The Minneapolis Public Housing Authority (MPHA) has mapped a new strategy to deliver needed affordable housing.
Utilizing Minnesota-made modules, the agency has delivered 26 two- and 58 three-bedroom units in fourplexes and sixplexes across 16 sites throughout the city. The new homes are designated for families at or below 30% of the area median income, and they all are covered by project-based Section 8 vouchers. Additionally, 16 units are accessible to people with disabilities, and 17 are reserved for formerly homeless residents with services funded through Hennepin County’s coordinated entry program.
“This innovative modular project demonstrates the power of partnership among local governments to address our region’s affordable housing crisis,” says Abdi Warsame, executive director and CEO. “This successful project creates a blueprint for MPHA and housing authorities across the country to deliver quality, cost-effective, deeply affordable family housing.”
MPHA redeveloped existing single and two-family lots to accommodate the new homes. Building scattered-site housing is part of the agency’s strategic plan to increase affordable housing opportunities, and the effort was boosted by a recent city zoning change that allows small multifamily developments to be built in areas where they were previously restricted.
To develop its largest new construction project in more than two decades, MPHA worked closely with general contractor Frerichs Construction and modular manufacturer RISE Modular. The use of modular construction resulted in the project being delivered 30% percent faster than a conventional approach, according to officials.
To top it off, each building includes a solar array to provide approximately 30% of the power consumed by the buildings.
The $51 million development received significant city support, including an early dedication of $4 million from the American Rescue Plan Act.
