Each month, we are featuring a Highland Park business or organization.

Community Spotlight honorees may have deep roots in Highland Park or might be new to the neighborhood. Visit highlanddistrictcouncil.org/community-spotlight to see more spotlights and to have your business or organization featured.

This month, we are featuring Sibley Manor. For over 70 years, they have provided quality, affordable housing in the neighborhood. Learn more about what they have to offer at sibleymanor.com.

From Katherine (Kathy) Bell, Asset Manager at Sibley Manor for the past 18 years

Please describe your business/efforts in Highland Park.

For 74 years and counting, we have offered clean, safe and affordable housing. We are not funded by the government, but have an ownership that has always strived to keep the rents as low as possible. Personally, I am blessed to work directly for a family whose focus isn’t just on making a profit, but to truly care for others. Our community has changed so much in the last 74 years; we have housed soldiers, pilots & flight attendants, Minnesota Twins, many local professionals and have welcomed families from all over the world. The last part is my personal favorite part; so many cultures and beautiful people have passed through our community. It truly is a small world after all!

When did you first start your business/efforts in Highland Park?

Sibley was completed in 1952 and purchased by the current owners in 1956. I encourage everyone to visit our website at www.sibleymanor.com to watch the video produced by Peter Myers. You can learn all about us as your neighbor!

What was the inspiration for doing the work you do?

From the beginning, and now continuing to the 4th generation, the ownership had a mission to provide stable housing for families. And the ownership has always taken it to the next level of providing it well, by offering more than just the bare minimum. It has been humbling to be charged with continuing this mission. There are so many people dependent on us to provide this service to the best of our ability. It is a great responsibility that we do not take lightly. Not everybody can afford a $1,300 1-bedroom apartment! Those that cannot deserve the same right to clean and safe housing, as well as a community to belong to. We work hard to provide that, as well as gladly expending resources searching for assistance when needs arise from time to time. We never want anyone to feel alone or ashamed in their struggles, because we all have them.

What’s your favorite thing about Highland Park?

The community as a whole, the District Council and the great places to grab lunch. (I think Cecil’s has been here longer than we have!) I personally have been involved with the District Council for the majority of the last 18 years. It is a great way to be involved in our neighborhood and allows us an opportunity to have the voice of our community down here, heard up there. It has been a pleasure meeting many residents and business owners over the years and to work together with a common goal of keeping Highland Park a wonderful neighborhood to live and work in. One thing I learned early on is that Highland Park is a passionate community!