokusek to Vice President. Jim joined the company two years ago and has implemented maintenance protocols which have improved property operations and customer service. Jim’s background in maintenance, technology and leadership gives him an overall understanding of how to maximize profit and return on investment over the longer term of the physical asset. Jim has over 30 years in the maintenance field, both in the military and private sector. Tammy Burtness, President of MetroPlains Management, said “Jim’s leadership skills are exceptional, and with his extensive knowledge of maintenance operations, I’m confident MetroPlains Management is well-positioned to continue our outstanding growth and development.”

James Rokusek oversees both the maintenance and capital improvements operations of approximately 5,500 apartment homes and 550,000 Sq Feet of commercial space located in Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, Kansas, and Oklahoma.  Mr. Rokusek also assists the company in many different technical aspects of insurance related claims throughout the company.  Jim has over 30 years of maintenance experience with 15 of those years’ experience in the apartment housing industry.  Jim also has an active role in the company’s safety council.

Jim is a Certified Apartment Manager (CAM) as designated by the National Apartment Association and holds certifications from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for CFC/HCFC Refrigerant Handlers and Lead Based Paint Renovator.  Mr. Rokusek possess a Class 2C Minnesota State Boiler Engineer License.  Jim also has an Associates of Applied Science degree in Electrical and Mechanical Applications.

MetroPlains Management, a property management company in its 35th year, currently manages 5,500 units throughout North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Kansas and Oklahoma.