The Belmont Apartments

Hornig Companies • March 25, 2021

Hornig Companies has some unique properties that provide interesting insights into local history.

 

The Belmont, located in the historic Lowry Hill neighborhood of Minneapolis near the Hornig Companies’ Home Office, sits on the corner of West Franklin and Hennepin Ave South.  The “Belmont Inn,” as it was originally known, opened in 1920 and was built as an “Apartment Hotel,” a style of living that was popular for a short time in the early 1900’s.  Residents could rent an apartment for a day, a week or by the month and receive the amenities of fully furnished units, housekeeping services as well as garage services.  Built by the Fleischer Brothers, who also built the Calhoun Beach Club, the building was a popular winter home for families who owned summer cabins on Lake Minnetonka.

 

At its prime, the lower level boasted a dinner and dance hall, a continental bath and beauty shop with mineral steam baths, a barber shop and a billiard & club room.  Because it was built in the Prohibition Era, a tunnel that led from the lower level under the street has raised questions about whether the residents and guests of the establishments participated in prohibition activities.  Nobody knows for sure!  Today, most of the lower level has turned into apartments and the tunnel has been sealed along with any secrets it held.  The restored basement dance hall remains as a community space for residents and Hornig Companies’ events (during non-COVID times).

 

Today, the Belmont is still a special place to call home.  Residents can easily walk, bus, bike or drive to nearby lakes, popular restaurants, grocery and retail, downtown Minneapolis, The Walker Art Center and Sculpture Garden.  The apartments feature a unique blend of classic touches such as hardwood floors, new and fully restored French doors and windows, along with modern conveniences including updated kitchens, solar panels to provide common area electricity, ample storage space, onsite laundry and off-street parking.

 

Though improvements have been made and elements changed, the charm and character of the building remain to this day. Even now, when you walk into the lobby, you can see the original hotel reception desk, a reminder of the building’s storied past.

 

 

An early ad for the building

 

 

The Belmont today

 

 

 

The post The Belmont Apartments appeared first on Hornig Companies Blog.

How Renters Can Prevent Pest Problems in Warmer Weather

March 18, 2026
When temperatures rise in Minnesota, insects and pests become much more active. Warmer weather brings ants, flies, spiders, and other unwanted visitors looking for food, water, and shelter - sometimes inside apartment homes. At Hornig Companies, providing comfortable and well-maintained homes has been a priority for decades. The company has been offering rental housing throughout the Minneapolis–St. Paul area since 1958 and focuses on attentive service and maintenance for residents. While property teams work hard to maintain buildings and respond to maintenance requests, residents also play an important role in preventing pest issues. The good news: a few simple habits can significantly reduce the risk of pests in your apartment during spring and summer. Keep Food Properly Stored 

Finding the Perfect Match: How to Pick the Perfect Roommate

February 26, 2026
These days, choosing a roommate that you actually enjoy living with can feel similar to dating! It’s more than just sharing common rooms and splitting rent. You want your apartment to feel like home, and finding the perfect match for that is essential. Picking the wrong person can make things get miserable pretty quickly. Whether you’re moving into your first apartment or looking to save some money by getting a roommate, you’re in the right hands. Our leasing experts at Hornig Companies have some helpful tips to make choosing a housemate who jives with you easier!

Embracing Winter in the Twin Cities: Your UItimate Cold-Weather Activity Guide

By Art Bickford • January 15, 2026
Winter in Minneapolis transforms the city into a true wonderland. Snow blankets the Spoon and Cherry Bridge, twinkling lights glow along Hennepin Avenue, and the season brings a festive energy that’s impossible to miss. Whether you’re new to the city or a lifelong Minnesotan, we’ve put together the ultimate winter activity guide to keep you inspired all season long. From ice skating on some of the state’s most beloved lakes to unwinding with a cozy indoor spa day, there’s no shortage of ways to embrace and enjoy Minneapolis and Saint Paul in winter. Outdoor Activities: Minnehaha Falls

Minnesota-Themed Gift Guide

December 9, 2025
Suddenly, the holiday season is upon us. In true Midwestern fashion, we might talk about the cold or compare snowfall totals, but December always brings something warmer - a spirit of giving. Minnesotans are proud to call the North Star State home, even if we question it when it’s -45° degrees outside. We’ve scoured the web to find the best Minnesota-themed gifts for this holiday season!  Lake Superior Stone Earrings

How to Sniff Out Rental Scams

November 19, 2025
At Hornig Companies, we know finding a home is about more than a building - it’s about feeling confident and supported throughout your rental journey. We work to provide a transparent and respectful rental experience. Unfortunately, rental scams have become increasingly common, and they can make the search for a home feel confusing and overwhelming. As a longtime Minnesota-based property management company, we want to help you navigate the process with clarity and peace of mind. In this guide, we’ll share how to recognize the warning signs of rental scams, what to avoid, and what to do if you think you’ve come across a fraudulent listing - so you can move forward with confidence.  What is a Rental Scam?

The Best Fall Events Around Minnesota This October

October 27, 2025
At Hornig Companies, we believe there's nothing quite like fall in Minnesota. The crisp air, vibrant foliage, cozy layers, and pumpkin-spiced everything create the perfect backdrop for getting out and exploring all our beautiful state has to offer. Whether you're a longtime resident or new to the neighborhood, October is packed with events that capture the spirit of the season - from harvest festivals and haunted hayrides to corn pits and Oktoberfest celebrations. Here are some of the top fall happenings around Minnesota this month—grab your flannel and discover the autumn fun waiting just outside! Jack‑O‑Lantern Spectacular - 🎃 September 26 – November 2, 2025

Easy Tips to Make Your Home an Autumnal Paradise

September 12, 2025
As we welcome the month of September, it’s time to say goodbye to the warm breeze of another Minnesota summer. Whether you live in a townhome in St. Joseph, a cozy walk-up in St. Paul, or a brownstone apartment in Uptown or the Minneapolis Lake Loop, the changing leaves and cool temps mean one thing: it’s time to make your space as cozy and welcoming as a mug of hot cider from the St. Paul Farmers' Market. If you’re renting, you can easily bring autumn into your apartment with a few thoughtful touches. Fall in the Land of 10,000 Lakes is a whole vibe - apple orchards, cozy bookstores, leaf-strewn bike trails - and your home can feel just as charming. Grab your favorite flannel, a latte from your favorite coffee shop, and let’s turn your apartment into a content autumn hideaway. Start with a Deep Clean

Must-Have Tools for Every Renter

August 26, 2025
While living comfortably is easy at one of Hornig Companies' properties, there are some items you’ll want to keep on hand. Don’t worry – you don’t have to shell out a ton of money for an expensive toolkit – instead, leave that to our talented maintenance team. Take a look at what we suggest every renter have at the ready, for all that life throws your way. 1. A Plunger

Your Guide to Renter's Insurance

July 23, 2025
As a Minnesota or Wisconsin renter, you’re free from many of the responsibilities that come with homeownership - no worrying about roof repairs, lawn maintenance, or structural insurance. But while your property manager is responsible for the building itself, everything inside your apartment that belongs to you is your responsibility. Think about the things that make your home feel like home: the cozy couch you finally treated yourself to, the blanket your mom gave you, the quirky antique table that perfectly fits your style. Add in your electronics, cookware, décor, and all the meaningful pieces you’ve collected over the years. These aren’t just things - they’re part of your life. It’s a common misconception that a landlord’s insurance on a building will cover your personal belongings in the event of a fire, theft, or other disaster. But here’s a simple rule to remember: you insure what you own. The property owner covers the building; renters protect their possessions with a policy called renters insurance. How Does Renters Insurance Work? 

First-Time Renters: Everything You Need to Know Before Signing a Lease

July 10, 2025
Whatever new era of life you’re entering, being a first-time renter can feel intimidating. Renting your first home is an exciting milestone, but it also comes with responsibilities and costs that may be unfamiliar to you. As a property management company, our team at Hornig wants the best for our tenants. Here’s what we think you should know as a first-time renter! Budgeting and Planning for Costs When Apartment Hunting