GLBT Senior Housing Will Break Ground

Note: Community Design Group was the consultant for the Lake Street Initiative, where the conversations about developing GLBT housing at the Spirit of the Lakes site began. In fact, the initial discussion about this idea took place in the session we facilitated for the area around the church.

The results from our project were then used by our client, Powderhorn Park Neighborhood Association, and submitted to the Corridor Housing Initiative, a national project being coordinated locally by Center for Neighborhoods. As you can see this project is moving forward towards implementation.

Published 01.10.05

Online at http://wcco.com/minnesotaliving/
local_story_010225408.html

(WCCO) Minneapolis A new housing complex geared toward GLBT senior citizens will break ground next year.

The Spirit of the Lakes United Church of Christ, whose members are predominantly gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender, agreed to sell its property on the northwest corner of of 13th Avenue and Lake Street so that it can be rebuilt as GLBT senior housing with space for the church inside.

Church member Barbara Satin said management won't exclude straight people, though they predict most residents will be GLBT seniors.

"We will market it that way, and from research that we've done, we think we'll have a good response to that," Satin said.

Lake Street has been undergoing a revitalization in recent years, and church members see this project as part of the positive changes. Roughly half of the condos will be sold at reduced prices for those with low incomes.

"There's a need for affordable housing across the city, and GLBT are part of the community -- part of Minneapolis," church member John Evans said.

Spirit of the Lakes prides itself on breaking down barriers, so this project fits with that goal.

The church sold its site to PRG, Inc., a Minneapolis non-profit, which will develop the project in collaboration with the church. One of PRG's latest projects is the Franklin Station Townhomes on 24th Street east of Bloomington Avenue.

Spirit of the Lakes will continue to hold services in its current building until construction begins in late 2006.

(WCCO)