ST PAUL, Minn. — The Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity is building 147 affordable homes in East St. Paul.
They are being built on the site of the former Hillcrest Golf Course and will be a part of The Heights development.
“This will be the largest investment, the most significant investment on the Eastside probably since 3M started building over here,” said Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity CEO Chris Coleman.
Coleman said this project will help chip away at the housing crisis.
“There are way too many families that can’t afford a basic shelter. And there are way too many families that can’t afford the incredible impact of homeownership,” he said. “When you own your home and you build equity in that home, you can pass that equity onto your children so they can buy a home.”
Coleman and St. Paul Mayor Melvin Carter both believe homeownership is a pathway to success.
“We hear it all the time, homeownership is the primary vehicle for wealth creation in America, but we all also hear that we have deep and pervasive disparities in homeownership,” Carter said.
Carter said it’s rare for a city gets an opportunity of this size to build an entire community from the ground up on a 112-acre site.
“This is going to be one of the most incredible neighborhoods in the country,” he said.
Carter said there is a big need for more affordable housing in his city.
“We need quality housing for children in our schools from all different families, and all different income levels deserve to be able to be in a home that has quality finishes and has a quality build,” he said.
Coleman said this project might be one of the most sustainable developments in the state. None of the homes will have a gas line. Instead, they will use air source heat pumps. The rooftops will be covered in solar panels, the homes will have energy efficient appliances and building materials, a geothermal energy system, and intentional green spaces.
The Heights will also be home to nearly 1,000 rental units, manufacturing companies, an Xcel Energy headquarters office, and a five-acre park.
Funding for the first phase of the homes is almost fully funded. The first phase includes 74 homes, 30 of which will be built between Sept. 29 – Oct. 4, a part of the Jimmy & Rosalynn Carter Work Project. The Carter Project has traveled to 14 countries and brings together thousands of volunteers.
The goal is to have the first residents move in by the end of the year or early next year.
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