Every dream home begins with a vision—sometimes rooted in family, sometimes in lifestyle, and often in the desire to create something that finally feels like you. For one couple moving from Rochester to St. Paul, the journey to Highland Bridge was exactly that: a pursuit of connection, comfort, and thoughtful design that would carry them into the next chapter of life.
The decision to relocate wasn’t just about geography—it was about family. With their daughter and grandchildren calling the Twin Cities home, the pull toward St. Paul grew stronger. Highland Bridge quickly stood out, for the rare opportunity to build along Mississippi River. Surrounded by walkable paths, bike lanes, and neighborhood charm, it was the perfect place to plant roots.
With Ryan Companies defining the approved builders list, Sustainable 9 became a natural consideration. But what transformed that consideration into a confident “yes” was something deeper: connection.
After interviewing multiple builders without much resonance, a trusted friend recommended Sustainable 9. What began as a one-hour introduction at S9’s office turned into a three-hour conversation—one filled with genuine answers, true collaboration, and a clear commitment to understanding the couple’s needs.
From the start, the S9 team demonstrated a level of care that set the tone for the entire journey. They coordinated with Unfold Architecture to streamline design, visited the clients’ 1929 Rochester home to study furniture, layout preferences, and sentimental pieces, and introduced the world of sustainable, high-performance building practices in a way that felt inspiring and accessible.
“We were attracted by the genuine responses to our questions, the teamwork, the collaboration with Unfold Architecture, and the level of care shown from the very first meeting.”
Like many great projects, the design process started with a simple PowerPoint the clients created—room by room, floor by floor. From there, the architects at Unfold and the design team at S9 shaped and elevated the vision, ultimately producing designs that closely mirrored the final result.
The couple prioritized single-floor living, thoughtful flow, and a modern home that still honored the character of their previous one. S9’s interior designers guided every step—from flooring to fixtures, cabinetry to appliances—ensuring choices aligned with lifestyle, aesthetics, and long-term comfort.
Every detail was approached with care. And every decision brought them closer to the home they had imagined.
Construction is often where the real story unfolds. The process began ceremoniously—hard hats included—as the clients broke ground and officially started their new chapter at Highland Bridge. They visited the site frequently, watching their home take shape piece by piece.
The biggest surprise? The geothermal system—something completely new to them—worked beautifully from day one. Experiencing consistent comfort, quiet operation, and the promise of long-term energy savings reaffirmed that the leap into sustainable technology was worth it.
There was also an unexpected hiccup along the way: a shattered triple-pane window caused by vandalism. Yet even this moment didn’t overshadow the progress or the excitement. The S9 team continued forward with resiliency and transparency, ensuring everything was restored to its proper state.
High-performance features weren’t just a bonus—they were integral to the clients’ goals. Triple-pane windows, geothermal heating and cooling, meticulous air sealing, and robust insulation have already transformed their daily living experience.
“We are extremely comfortable with the air sealing, HVAC, and geothermal—especially compared to our prior home built in 1929.”
While it’s still early to fully evaluate energy savings, comfort was immediate. Compared to their nearly century-old previous home, the difference is unmistakable: consistent temperatures, quiet interior spaces, and a sense of efficiency woven into every room.
Ask them about their favorite place and the answer is clear: the open-concept living area with sweeping views of Mississippi River Boulevard. The natural light, the triple-pane windows, the spacious kitchen, and the seamless connection to their bedroom and bathroom make daily living effortless and enjoyable.
Guests gravitate to the same features—especially the marble fireplace surround, the elegant half-bath, and the upstairs entertainment area and veranda with panoramic views of the river and season-changing foliage.
What brings the most joy? Simple: ease, comfort, and warmth.
Living in Highland Bridge means having daily access to the things that matter most—walks along the river, diverse shops, bike trails, and, most importantly, close proximity to their daughter’s family. While they’re still getting to know the broader community, the neighborhood already feels like the right place to begin this next season of life.
“We feel the location and home have afforded us the lifestyle we envisioned.”
When asked about their overall experience, their words are clear: professional, positive, responsive, and truly collaborative. They appreciated the genuine guidance from every S9 team—from construction to design to sustainability—and the sense of partnership that carried the project from concept to completion.
Would they recommend Sustainable 9? Absolutely. In fact, they emphasize the importance of finding a builder you “click” with—one who not only aligns with your vision but also feels like a trusted ally throughout the journey. Ready to build? Let's craft your space.
