The area surrounding the Rye Apartments in Farmington, Minnesota, has been focused on agriculture for generations. The complex, named for the golden rye that once covered the farms where it stands, was designed to reflect the connection to its environment.
Designed as the municipality's first market-rate apartment of its kind, the builders included a community garden, natural materials, electric vehicle charging stations, permeable paving, large windows and coworking spaces that can reduce the need for commuting and let modern residents work on the land.
That effort to foster community while honoring the area's roots resulted in a panel of market industry professionals selecting the 168-unit project to receive the CoStar Impact Award for multifamily development of the year for Minneapolis.
Developed by Yellow Tree Development, The Rye was designed to transform an underutilized edge‑of‑city parcel in the southern metropolitan area into a residential hub that would spark commercial interest.
The judges said the complex aligned with the CoStar Impact Award's focus on innovation, growth and community transformation.
"The Rye will have the most impact on its community due to the significant need for multifamily in Farmington," said one of the judges, Pete Guidera, managing director, Coldwell Banker Commercial Realty.
The complex provided diverse housing options while aiming to maintain compatibility with surrounding neighborhoods by working closely with city leadership to provide an economic boost through its residents to the community's small businesses.
That collaboration with local officials was aimed at achieving responsible suburban growth.
About the project: The Rye includes one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments with contemporary kitchens, premium flooring, and finished in a modern, 'rustic-chic' style.
What the judges said: "It's important for the Twin Cities to continue to develop and nurture" communities that are farther out with high-quality housing stock, according to James Rock, senior vice president, retail services group at Colliers.
They made it happen: The Yellow Tree Development team was led by Robb Lubenow, co-founder and development lead, and included Kirk Pennings, president of construction services; Vishal Dutt, development partner; Tim Schoen, senior project manager; Don Brown, president/broker/owner; as well as Sheldon Berg, principal and chief financial officer of DJR Architecture; and Madi Goodrich, principal, DJR Architecture.
CoStar Research Manager Alyssa Ricca contributed to this report.