There is a great need for additional housing in the Redwood Falls area, as highlighted in the Comprehensive Plan. We are excited to announce our partnership with Southwest Minnesota Housing Partnership (SWMHP) to develop workforce or market rate housing in Block 1 of the Reflection Prairie Housing Development.
RFP Process
The City of Redwood Falls issued a Request for Proposal (RFP) at the end of January 2023 to gather bids for multi-family housing (apartments and/or townhomes) and light retail use in block 1 (the western block) of the northern portion of the Reflection Prairie subdivision. This 12.22 acres of land in block 1, lot 1 has been zoned for multi-family housing and light retail use.
Multiple bids were received and the Southwest Minnesota Housing Partnership (SWMHP) is working with the City of Redwood Falls to better understand the vision for the Reflections Prairie Housing Development.
Working Towards Understanding Community Housing Needs
The Southwest Minnesota Housing Partnership (SWMHP) has been working with the Redwood Falls City Administrator and City Engineer along with Bolton & Menk [leaders of the Redwood county-wide housing study] to discuss the vision for the future of the Reflections Prairie Block 1. They need your help.
The SWMHP seeks to identify gaps in housing for the Redwood Falls community, prioritize those gaps and match them up with appropriate funding sources to ensure the best fit for the community.
Share Your Interest
The group currently has an interest form available for completion.
In the interest form, they ask things such as; Are you interested in rental or ownership? How many beds/baths would you prefer? Do you want to take care of the property yourself or would you prefer a homeowner association?
Attend the Open House!
Who’s invited to the open house? The SWMHP wants to hear from community residents, professionals and employers that are experiencing hiring shortages or new hires falling through because they can’t find housing.
You’re invited to an open house on March 21st from 4pm to 6pm at the Redwood Area Community Center which will include a variety of stations as they seek to understand the community needs.
What kind of housing is going to be in Block 1?
There are generally three different types of housing that the general public references: market rate housing, workforce housing and low income or subsidized housing. Block 1 is expected to be either market rate housing, workforce housing or a mixture of both.
Market rate housing is a single family house that will be sold at the price appropriate in the real estate market at the time of sale. Think townhomes available for rent or purchase. In regards to rental properties that are market rate housing, these will be rented at the going rental rate as well.
Workforce housing is directed at communities who are in need of housing for workers and have a growing job market. Think apartment buildings and possibly townhomes available for rent.
Initial phases of the Reflections Prairie Housing Development are not anticipated to be home to low income or subsidized housing. Subsidized housing helps people find an affordable place to live. Tenants typically need to be income qualified.