Award Winning

Our Mission Statement

Our mission is to go above and beyond our residents’ expectations by providing quality living environments that enhance our residents’ lives physically, socially, and spiritually.

2025 Property Excellence: Senior Winner

This amazing community exceeds expectations in every interaction. The staff at the Arbors makes sure that there is never a detail missed. The programming is creative and fun, the events are plentiful, and everything they touch,  turns into an experience that is second to none.   

This team makes their residents a priority and it is noticed in every way possible.  The site staff does everything they can to make all residents feel like family and work to enhance their lives in every way possible.  The Arbors is consistently being recognized within the city of White Bear Lake and surrounding areas for excellence, service, and community spirit.  The Arbors team, and their residents,  are most definitely deserving of the Senior Housing property excellence award, it doesn’t get much more excellent than that.

2025 Property Excellence: Market Rate Winner

From the floating pool to the beautifully maintained grounds, Autumn Woods consistently showcases the very best of what Lang Nelson has to offer. The team has built a strong presence within the city of St. Anthony and continues to cultivate resident relationships that are truly second to none.  This multi-generational community sits near the University of Minnesota Campus and houses everyone from students to retired professors.  We are thankful for the entire Autumn Woods team—we are proud of their hard work, dedication, and commitment to delivering the Lang Nelson Experience every day!  No one deserves this award more that you. 

2025 Best Resident Event Ongoing

Chat and Chowder is a monthly luncheon served with socialization, fun and community engagement.  It’s a delicious catered meal of homemade soup, artisan crafted sandwich and dessert.  Each month the residents come together in a social setting to fulfill the mission of enhancing the lives of our residents physically, socially, and spiritually.  We also use this event as a tool to welcome prospects and family members who may be looking to move. Resident volunteers and staff serve our residents with a smile. The conversations always elicit laughter, sharing events in their lives, supporting one another and bring a general joy to all.

Congratulations to the Crossings!

2024 Property Excellence: Market Rate Winner

Summit Oaks, nestled beautifully in a neighborhood setting, yet minutes from a bustling area filled with shops and restaurants, welcomes all generations of residents.  The community’s growing circle of influence and expansive waiting list, continues to confirm this.   The fun doesn’t stop at the door.  The community of all ages regularly engages in a variety of activities including but not limited to; craft clubs, pool parties, water aerobics, onsite carnivals,  hosted lunches, regular monthly outings, and so much more.  Additionally, Summit Oaks continues to be a leader in the local community.  From supporting organizations in need through charitable giving, to leading the community in conservation efforts. 

Summit Oaks looks forward to continuing to celebrate its achievements by remaining the best rental housing community in and around Coon Rapids. 

2024 Community Manager: Senior Award Winner

Alison Schram once again brings home a MADACS award this season! With over 6 +years of leadership at Lang Nelson,  she continues to be the most recognized community manager within our portfolio and within the City of White Bear Lake.  Managing a senior housing community takes special talents and a soft heart.  You serve a generation of residents who expect clear communication, follow-through, and a professional attentive demeanor.  Alison has it all.  She has the natural ability to build relationships through connecting on a personal level with residents, families, and the community at large.  Alison delivers an exceptional experience not only to the residents of the Arbors but also to their friends, family, and Very Important people in their lives.  Alison has proudly kept the Arbors of White Bear Lake 100% occupied with a waiting list which is a testament to the programs she creates, the service she delivers and the expectation she has of going Above and Beyond in all that she does.  She is truly a champion. 

2023 Lang Nelson Relentless Pursuit of Excellence Award

Jake Ilka continues to lead with dedication and heart at two exceptional Lang Nelson communities—Blaine Courts and Cloverleaf Courts. This year, he also took on the challenge and managed our newest community, Banfill Crossing. He was instrumental in making the transition smooth and welcoming for our residents. Through his efforts, Jake showed everyone at Banfill Crossing what it truly means to be part of the Lang Nelson family. We’re about building connections, supporting one another, and creating a vibrant community where friends, family, faith, and fun thrive together.

Jake's attention to detail and the big picture, along with his natural ability to build relationships through connecting with residents, families, neighboring businesses, and associations have brought him great career success with Lang Nelson Associates. Jake is also a musician "on the side" and performs for residents at Cloverleaf Courts and Blaine Courts (on occasion) and they love it!

Jake has successfully kept both communities 100% rented and accumulated a generous paid waiting list.

2023 Community Manager: Senior Award Winner

Although Jesse Gully has earned or been associated with close to 10 MADACS awards, this is his first for Best Manager.  Jesse started working with Lang Nelson over 25 years ago and continues to impress us, and set a great example for so many with the company and industry.  The Crossing Team, which Jesse has established continue to wow us all.  Thank you Jesse, we are excited to see what you do next!

2023 Property Excellence: Senior Winner

Cloverleaf Courts, part of the Blaine Campus is smaller boutique community.  Although the residents live large, with a flurry of activities and events that would certainly tire you out, if it wasn’t for the fabulous, committed, and talented team. 

2022 Lang Nelson Relentless Pursuit of Excellence Award

Knowledgeable, kind, clear, and fun are just a few words that one may choose when speaking of Cheryl Huntington.  Although these don’t sum up what she does for Lang Nelson, for she assists residents and staff with so much, and does so with professionalism and sets an example for so may to follow.  Thank you Cheryl!

2022 Community Manager: Senior Award Winner

While Cheryl Naylon-Besst was onsite at Creekside Gables, she engaged the residents with over the top events and activities, and helped elevate their overall living experience.  We are grateful for you leadership, support of the community, and example you set.  We are excited for your new opportunities as the Summit Oaks manager.   

2022 Property Excellence: Senior Winner

The Arbors of White Bear remains one of the most coveted communities in the greater White Bear Lake area, with a waiting list to prove it.  Alison Schram and her team continue to deliver above and beyond service, which far exceeds the residents expectations and we couldn’t be more proud of all that do and continue to accomplish. 

2021 Relentless Pursuit of Excellence Award

Megan Thomas has shared her leadership with Cedarwood, Anthony James, Broadway Village, and currently resides as the Broadway Campus Manager, while also assisting in training and so much more.  Thank you Megan!  

2021 Best Single Resident Event

2021 Outstanding/Innovative Resident Experience

Grace and creativity are in abundance at the Arbors of White Bear Lake, and to do it year after year is what makes the Arbors successful and so sought after.  To continue it, and expand upon it, through the pandemic has been astonishing and inspiring.

2021 Senior Community Manager Award Winner

Megan's ability to provide, deliver, and lead her community is something she does with ease and elegance.  Lang Nelson thanks you for the example you set and the leadership you deliver each and every day.

Outstanding Business of the Year

Light Up the Night

As fall approaches and winter arrives we have a philosophy that it is always ‘bright’ within our communities. Our twinkling white lights are on in the fall and remain on to near spring. Each year our communities compete for the best of the best in creativity and curb appeal. Proudly our 1st, 2nd and 3rd place winners are always outdoing one another to shine brighter and brighter each and every year.

Lang Nelson’s Above and Beyond Awards

Our Above and Beyond Program is an award program that celebrates residents and business within our communities and cities. Each month we receive nominations from residents, staff and local businesses identifying someone that has gone out of their way to help and support a neighbor or friend. We have delivered over 500 awards since the program began and proudly hand out over 20 awards monthly.