Twenty-two residents attended a June 20 open house that provided information about a proposed multifamily housing development in southwest Luverne.
The event was hosted by the Southwest Minnesota Housing Partnership (SMHP).
“We had a mix of neighbors, business owners, bankers, government officials and more attend the open house,” said SMHP Director of Real Estate and Community Development Jen Theneman.
Attendees were able to see conceptual drawings of the townhomes, learn details about the proposed unit options, ask questions, provide feedback and gather information about the next steps in the process.
The proposed development includes 30 units of two-, three- or four-bedroom, two-story townhomes with attached garages and in-unit laundry.
The four-bedroom units will have double garages and the remaining units will have single garages.
The proposed development, located in the Sybesma addition in southwestern Luverne, would have a single access from County Highway 4.
“We felt that the conversations were very positive of the look and purpose of the project, and in general supportive of this additional housing option in the community,” Theneman said.
Some of the questions asked by neighbors involved access from current residential streets in the area, the potential for truck traffic and an overall increase in traffic, and the impact of the project on the value of nearby homes.
“Our answer was that any development, especially when well-maintained, can add to the area,” Theneman said.
“Our existing property, Rock Creek Townhomes to the east, was mentioned as a positive project in the neighborhood which has not had any negative impact.”
Potential rental rates were also questioned at the open house.
“We are still finalizing the rates but plan to make them affordable for households in the 80-percent area median income bracket and less, while also ensuring quality-built homes and well-maintained lawns, streets and play areas,” Theneman said.
According to the SMHP, the next step for the proposal is to submit the project to the Minnesota Housing Consolidated Request for Proposal for funding in 2024, which is due mid-July.
The request for funding will include design, budgets, letters of support and financial contributions from the city of Luverne, area businesses and the SMHP contribution.
“We anticipate that we would hear from the Minnesota Housing Finance Agency by the end of 2023 if we receive the grant award,” Theneman said.
“If approved, we would finalize partnerships with all of the entities and plan to break ground in summer or fall of 2024 with completion anticipated in 2025,” she said.
“If the project is not funded in this competitive round, we would plan to continue to gather support for the project and resubmit in Summer 2024.”
Overall, SMHP officials were pleased with the open house and the support they are receiving for the proposed project in the community.
“We have worked with the city of Luverne many times over the past 30 years and continue to be impressed by their foresight and willingness to explore options,” Theneman said.
“We were also pleased to see many people interested in this project and the opportunity to hear their feedback.”