Windom Park Citizens in Action held their annual meeting on Tuesday, July 16. Three new board members were elected, bringing the total to eight. Board Member Molly Phillips shared that they are still looking for up to five additional members, and highlighted key areas of focus for the board.
“The biggest issue is a lack of ‘third spaces’ — a place that wouldn’t cost money, to go and meet and socialize. We wonder if we could tap into Bethany Gardens. The space is being wasted and it’s an eyesore. Could we utilize that space?” said Phillips.
Perhaps the largest thorn in the side of both the board, and neighborhood, is the former Twin City Gardens Care Center building at 2309 Hayes St. NE. The years-vacant building has been controversial after being shut down for numerous violations. Now, it’s a magnet for graffiti and a draw for unsavory behavior as people have found their way into the building past the boarded-up first floor.
One concern is the building’s proximity to Windom Park and Pillsbury Elementary School. Residents and board members expressed concern for residents, park-goers and students who may be drawn to investigate the building.
“The history of the building speaks for itself. The ownership has made no visible improvements, aside from fixing the roof a handful of years ago. I’ve seen kids in the building, and trespassers. The building has multiple entryways that have been unsecured for years. It’s really sad that it’s right next door to the school and the park.” said Laura Gurda, who lives near the park in Northeast.
The Northeaster contacted the City of Minneapolis to find out the status of the soon-to-be condemned building, and received a statement from Enrique Velazquez, director of Regulatory Services, who said, “The property owner is aware of the situation and the pending condemnation. They are also aware of the graffiti, squatting and other vandalism that is occurring. In response, the property owner has hired private security to protect the property and repair the property after break-ins happen. He is working to remodel the building.”
But several neighbors we spoke with have not seen security of any kind, and even fewer repairs being done.
We dug further into the muddled owner- ship group to try to uncover their plans for the space moving forward.
Hennepin County property records show the owner as Hayes Senior Living Property Co., LLC, in Hawlett, N.Y. A Google search of the address brings up a 2022 photo of a small commercial building with a sign in the window for King Davids Contractors. The company’s website locates them in Lawrence, N.Y.
Hayes Senior Living is delinquent in paying its property taxes. For 2023, it owes $38,076.84 in property taxes, $25,903.40 in special assessments, $7,997.53 in fines and $3,358.63 in interest, for a total of $75,336.40.
Hayes is also delinquent on its 2024 taxes. It did not pay its first half taxes in May, resulting in a $2,376.58 fine for a total of $55,189.54.
Marc Wegh, who is the president and chief legal officer of G8 Financial LLC. in New York, has ties to Philip Thompson of Round Rock, Tex., believed to be the building owner. Wegh did not return our calls.
Attempts to reach Thompson were also unsuccessful.
The Northeaster sought answers from Rick Karow from Cornerstone Management and Services. They specialize in operating and managing healthcare facilities and are working with G8 Financial. Karow told us that although they have not been named as a future operator, they are working with the ownership to partner with them. “They’re moving forward and have a good plan. They’re getting the financing going, but that takes time. It’s on the right path and we are waiting on the owners.” Karow also said plans are for the building to be opened as a memory care center; but did not know the timing.
Recent legislation may help move things forward and bring closure. Earlier this July, the Minneapolis City Council passed legislation to crack down on vacant and condemned buildings by increasing the vacant building fine from $7,100 to $24,000 annually. It’s too early to know if the prospect of increased fines will have the impact Windom Park residents seek.

Vandals and partygoers have used the building’s HVAC equipment to gain access to the shuttered nursing home’s second floor. (Kenneth Seaton)

Graffiti covers the back wall of the building. Little work has been done to the facility since the Minnesota Department of Health closed it down in 2021. (Kenneth Seaton)