By Kris Thorkelson
Looking Past the Concrete
As someone deeply invested in real estate, I’ve always believed that our work goes far beyond bricks, beams, and bottom lines. At Thorwin Properties, we strive to create more than just housing—we aim to foster environments where people feel safe, supported, and connected. Over time, I’ve come to realize that one of the most powerful impacts we can make as real estate professionals is to support mental well-being in the communities we help shape.
Urban living brings with it a unique set of mental health challenges—from isolation and stress to lack of access to green space and overstimulation. But as developers and property managers, we have the tools and responsibility to create environments that counter those challenges.
Mental Health and the Built Environment
Many of us associate mental health support with clinics, therapy, or medication—and those are all important pieces of the puzzle. But there’s growing recognition that where and how we live plays a significant role in our overall well-being. A poorly maintained building, a lack of community space, or an unsafe neighborhood can subtly chip away at someone’s mental health over time. On the flip side, clean, secure, and thoughtfully designed spaces can uplift, empower, and restore.
This is where real estate becomes more than a business—this is where it becomes a tool for meaningful change.
Designing with Mental Wellness in Mind
At Thorwin Properties, we’ve integrated mental health considerations into how we approach design and property management. Natural light, ventilation, noise reduction, and access to greenery are not luxuries—they are essential features that directly affect how people feel in their homes.
We prioritize landscaping and outdoor spaces not only for aesthetic appeal but also because they offer moments of peace and reflection for residents. A courtyard with benches or a rooftop garden can make all the difference in a busy urban setting. Additionally, by offering common areas like lounges or multipurpose rooms, we give people opportunities to connect—which helps combat one of the biggest challenges in modern cities: loneliness.
Safety and Stability First
Mental health is deeply connected to one’s sense of safety. When residents feel secure in their homes and neighborhoods, their stress levels decrease and their overall well-being improves. That’s why property upkeep, security measures, and responsive management are so important. It’s not just about delivering service—it’s about preserving a sense of dignity and care for the people who trust us with their homes.
Stable housing is also critical. When families or individuals face frequent moves or fear eviction, the resulting uncertainty can be emotionally devastating. We work hard to keep our buildings affordable and ensure our residents know they have a place where they belong.
Creating a Culture of Connection
One of the simplest yet most profound ways to improve mental health in urban environments is through connection. Urban life can be isolating, even when you’re surrounded by people. That’s why we make intentional efforts to build a sense of community in our properties. From holiday events to wellness workshops, we look for small but meaningful ways to bring neighbors together and foster a shared sense of identity.
When people know their neighbors, they’re more likely to look out for each other. That connection creates a ripple effect—not just improving individual well-being but strengthening the social fabric of the entire neighborhood.
Partnerships That Make a Difference
We recognize that we’re not mental health professionals, but that doesn’t mean we can’t play a supporting role. We’ve worked to build relationships with local nonprofits, community organizations, and wellness groups to bring support closer to where people live. Whether it’s by offering meeting space for community programs or distributing wellness resources to residents, we want to ensure that help is accessible, stigma-free, and integrated into daily life.
In the long term, I believe every real estate company should be thinking about how to partner with mental health advocates to ensure our buildings promote not just physical comfort but emotional well-being too.
Leading with Empathy
At the heart of all this is empathy. Real estate is a people business—something I remind myself and my team of often. It’s not about units and margins; it’s about homes and lives. When we lead with empathy, we make better decisions—for our residents, our staff, and our city.
This mindset also impacts how we treat our own team. Supporting the mental health of our staff—by encouraging work-life balance, providing resources, and fostering open dialogue—is just as important as supporting our residents. A healthy team creates a healthier community.
A Call to Action for the Industry
As cities continue to grow and evolve, the real estate sector must evolve too. We must recognize our potential to influence more than just skylines—we have the power to shape the everyday experiences of thousands of people. That’s a responsibility I take seriously, and I encourage others in the industry to do the same.
By integrating mental wellness into our designs, operations, and community engagement, we can help rewrite the narrative of urban living—from one of isolation and stress to one of connection, safety, and belonging.
The Bottom Line: People First
At the end of the day, I believe the best real estate isn’t the flashiest or the tallest—it’s the kind that serves people well. By putting mental health at the forefront of how we build and manage our properties, we’re not just filling units—we’re building stronger, more resilient communities.
That’s the kind of legacy I want Thorwin Properties to be known for. One where buildings don’t just house lives—they help enrich them.