How does Milhaus approach its work? 

Founded in 2010, we at Milhaus consciously think about the lifestyle, preferences and experiences our residents want—how and why they want to live in urban-like environments and our role in fulfilling that lifestyle. Milhaus transforms neighborhoods by redeveloping existing structures, forming partnerships with local business and community leaders, and providing a spark that creates other opportunities for municipalities. We identify neighborhoods on the fringe of progress in areas that need revitalization, and we work toward pulling people back to city cores. As we become good civic partners, we help stabilize neighborhoods by supporting local businesses, civic, and non-profit charitable organizations.

What is the geographic focus of Milhaus?

Milhaus targets tier two cities with locations that are desirable to residents due to proximity to shopping, dining and entertainment. We develop, construct and own assets in urban and suburban locations that are hard to entitle, hard to assemble, and hard to replace. Cities Milhaus is developing multiple projects in include Indianapolis, Kansas City, Cincinnati, Tampa, Phoenix, and Pittsburgh.

How is Milhaus navigating the current complexities of today’s marketplace?

2020 has certainly been complex. Between “social distancing” running counter to “dense urban housing” and economic hardships due to the pandemic, Milhaus has faced new challenges, but we’ve tackled them head-on. On the development and design fronts, we are incorporating what were once considered “nice-to-have” amenities and features into more standard environments to improve quality of life, especially for those working from home far more frequently than before. This year may have redefined urban living, but we believe people crave the community, social interaction and collaboration that can only be found in cities, and we are continuing to meet these challenges.

What are the reasons Milhaus values ULI and supports the organization as a sponsor? How does ULI help your company?

Milhaus and ULI share the same guiding principles—responsibly developing and redeveloping environments to create and sustain thriving communities. No one entity can build a community, so it’s through partnerships between the private and public sectors that the vision of desirable and beneficial urban neighborhoods can be realized. ULI facilitates these partnerships, and we’re proud to support their work. ULI allows Milhaus to identify communities that are ready for investment and connects us with additional local partners to guide our informed development. With its mission to connect, develop and influence leaders in real estate and land use, ULI is an influential steward of the urban built environment.

What are some projects Milhaus is currently working on?

In Indianapolis, we have partnered with Realty Group Trust to elevate and enhance Glendale Town Center with the construction of AYR, a $40 million, 267-unit residential apartment project. AYR will transform empty space into an accessible, modern living community at a competitive price point in Midtown alongside reinvigorated retail space.

In the Kansas City area, Milhaus recently opened its third Artistry-brand community. Artistry Kansas City features a public art gallery curated in partnership with a local fine art consultant and features work from Kansas City artists. Milhaus also announced two upcoming projects in the area: Arrello in Olathe, Kansas, and an 8.6-acre property within The Glade, a mixed-use development minutes from downtown Kansas City. Milhaus has an additional four projects under construction in Florida, Ohio, North Carolina, and Pennsylvania.

Aside from your involvement in ULI, how else is Milhaus involved in the community?

Milhaus is committed to our residents as well as the small businesses that make our neighborhoods unique. This year more than ever, our property managers have gone above and beyond to bring cheer and a sense of community to residents while promoting and partnering with local businesses. This meant everything from sending residents flowers from a local florist to providing chips and salsa from a neighborhood favorite restaurant, and from giving away gift cards to local eateries to bringing a farmer’s market directly to the property’s front door. The list of how our teams stepped up to support their neighbors and bring a new togetherness to residents this year is long and has made us proud.

Milhaus also partners with local organizations to accelerate startup growth and promote artists, including partnering with St’artUp 317, an incubation program that matches young brands, established businesses, startups and artists with prime vacant and under-utilized storefronts. St’artUp 317 has partnered with Milhaus for the past three years and launched the program in a vacant retail space at Artistry Indy.