Moving in and heading home

A snapshot of three county-funded affordable housing developments that are now welcoming renters.

Getting an affordable housing development off the ground can be a long—and complicated—process. It's only made possible through the joint efforts of partners across the region, including developers, banks, property managers, government, investors, regulatory bodies, and of course, tenants.

So, when construction is complete and units are ready to be leased, it’s a cause for celebration. Here are three recent Hennepin County-funded projects that will create a total of 128 brand new units affordable at or below 50% of the area median income (AMI).

These units are a direct result of the pandemic recovery funding that allowed us to support affordable housing developments at a record pace. Now, they’re opening their doors and welcoming renters home.

Union Park Flats

Union Park Flats provides 60 units of affordable housing in St. Louis Park for families with lower incomes, including supportive services for people exiting homelessness.

This project, developed and operated by Project for Pride in Living, aligns well with the county’s goal of creating rental opportunities for low income and extremely low-income renters, with 44 units affordable to households at 50% AMI and 17 available to households at 30% AMI.

Its proximity to local employment opportunities, great schools, transit, and a Southwest light-rail station 2 blocks away, make this a desirable location.

Union Park Flats also creates 13 permanent supportive housing units for people exiting homelessness. These renters will be supported by a rent subsidy and services administered by Hennepin County Health and Human Services.

Renters started moving into their new homes in January and are starting to build community.

“Residents might choose Union Park Flats because of PPL’s long history of providing quality affordable housing, and supportive services to the community,” said Gabe Philibert, vice president of Real Estate Development and Asset Management at PPL. “We hope to provide stability for our residents who may not have had opportunity or access in the past, which may lead to more opportunity, growth, and prosperity in the future.”

Wangstad Commons

Wangstad Commons offers new quality, affordable housing in Brooklyn Center. This property will provide 28 units with rents affordable to households with incomes at 50% AMI or less. 16 of those units are deeply affordable (households with incomes at 30% AMI or less) with supportive services for people exiting homelessness. It was designed to meet the area’s need for larger families, with nine three-bedroom units and five four-bedroom units.

Its proximity to the Bus Rapid Transit C-Line and other amenities helps residents easily access jobs and services in downtown Minneapolis.

“Wangstad Commons is special because its prides itself on offering high-quality units and being an inclusive environment for residents,” said Johnny Opara, President and CEO or JO Companies, the developer and operator of Wangstad. “Having access to transit, amenities such as in-units washers and dryers, a fitness and business center, community room, underground parking, and so much more. Most importantly, an owner & operator who believes everyone deserves a beautiful place to call home!”

Emerson Village

Emerson Village created 40 new affordable rental housing units in Minneapolis, all supported by Project-Based Section 8 so that renters only pay 30% of their income toward rent.

Beacon Interfaith Housing Collaborative, the developer and operator, designed the project to provide supportive housing for families. Through partnership and technical assistance from Hennepin County under the Supportive Housing Strategy, 20 units are reserved for families exiting homelessness, and 12 are reserved for families involved in the child welfare system, all with services tailored to their needs and goals.

Emerson Village creates units that are perfectly suited for families, with three-bedroom and four-bedroom units, and access to parks, trails, schools, employment, and services within walking distance.

The project was designed in partnership with local neighbors and supportive housing residents. As a result of the design process, dedicated spaces for youth, a computer lab, three quiet spaces, and a workout room were incorporated into the building.

Renters started moving into their new homes in January, and the building will be full in March.

“Stable, high-quality housing can have a transformative impact on families’ lives,” said Jim Barnes, Senior Housing Development Project Manager at Beacon. “On-site services support every member of the household in accomplishing their goals.”