AN INTERGENERATIONAL APPROACH TO SOLVING HOUSING SHORTAGE

Ecumen is constructing a 100-unit senior housing community that will include 11 units designated for veterans who are experiencing homelessness. The aim of the Hillock project at Snelling and 45th St. is to address the need for affordable senior housing near transit, jobs and services.
The Hillock is scheduled to open in fall of 2022 and is the first phase in creating an intergenerational campus at Snelling Yards.
“This is an exciting day for us because this type of project is so central to our mission and vision that every older adult has a home with innovative services to live the life they choose,” said Ecumen president and CEO Shelley Kendrick during the groundbreaking on Oct. 26, 2021. “There is such a need for more affordable options for seniors, and we’re delighted to be part of the solution.”
The nonprofit, which is celebrating 160 years in 2022, has a long history of serving those in need – serving widows and orphans after the Civil War in its earliest days. It now provides many housing and service options for seniors.
“Our mission compels us to honor and serve those who need it most. Certainly, many of our veterans are in need, and this is one way we can make a difference – by designating some of these beautiful apartments for our veterans.”
Total development costs for The Hillock are $24 million. Rents are expected to range from $816 to $1,339 for studio, one-bedroom or two-bedroom units. Units are available to qualifying seniors at various income levels earning from, at, or below 30 percent to 60 percent of Hennepin County Area Median Income (AMI). Other aspects of this project include a community garden and onsite clinic, which will be open to a rotation of medical providers.
Phase two will be a 89-unit affordable family housing building with 13 units reserved to support veterans experiencing homelessness. The campus is co-developed by Ecumen and Snelling Yards Development, a joint venture between Lupe Development Partners and the Wall Companies. The two new communities will sit on a three-acre parcel that formerly housed the city of Minneapolis Public Works maintenance yard.
The intergenerational approach that will come to life with the second phase of the project has many benefits, including creating connectedness and community among different age groups. This approach also can decrease isolation and depression among seniors and helps young people understand and appreciate the aging process.
“We love being part of an intergenerational community that will give people the option to stay in their same community and neighborhood as they age,” said Kendrick.