Staff Directory 7053975

Alex Chhith

Reporter | General assignment

Alex Chhith is a general assignment reporter for the Star Tribune.

Recent content from Alex Chhith
Pete Bissonette stands on the roof of his underground home in Shakopee.

Mankato-based company builds underground houses for buyers seeking durability, energy efficiency

Earth-sheltered homes have existed for nearly as long as humans have, though the modern incarnation started during the 1970s energy crisis.
After the recent National Association of Realtors settlement about commissions, many buyers, sellers and their agents are left wondering what this mea

How to negotiate with your real estate agent

Full-service agents in Minnesota have typically charged 5% to 6%. A settlement earlier this year aims to make it less expensive to buy and sell a home.
Built by architect Paul Ormseth, the home is built into the side of a bluff and is only accessible by a long staircase off of Grand Avenue and Lawton

View-rich Summit Hill house built along 77-step stairway lists for $490K in St. Paul

The home is much newer than the historic ones surrounding it and comes at a fraction of the price. But it's only accessible by climbing up or down the stairs.
"Top Chef" chef Justin Sutherland will have two restaurants at the Rosedale food hall: Chickpea and Obachan Noodles & Chicken.

Celebrity chef Justin Sutherland arrested in St. Paul over allegedly violating no-contact order

The arrest comes just three days after he pleaded guilty to threatening his girlfriend.
With a classic 1980s postmodern look, the Eden Prairie home has tall, dramatic cathedral-like ceilings. It was a style that Renae Dentinger grew to lo

Eden Prairie house with postmodern look 'that never goes out of style' listed for $629,900

The home's three-tier deck looks out on woods where birds, deer and a gang of turkeys live.
Singer-songwriter Taylor Swift on the first night of her Eras Tour in Arlington, Texas, in March 2023. Swift is partnering with Target to release excl

Target teams up with Taylor Swift for exclusive merch in play to win more Black Friday shoppers

The Minneapolis-based retailer has sold more than 10 exclusive versions of the pop star's albums. This Eras Tour book and anthology version of her "The Tortured Poets Department" album will be in stores Nov. 29 and online while supplies last.
Oscar Garcia, right, and his family stand outside their Fort Myers, Fla., home after the area was hit by a reported tornado Wednesday as Hurricane Mil

Minnesota snowbirds dealing with hurricane damage again as storms batter Florida

From Naples to Fort Myers, Minnesotans with property in the southern state have become familiar with destructive winds and extensive flooding in recent years.
Abi Gray on her porch in Minneapolis.

These Minnesotans are all in on Halloween decorations

From Home Depot's 12-foot-tall Skelly to Minneapolis-based Target's Lewis the Pumpkin Ghoul, social media has inspired a frenzy for large decor.
The two-level duplex has six bedrooms and four baths and was built in 1977.

From $275K to almost $700K, these Twin Cities duplexes offer potential income to homebuyers

Buying a duplex or converting a single-family home into one can help owners earn rental income or just have private space for house guests.
Belkis Valdivia's Casamia Build and Design Co. helps homeowners with their renovation projects and offers consulting to help with the design process.

Refresh your home on a budget with these simple projects

From professional help to free resources, how to refresh your house without spending a fortune.
Called the Type/Variant House, architect Vincent James won several awards for the modular, cubic home. It was featured by the New York Times in 1999 f

Award-winning 'very urban' lake house in the Wisconsin woods lists for $4M

The New York Times described the seven-bedroom, nine-bathroom home in Hayward, Wis., as "unabashedly modern."
Architects Jeremy and Sara Imhoff designed the kYodai house in Marine on St. Croix. It is one of 14 homes on display as part of the American Institute

Minnesota homes tour shows architectural influence of Frank Lloyd Wright, Japan, nature

The roster of 14 homes on the 17th annual Homes by Architects Tour focuses on energy efficiency, aging in place and mental wellbeing.
A Frank Lloyd Wright-inspired home in Edina has been described as a "masterpiece" by one blog.

Viral superstar 1960 Edina home inspired by Frank Lloyd Wright lists for $1.8M

Two big social media accounts with millions of followers have featured the midcentury modern home, attracting thousands of admirers.
The solarium was built to be an indoor/outdoor space and when built, the street had to be closed below the building so the steel pieces could be crane

At $5M, Minnesota's largest for-sale condo offers luxe design and riverfront views

The homeowners took their time designing their two-level, four-bedroom, five-bath condo from "raw space" in an iconic building in downtown Minneapolis.
Jennifer Jackl and Andrew Holperin purchased a bank built in 1918 and converted it into the home in Duluth. They converted the security deposit box va

1918 Duluth bank converted into 'classic and modern' house lists for $499,000

Couple Andrew Holperin and Jennifer Jackl converted a century-old Park State Bank into a one-bedroom, four-bathroom home while preserving some of its best original features.
This apartment complex, Nuvelo at Parkside apartments, is one of the multi unit buildings under construction in the heart of Apple Valley. ] GLEN STUB

Multifamily home construction still slowing, but predicted rate cuts could lower barriers

Economists expect the Fed to lower interest rates by a quarter-point at the next meeting in mid-September, which could make financing easier and construction costs more affordable.
Mary Tan’s cat Franklin perches on one of several wall installations specifically designed to provide enrichment for her cats at her home in Buffalo

How a Minnesota 'childless cat lady' transformed her home into a feline playground

Cats are trending with millennials and Gen Zers who find owning them less work and less expense than a dog. Former WCCO reporter Mary Tan is just such an enthusiast.
Pioneer Commons has move-in ready homes.

What $400,000 will get Twin Cities homebuyers looking for new construction

Most options are townhouses, though some single-family houses are available in outer-ring suburbs. Many new developments also have homeowners associations that handle community maintenance.

Pedestrian struck, killed by vehicle in Blaine

The victim was walking in traffic lanes along University Avenue/Hwy. 47, according to the Minnesota State Patrol.

Police investigating the shooting death of a 15-year-old girl in north Minneapolis home

Two adults and two teens were in the home when officers arrived.
The home has trails through the yard and into the woods.

Accessible home with elevator and contemporary style listed for $699,000 in Red Wing

Across the nation, only 5% of homes have a ramp. Here's a look inside a fully accessible house in Minnesota.
Jeff Loesch waters carrot plants in his plot at Dowling Community Gardens in Minneapolis on Wednesday. Loesch has been gardening at Dowling Community

How to join a Twin Cities community garden and save grocery money

Applications to join a community garden often open in September for future growing seasons, though some have waitlists of a few years.
Renovated 1915 lake home that was part of lumber baron's Wisconsin estate listed at $996K

Renovated 1915 lake home that was part of lumber baron's Wisconsin estate listed at $996K

The home, built for Frank Stout's gardener using the finest lumber, has been a short-term "bed and boat" rental; the property also includes a small cottage.
The 1955 home in North Oaks was built on a hill that is surrounded by water on three sides, according to owner Stacey Everson. The home is angled so i

North Oaks home on lake, where 'Miracle On Ice' Olympian learned to skate, lists for $1.88M

The property is a winter wonderland for skaters and hockey players.
Roots, Shoots and Leaves owner Marc Eaton in the back of his truck during the St. Paul Food Truck Festival in July.

St. Paul-based Roots, Shoots and Leaves helps customers be 'best plant parent they can be'

The mobile shop sells indoor plants that range from $750 to less than $10 out of what looks like a food truck.
Located in Finlayson, Minn., this 1,406-square-foot cabin has a classic feel with wood paneling on the inside.

These 3 cabins are under $350K and 90 minutes from the Twin Cities

Minnesota has all sorts of cabins spanning from starters or fixer-uppers to turn-key-ready homes. Here are three that are affordable and not too far from the metro area.
The historic Robert C. Dunn home in Princeton, Minn. is up for a new owner outside of the Dunn family.

'Gorgeous' historic home in Princeton designed by prominent Minnesota architect lists for $600K

Minnesota architect Louis Lockwood designed "the biggest house in Princeton" for newspaper publisher Robert C. Dunn. Built in 1905, it's listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
The home was built in 1985.

'Glamorous' Golden Valley home that Prince built for his mom lists for $699,900

Alatheia Stenvik and Zachary Johnson had no idea when they put in an offer that the house had ties to the music icon.
The Reflections condo

Condo in luxe Bloomington tower with 'a 360 view' lists for $285,000

The 878-square-foot condo is steps from the light rail, Mall of America and the Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge.
Laney, my AI "friend" created in the app Replika.

Our reporter made an AI friend. Here's what happened next.

Alex Chhith and Laney talked every day for a month and even video chatted a few times.
Mary Haugh started her company, the Second Stripe, fulfilling her dream of renovating old homes while keeping true to their historical characteristics

Twin Cities woman pursues lifelong dream of restoring century-old homes

Mary Haugh balances highlighting historical characteristics in homes with modern amenities.
Roger Wainwright moved into the townhouse 14 years ago looking for a place with high ceilings that could fit towering pieces from his extensive art co

Tricked-out townhouse near Lake Riley in Chanhassen lists for $1.19 million

The 3,203-square-foot home, with labradorite counters and a car lift, has access to a private beach.
The exterior of Theodore Wirth house in Lyndale Farmstead Park in Minneapolis, Minn., on Monday June 3, 2024.

Group hopes to raise $2.5 million to bring 1910 Theodore Wirth Home 'into the 21st century'

Nonprofit seeks to upgrade the house in Lyndale Farmstead Park in south Minneapolis, occupied by the parks superintendent and his family.
The nine-bedroom, nine-bath house residence comes with two businesses, a bed and breakfast and an addition that is rented out to a Montessori school.

1882 St. Paul Victorian mansion and former Showcase Home lists for $2.7 million

The sprawling Cathedral Hill house, which operates as a residence, B&B and Montessori school, comes with a couple of friendly ghosts, the homeowner says.
University of Minnesota students James Duquette and Aditya Prabhu snagged $8,000 in funding for their start-up Alure LLC.

University of Minnesota students find 'eco-friendly' way to kill Japanese beetles

The students snagged corporate funding to take their experiment on the road.
The Burnsville home built in 1987 spanning 4,288 square feet was designed by owner/architect Wayne Bishop.

Minneapolis skyscraper architect's lakefront Burnsville home lists for $1.5 million

Wayne Bishop was a founding partner and director of design at Walsh Bishop Associates in Minneapolis.
A 640-square-foot accessory dwelling unit (ADU) in Minneapolis lives large, by Christopher Strom Architects.

As housing market remains tight, Edina is latest suburb to allow ADUs

Cities are slowly clearing the way for Accessory Dwelling Units for similar reasons, but the rules are all different.
Hennepin County deputy sheriff C. V. Swanberg destroyed paraphernalia from a gambling club in 1939, when gambling was illegal in the state.

How did gambling develop into a major industry in Minnesota?

Gambling had been largely illegal in the state until half a century ago.
When Alisa and Adam Moen moved into their 1,000 square-foot condo, it was the perfect size for two people. As their family grew, they purchased the co

Two North Loop condos combined into one 'dreamy' space listed for $649,900

The now 1,700-square-foot Minneapolis condo has two kitchens, two entrances and three bedrooms.
Michael and Kitty Underwood fell in love with their condo's big windows that gave them views to beautiful sunsets.

Elegant condo in former Minnetonka office building could be yours for $379,900

Updated condo has two bedrooms, two bathrooms and 6-foot-tall windows with views.
Jed and Jocelyn Gorlin worked to restore their New England-style home in Hopkins built in 1939 by the Gluek brewing and restaurant family.

Over 27 years, couple have renovated Hopkins 'three-chimney house' built by Gluek family in 1939

Colonial that once belonged to famed Minnesota brewing family has been updated but retains its old New England aesthetic.
Pictured is Cori McDougald with a hat that says Meat & Potatoes Organizing.

Stuck on spring cleaning? Twin Cities organizing expert shares tips

Cori McDougald has decluttered hundreds of houses in the Twin Cities and has tips on how to make organizing your house less daunting.
A photo of the home's kitchen. Pictured is a table, stove and wood-colored counters.

Minneapolis musician Jeremy Messersmith lists remodeled tiny house for $195,000

The hit artist made the 411-square-foot south Minneapolis home his own, complete with a sauna and recording studio.
Natural light permeates the geodesic home in south Minneapolis.

Rare south Minneapolis geodesic home lists for $599,000

It's one of just two geodesic houses in Minneapolis, according to Natural Spaces Domes.
Maria Bartholdi sits for a portrait in her living room Friday, March 8, 2024 in Minneapolis.

Maximalist puts hobbies front and center of colorful Minneapolis home decor

Decked out with green and magenta walls, podcaster Maria Bartholdi explains how it all flows together in her south Minneapolis house.
Windows let ample light into the Ely log home while providing vistas of the woods and Burntside Lake. A stone wood-burning fireplace keeps things cozy

Lakeside Ely home in North Woods lists for $2 million

The property on Burntside Lake has a sauna, dock and private beach.
Teri Otterness points out a Japanese maple, a hearty Zone 5 plant, at Highland Nursery in St. Paul on Nov. 20, 2023.

Thinking of spring? What the USDA's new hardiness map means for Minnesota gardeners

Minnesota nurseries are making room for new types of plants.
Owner Ken Darling has done a number of renovations to his Golden Valley home, but made sure to highlight its key midcentury modern features.

'Groundbreaking' midcentury modern in Golden Valley lists for $1.385 million

The updated 5,884-square-foot house has a greenhouse-like atrium.
Adam Zemlicka piloted Frostbyte, a robotic snowplow machine developed by students at Lake Area Technical College, as it competed in the Autonomous Sno

These Minnesota students are designing robots that will shovel snow

The problem for this year's annual competition? There wasn't any. Snow, that is.
Bryan Baeumler will be at the upcoming 2024 Minneapolis Home + Garden Show.

HGTV's 'Renovation Island' star among headliners at Minneapolis Home + Garden show

Bryan Baeumler will talk about emerging home trends and home renovation tips.
The North Oaks home features a wood-burning fireplace with custom stonework and vaulted ceilings.

North Oaks home with 'classic midcentury feel' and indoor pool lists for $865,000

The house also comes with a sauna, hot tub and 360-degree views of nature.
A loon swims on a lake Friday, May 26, 2023, at Itasca State Park in Park Rapids, Minn.

Minnesota couple's search for a cabin will be featured on 'House Hunters'

The episode that airs in early February will be centered around cabins in Park Rapids, Minn.
Dunwoody College of Technology's lab manager Erin Moren points out lamps that will be part of a student showcase at the upcoming Minneapolis Home and

Twin Cities home shows will feature designs by Dunwoody students

The projects include chairs and light fixtures inspired by big-named brands.
The main floor is centered around a limestone wood-burning fireplace.

Frank Lloyd Wright-inspired home with view of Minneapolis skyline lists for $1.14 million

The home, built by a Minneapolis firefighter near Bde Maka Ska in 1955, maintains midcentury detail after updates.

Nervous about going to the dentist? Ollie the Labradoodle can help

Patients of the Minneapolis office where the dog "works" say they actually look forward to going to the dentist.
Ollie lay on Donna Hedin’s lap while April Kline performed during her dental cleaning at J&D Dental in Minneapolis. Hedin said that she has lifelong

Nervous about going to the dentist? Ollie the Labradoodle can help

Patients of the Minneapolis office where the dog "works" say they actually look forward to going to the dentist.

Cabin-like Eden Prairie house in wildlife-filled woods lists for $499,900

Located on a half-acre lot, one of the family's favorite pastimes was to watch wildlife go by.

Cabin-like Eden Prairie house in wildlife-filled woods lists for $499,900

New 'turnkey' Linden Hills home with working kiln lists for $900,000

Move-in ready home is just blocks away from Lake Harriet.

New 'turnkey' Linden Hills home with working kiln lists for $900,000

An old White Bear Lake church became a family's dream home. Now it's for sale for $3.45 million.

An old White Bear Lake church became a family's dream home. Now it's for sale for $3.45 million.

A couple renovated the oldest surviving church building in White Bear Lake after it was slated for demolition.
A tiny house with a giant garden feeds many mouths in Minneapolis

A tiny house with a giant garden feeds many mouths in Minneapolis

Star Tribune Beautiful Gardens winner Jean Clough has wildflowers growing in the front and vegetables in the back. A meadow is dedicated to George Floyd.

A tiny house with a giant garden feeds many mouths in Minneapolis

A nNrdic skier makes their way around a loop made of artificial snow Tuesday, Dec. 19, 2023 at Theodore Wirth Park in Minneapolis, Minn.. ] AARON LAVI

4 ways to get a taste of a white Christmas when the weather isn't cooperating

With some creative thinking, you can have a snow-kissed holiday in Minnesota this year.

Who are these monsters of Christmas? Minnesota group spreads the lore of Krampus.

Who are these monsters of Christmas? Minnesota group spreads the lore of Krampus.

Fear not, the scary costumed characters usually share beers with passersby and take photos with children.

Minneapolis' 'Date Night Podcast' is where speed dating meets 'The Bachelor'

The dating show has one wedding in the books.

Minneapolis' 'Date Night Podcast' is where speed dating meets 'The Bachelor'

Eclectic Minneapolis house with fountains, wildlife habitat goes viral at $250,000

Eclectic Minneapolis house with fountains, wildlife habitat goes viral at $250,000

The homeowner took it upon himself to install colorful handmade tiles along staircases, fountains and more.

As surrenders increase, Minneapolis Animal Care and Control offers novel ways to foster pets

Short-term fostering allows animals to decompress and a better chance at adoption.

As surrenders increase, Minneapolis Animal Care and Control offers novel ways to foster pets

Updated south Minneapolis home close to trails, restaurants lists for $525,000

Organizational shelving that comes with the house makes the most of sloped ceilings in small closets.