My wife Bonnie and I have always enjoyed playing in Linden Hills and Calhoun Square area. Although we lived and raised our family in the suburbs, we frequently played in Uptown Minneapolis2 to 3 days per week. From the Uptown Art Fairs, to the Beer Festivals, to simply sitting at our favorite window table at Figlio's (our First Date). We've enjoyed interacting with and without the vast range of people in the area. People watching in uptown is the best. The fundamental element in almost every viewing is the romantic interludes going on with every age and gender. Uptown reminds me of some of my favorite neighborhoods just outside Tuscany in Italy. In fact, one of our favorite dining areas in Uptown is Amore Victoria'sat the corner of Lake and Irving reminds me of a quaint little place in Lucca Italy near Firenza name Sergio's.
Anyway, back to the headline. We met, married, played and also helped people with their real estate needs in one of our favorite parts of the city of Minneapolis. At the time we were living in one of the nations TOP 100 CITIES to live in: Blaine voted by Money Magazine. We had already purchased an investment property in Linden Hills located at "The CONDOS of Lake Harriet". 
The one bedroom condo was originally going to be a place for us to crash on our regular dates to Uptown. Our home away from home. One day, Bonnie and I were previewing homes for a client seeking to be specifically in the ECCO Neighborhood. The neighborhood is basically bordered by Lake Street, Hennepin Avenue, 36th Street and Lake Calhoun. Our buyer needs however were more specific. They wanted to be within 2 block of Lake Calhoun in a Single Family Home with a few additional criteria that need not be mentioned in this blog.
Our previews for us were like having your own key to the history of South Minneapolis. We toured numerous homes prior to showings to ensure we were showing great potential homes for our clients. Also, at the same time we decided to purchase a Condo in the Linden Hills neighborhood as our weekend retreat from our regular jaunt south from the suburbs. One day we toured a tiny Victorian Cottage in ECCO Neighborhood and the moment I walked in, I realized this home wasn't going to work for our clients and turned right around to walk out and said to Bonnie, this won't work, it's too small for our clients. A few moments later, I see Bonnie still standing in the living room and gazing at the home. Bonnie eventually came out and said, are you sure this home won't work for them? Absolutely, this home doesn't have the potential to finish any space on the lower level or add onto the home for a third bedroom. Bonnie's reply was, "Great, let's get a second look when the sun is setting." I looked at her as if she tipped one too many Stella's at Old Chicago Uptown. Oops! Okay, I'll book a second showing. We went back early that evening and I'm still clueless why were there as I was still in the REALTOR® mode. It all hit home when she was staring at the fireplace with tears in her eyes. Oh my goodness, we just bought a condo and she wishes we purchased this home. Wrong again! She looked at me and said, "Frankie, I want to live here".
My reply to her was simple. Honey, it's November, we own a large suburban home and just purchased a condo in Linden Hills for us to enjoy. Her response was, "Frankie, I want to live here, can we make it happen?
I agreed we should investigate matters further and think about it overnight. Well, like we say to our buyers, if you're losing sleep over one of the homes we've seen, we may have to do something about it right away. Well our investigating revealed that this home was set back on the rear of the property for a reason. It was the original storage/Ice House during the late 1800's. Area residents came to this home to acquire Lake Calhoun Block ice for their refrigeration. Over the years this two room house had several additions, including one of the most recent additions featured in Kira Obolensky's book entitled, Garage - Reinventing the Place we Park.
We presented the purchase agreement in person and it was the passing of the torch whereby, Bonnie would be carrying on the tradition of this old home. I've always lived in new construction and Bonnie fell in love with the blend of old world charm with the new world touches in this little home. The best part for me is that when coming home, I feel I really coming home to a place we can enjoy at every stage of the day or evening. We enjoy our neighborhood events, friends, walks, trails, and of course just a few blocks from Calhoun Square area. We've discovered the many "Best Kept Secrets" just a few blocks from the square.
Bonnie and I will continue to take in the history of ECCO Neighborhood as we continue to preview homes in the area.
Enjoy the great neighborhoods within uptown!
Frank D'Angelo - Broker/SRS
Featured Linden Hills Condo for sale (click here)
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Contact Frank D'Angelo, Broker, Sellers Residential Specialist. Licensed Broker in the State of Minnesota at (763) 548 1444 to list your property for sale or to purchase a property in Blaine, Fridley, Spring Lake Park, Coon Rapids, Centennial, Lino Lakes, Ham Lake, Andover, Champlin, Brooklyn Park, Minneapolis, St. Paul metro Minnesota.
We Are Accepting Referrals
Visit our profile to find out more about our services. Call us today at (763) 548 1444. Contact us by email if you prefer by clicking on email me on the right side of this page under our profile.
|
© Regional MLS of Minnesota 2008. Information deemed to be reliable but not guaranteed. The data relating to real estate for sale on this website comes in part from the Broker Reciprocitysm Program. Real estate listings held by brokerage firms other than EXIT REALTY EXECUTIVES are marked with the BR logo and detailed information about them includes the name of the listing brokers. Listing broker has attempted to offer accurate data, but buyers are advised to confirm all items 
Forward to a Friend who can utilize this.
Comments (0)Subscribe to CommentsComment