New Lennox housing project expected to boost community growth and tax base

Amy Miller of Charisma Property Management joined city officials in discussing housing options tied to the upcoming Joslyn Park Apartments and Townhomes, a project designed to serve current residents while welcoming newcomers.

Charisma Property Management owner, Amy Miller is the driving force behind the Joslyn Park Apartments and Townhomes project. 

“I started this company in 2005 and over the years we’ve grown to manage roughly 138 properties and 11 homeowners’ associations throughout South Dakota, including the Sioux Falls area, and our portfolio includes a variety of properties ranging from multifamily apartments and townhomes to single-family homes, duplexes and triplexes,” Miller said.

Growing up in Freeman, Miller understands and appreciates small town living. 

“Growth is important for communities like Lennox because it helps ensure they continue to thrive. Developments like this help create opportunities for people who want to stay in the community while welcoming new residents,” she said. 

Joslyn Park Apartments and Townhomes will be located in the new Nelson Addition as it develops. 

“Preliminary plans for this project were approved at the January 26 city council meeting. The city’s most recent housing study made it clear that there is a shortage of multi-family housing available for Lennox and this project will help meet pent up demand in the housing market locally and offer a type of housing that is currently very difficult to secure,” said City Administrator, Nate Vander Plaats. 

When everything is completed, the development will include roughly 200 housing units and feature a mix of apartments and townhomes offering options for a variety of lifestyles and household sizes. 

“We will be incorporating 40 townhomes, each with a double attached garage, 96 apartment units, and two additional 30 unit apartment buildings,” Miller said.

The brand new facilities will offer modern touches and a variety of amenities all covered with the cost of rent. 

“Every apartment unit will include a garage, and water, sewer, and garbage included and residents will have access to a community fitness center that is part of the development. Joslyn Park residents will have exclusive access to a pickleball court and the property will be pet friendly with a small pet fee and refundable deposit,” she continued.

Construction is slated to begin within the next two weeks on the corner of Cleveland Avenue and 4th Street and Miller urges applicants to act now. 

“Pre-leasing for the Joslyn Park has already started. Our goal is to have the first building ready for occupancy by late May or early June,” Miller said. 

Applicants can apply through the Charisma Properties website.

Miller emphasizes the strategic location of Joslyn Park, giving families the most for their dollars. 

“There has been a lot of focus on building new housing in Sioux Falls, Tea, and Harrisburg, but many people still prefer to live outside of the city. Many residents in smaller communities such as Lennox already commute to Sioux Falls to work, but want the benefits of small-town living while still having access to the newer amenities that comes with modern housing,” she said.

Vander Plaats stresses the importance of welcoming new property developments into the area and encourages all to see what Lennox has to offer. 

“New properties bring down our tax rates. When we have millions of dollars in new investment in our housing stock, that helps bring down what we and our neighbors need to pay each year to help fund local government,” he said.

Miller is looking forward to becoming part of the Lennox community and bringing new residents along with her. 

“The name Charisma comes from the Greek word meaning “grace” and in this business we try to give people a lot of grace because we know life happens. Our goal has always been to work with residents and HOA owners to the best of our ability and treat our residents and our community members the way we wish to be treated,” Miller said.