The Heights apartments launch website and rental applications for prospective tenants

Last week, Grand Marais residents and visitors watched as a 36-unit apartment building took shape along Hwy 61.

The assembly of the three-story Heights, Bluffs modular building was completed on Friday, Sept. 19. As contractors placed the final modular units, The Heights launched its website, allowing prospective tenants to view available studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom apartments and begin the application process.

The 36-unit apartment building will consist of 18 market-rate units and 18 income-restricted units.

Gary Latz, the project manager for The Heights, said that the 18 income-restricted units are based on the Area Median Income (AMI). Minnesota Housing Finance Agency determines the AMI by county, which is used to establish reduced rent parameters. The agency uses wage surveys to determine the maximum annual gross income for an individual and sets housing costs at no more than 30% of that income.

The 18 units within The Heights, Bluffs building, designated for income restrictions will fall within the range of 60% to 80% AMI. In Cook County, the maximum gross income for a single individual applying for a studio apartment at 80% AMI is $53,360. Latz said that for a single individual applying for a studio apartment at 60% AMI, the maximum gross income is $40,020. A chart outlining the income-restricted units is below:

The 18 market-rate units will range from the mid-$1,600s to $2,200 per month. Given that apartment buildings in Grand Marais are a relatively new addition, Latz said extensive research was conducted to determine the market range. The research included assessing the prices of the Gunflint Vue apartment building. Latz said, “We are essentially at those prices or lower.”

Work on The Heights building and property will continue in the coming months, with a prospective opening date in early December. On Nov. 19, The Heights will host an open house with guided tours for prospective tenants and community members to view the apartments. The tours will occur from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The Heights project is a collaborative investment initiative led by the Cook County Real Estate Fund (CCREF) and has been in development for over three years. The CCREF is comprised of 49 investors, the majority of whom are residents of Cook County.

Visit The Heights website here.

WTIP’s Kalli Hawkins spoke with Gary Latz, the project manager for The Heights apartment building, about the income-restricted and market-rate units, the expected opening date, and the upcoming grand tour dates. The audio from the interview is below.

Watch a time-lapse video of the 36 modular units being set in place below.

Kalli Hawkins September 22, 2025