About 1666 Coffman

Enjoy carefree gracious living among friends in a University of Minnesota Community


Revised 6-22-11

AN INVITATION FROM THE UNIVERSITY COMMUNITY AT 1666 COFFMAN

Since the founding of 1666 Coffman in 1986, the University of Minnesota faculty and staff who live here have created a stimulating and congenial community. They lead busy, active lives—working, traveling, enjoying summers at the lake or winters in the South or West, volunteering in diverse ways, or joining friends and neighbors in the many unique activities at 1666.

WHAT IS 1666 COFFMAN?

1666 is an active University community for independent living, designed specifically for people who have worked at the University at some time during their careers. There are no assisted living services provided directly by the Association for persons with special needs.

It is a 93-unit condominium association with a seven-member Board of Directors who are elected for two-year terms. The Association is served by strong professional management including several full-time employees. The Board provides oversight under a formal Declaration, Bylaws, and Regulations. This has enabled the Association to achieve a positive financial structure with reserves.

The Palladian-style building with well-planned apartments is on 6.5 acres of land leased from the University of Minnesota. It is surrounded by protected natural areas: woods, private garden plots, wildflower gardens, Grove Park, the University Golf Course and Driving Range, and the UM agricultural fields.

WHAT DOES 1666 COFFMAN OFFER ITS OWNERS?

Whether you are actively employed or actively retired, you will appreciate the convenience of living at 1666. When the spirit moves, you can lock your unit and GO. Whether you are in residence or absent, the professional management assures you that the building remains secure and continues running...no snow to shovel, no grass to mow, no worries.

Those who work find the accessibility to all campuses a great convenience. Leave your car in the underground heated garage. A free campus Circulator picks you up in front of the building and takes you to the St. Paul Campus where a free Connector transports you to Minneapolis and West Bank Campuses. Have another destination in mind? Take the Metro Transit bus Route 61 direct to either downtown St. Paul or Minneapolis and beyond from stops in front of the building on Larpenteur Avenue West.

"What an ideal location we have here! It is so easy to get anywhere on or off campus. We also have the conveniences of a city-like lifestyle in a country-like surroundings."--M. E. S.

At no extra cost, your monthly fee allows use of the fine facilities. Here you will find opportunities to develop or maintain hobbies. There is a two-story library, a fully equipped workshop, and  a craft room  You can work your green thumb on your own garden plot. You can pedal, row, or walk to nowhere in the upgraded exercise room; relax in the exercise room sauna; or picnic in a charming gazebo in the courtyard.

"My life has been enriched by the wealth of intellectual stimulation 1666 offers–concerts, lectures, book reviews, art exhibits, and the library."–E. B. S.

There is more. The volunteer committees arrange many interactive programs, e.g., bridge, the Coffman Players, Storytellers, Book Night, computer classes, etc. The gracious Social Room is the scene of many delightful concerts, the Third Tuesday and Coffman Lecture Series, the Saturday  Forums, scheduled movies on the large-screen TV and other activities. The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) offers onsite classes free to 1666 Coffman residents.

The Garden Terrace Dining Room (supervised by a Board Committee) offers evening meals Tuesday through Saturday, and Sunday brunch prepared by the chef who also plans special events.

Other optional amenities include two guest rooms, beauty/barber shop, opportunity for private parties in the Garden Terrace Dining Room or Social Room, coin-operated laundries, and cable TV.

Beyond 1666, the University Golf Course and Driving Range just across Larpenteur Avenue provides the opportunity to learn about and play golf. It also affords wonderful views for many units and a delightful place to cross-country ski in winter. The recently updated St. Paul Campus gym and swimming pool are only a short walk away.

WHO IS ELIGIBLE TO JOIN THE 1666 COMMUNITY?

First and foremost, a 1666 resident does NOT have to be retired. We welcome you, actively working or actively retired. An eligible buyer is a current or former University of Minnesota faculty, professional and administrative, or civil service staff member (at least 55 years of age) and spouse (regardless of age). The widow or widower (at least 55 years of age) of an eligible person may also apply.

If you decide to purchase a unit, it is necessary to indicate in some detail the nature and dates of your employment with the University of Minnesota. A brief application form is available upon request to the 1666 Coffman Condominium Association, 1666 Coffman Street, Falcon Heights, MN 55108-1330, 651-644-4541.

First, the Board of Directors reviews your application and sends a letter of acceptance. Then, if you are eligible, the financial transaction between you and the seller must be completed. Third, you become a member of the 1666 Coffman Condominium Association. Each unit has a percentage of voting power determined by the square footage.

HOW ARE COSTS ASSESSED AT 1666 COFFMAN?

• Based on square footage of the unit, a monthly fee is assessed that includes heating, air conditioning, water, sewer, trash removal and recycling, insurance on the building, contingency and capital reserves, professional management and building maintenance indoors and outdoors, and access to the Garden Terrace Dining Room.

• You are responsible for Ramsey County real estate taxes, homeowners insurance on your apartment contents, telephone, electricity, repairs and decorating within your home.

Other costs are optional. If you use them, you pay for coin-operated laundries, guest rooms, meals in the Garden Terrace Dining Room, private parties in the dining room or social room, beauty/barber shop, and cable TV hook-up.

HOW CAN I GET MORE INFORMATION?

* Direct e-mail inquiries to coffman@umn.edu

* Write to the Promotions Committee, 1666 Coffman Condominium Association, 1666 Coffman Street, Falcon Heights, MN 55108-1330.

* Send a Fax to 651-647-4370

* Call the office at 651-644-4541. The Board-appointed Promotions Committee arranges tours and follows up on inquiries

RESIDENCES AVAILABLE for sale

Check in the section on NEWS for availability of apartments.

Plan to visit 1666 Coffman