Housing

A Successful Test for Modest Size Home

The HRA and County Board heard from builders for many years that smaller homes will not sell.  As houses became larger they also became more expensive leaving many people out of the housing market.  I voted with a majority of the Board to test the premise that smaller, modest size homes of 11,000 – 12,000 square feet would fill an affordability gap in the home market and they would sell.  Olmsted purchased 10 buildable lots on Red Hawk Drive SE and let bids on constructing 10 homes.  The first house was built in 84 days and rest followed within a few months.  Olmsted partnered with First Homes and the city to bring down the cost of the homes.  The final price for low-income buyers (who qualified) was about $280,000.  All 10 houses sold making this test a success.

 

Woodcrest.  Another Experiment of To Create Affordable Houses 

I voted with the majority to test the premise that more modest size houses will sell at market value.  Olmsted County HRA and the Board was approached by Bigelow Homes to build 8 houses very similar to the test homes on Red Hawk Drive.  Bigelow will sell the homes for $350,000.  Olmsted provided an interest free construction loan and the homes qualify for the city’s reduction in hook up fees.  Construction will begin soon and will be completed by the end of summer/fall.  I believe that these homes of 1,000 – 1,200 square feet are needed in our community.  The result for this test of modest market rate houses will be known by the end of the year.

 

Trailside

 

The housing studies indicate that there is a critical need for housing for low-income seniors.  Olmsted worked with Minnesota Housing and our community partners to finance about $15 million to build the Trailside Apartments on Mayowood Drive.  The 36 units will fill a housing gap in our community.  It is expected to be completed and ready for occupancy this fall.  I supported this project.

 

Housing Coalition

I voted with the majority of the Board to contribute $10 million to the Housing Coalition.  This money came from the American Rescue Plan.  I voted with other Commissioners to part of the American Rescue Plan money to help create a lasting housing legacy.  By contributing to the Housing Coalition and pooling community resources a lasting legacy of housing has been created.  With the help of the county board, the Housing Coalition has invested in 11 housing projects totaling over $77 million to create and preserve 285 housing units:  115 homes preserved, 36 rental homes created, 134 homes for ownership.  This has been accomplished in just a few short years and there is more to come.

 

Promise Home

In a partnership with Family Promise, Olmsted now has temporary housing for families that lose or are in need of housing because of unfortunate circumstances.  This completed project fills a gap in our housing and homeless efforts.  Olmsted partnered with Family Promise to operate and manage the site to provide temporary housing for about 12 families.  Olmsted’s housing department will work with the families to procure permanent housing to make their stay at Promise Home temporary.