TRENDSETTING The apartments were fully occupied within three months of the building’s opening in March. Residents enjoy the comforts of modern renovation, historic charm, and reduced rent. Hanson says the quality of materials used can’t be found in typical new construction, not to mention the high ceilings, historic millwork, and distinct spaces throughout the facility.
“We were able to accomplish the preservation of a historic site and turn it into a beautiful housing site that moderate- and low-income people can reside in—it’s a great achievement,” says Steve Wenzel, Minnesota State director of USDA Rural Development, and a lifelong resident of Little Falls. Wenzel says each state generally gets funding for one or fewer historic rehabs each year, but the success of the Little Falls project has generated buzz about another similar historic rehab taking place in the coming year.
Hanson says research and preparation were key to Riverwood Pines’ success. Ultimately, however, it was the building itself that made the project: “Don’t try to force it,” he says. “The building will naturally say, ‘It can’t be this.’ If it really doesn’t fit, forcing it just creates problems that you will never solve.”
Elizabeth Ecker is a freelance writer in Chicago.
PROPERTY: Riverwood Pines Apartments
DEVELOPER: MetroPlains Development
ARCHITECT: JLG Architects
LOCATION: Little Falls, Minn.
RENOVATION COST: $3.9 million
LENGTH OF RENOVATION: 27 months
ACTION ITEMS
- Watch the budget. Renovation can be much more costly than new construction. The materials used at Riverwood Pines Apartments had to match the building’s original materials, which meant paying today’s high prices for them.
- Start financing early. The funds for affordable housing in Little Falls came from multiple sources and took a whole year to secure.
- Historic recognition helps. Without interest from the National Register of Historic Places, the renovation of Our Lady of Angels Academy would not have progressed.