Apartment owners plan major renovation

John Frank and his son, John Frank II, recently took ownership of the Mountain High Apartments on Adams Avenue. They have plans for a major renovation of the venerable apartment complex.

Recently relocated to Sisters from Incline Village, Lake Tahoe, Frank I thinks that "Sisters is a hidden secret. The view is spectacular. The air is clean, and the people are nice.

The partners decided Sisters was a great place to invest in and relocate their families.

"My wife and I followed two of our kids here. Another one followed us, and we're still waiting for the last one to come over from Reno," said Frank I.

After wandering through Sisters after their initial move here, the new Frank partnership saw the 'for sale' sign in front of the Mountain View apartment complex and inquired about the property. The two bought the real estate because the price was right. Frank I has been in the real estate industry for 42 years and knows when he sees a good deal.

"Seems the market is turning. We did some market analysis before purchasing the building and saw enough activity to know this would be a good deal. We will continue to do daily market analysis before moving forward on any additional projects we are looking into.... Even Bend seems to be picking up some," said Frank I.

The Frank team closed escrow on March 28 and started refurbishment work on the 16 unit/two building project April 21. The laundry list of improvements includes: new 40-year composition roof (color: charcoal); new thermal pane windows; patios for lower units; and decks for upper units.

There will be new exterior paint in earth tones, new landscaping, new fencing, new appliances and new flooring.

Father and son are already considering adding on four more units to the twin buildings next year, depending on plans, permits and, of course, analysis of market conditions.

The partners plan to work with local people to propel their project forward. Onsite manager Jennifer Knowles, who was hired by the previous owner a year-and-a-half ago, will remain. Frank II will co-manage with Knowles.

The Frank team plans to be as noninvasive as possible to the apartment residents, yet get the projects they've lined up completed properly and thoroughly.

And the famous misspelled "Mountian High Apartments" sign will be replaced.