The ability for senior citizens to age with dignity in the communities they helped build is a cornerstone of a healthy society, and a significant investment in Granite Falls is set to reinforce this principle for dozens of residents. Minnesota Housing, the state’s primary housing finance agency, has committed a substantial financial package to the comprehensive renovation of the Henry Hill Apartments, a 54-unit building that has provided crucial housing for seniors and individuals with disabilities since its construction in 1978. This $17 million preservation project represents a vital effort to not only modernize an aging facility but also to secure affordable, stable housing for its vulnerable residents, ensuring they can remain connected to their familiar surroundings and support networks. The funding is a key component of a larger statewide effort to address the pressing need for both the creation and preservation of affordable housing options across Minnesota, reflecting a strategic response to the state’s evolving demographic and economic landscapes.
A Landmark Investment in Community Well-being
The financial architecture of this renovation is robust, composed of $10,476,000 in deferred loans and $4,480,000 in tax-exempt bonds provided by Minnesota Housing. This funding package is not just a line item on a state budget; it represents one of the most significant awards of its kind for a preservation project in Yellow Medicine County in more than two decades, as noted by the project’s developer. The allocation is part of a much broader initiative by the state agency, which has earmarked a total of $166.4 million this year to support the creation and preservation of 1,424 single-family homes and apartment units throughout Minnesota. This statewide commitment underscores a recognition of the critical role that safe, affordable housing plays in the economic stability and overall well-being of communities, from bustling urban centers to rural towns like Granite Falls. The investment in Henry Hill Apartments is a clear signal that preserving existing housing stock is as crucial as new construction in meeting the state’s diverse housing needs.
Leading this ambitious undertaking is Kimberly Cooper of Kimberly Cooper & Associates, an Edina-based professional who is embarking on her first project as a residential developer with assistance from her husband, Chris, who brings experience from similar work. Cooper highlighted the intensely competitive nature of the selection process for the preservation award, a testament to the project’s merit and the pressing need it addresses. The core motivation driving this extensive renovation is the preservation of essential affordable housing, a goal centered on the principle of allowing seniors to “age in place.” This concept is about more than just maintaining a physical residence; it is about enabling older adults to remain in their home community, where they feel secure, maintain long-standing social connections with neighbors, and have access to familiar services. For the residents of Henry Hill, this project is a promise of continuity and stability, ensuring their home remains a safe and comfortable haven for years to come.
Revitalization and Project Timeline
The scope of the planned renovation is comprehensive, addressing both the building’s structural integrity and the quality of life for its residents. On the exterior, the work will include critical roof repairs, the replacement of all windows to improve energy efficiency and comfort, and extensive tuck pointing of the masonry to ensure the building’s long-term durability. Internally, the project will tackle crucial infrastructure upgrades, modernizing the electrical and plumbing systems to meet current standards and enhance safety. Each of the 54 apartments will receive fresh paint and updated bathrooms, bringing a renewed sense of comfort and modernity to the living spaces. A primary objective for the development team is the careful phasing of the construction. This strategic approach is designed to allow residents to remain in their homes throughout the renovation process, a logistical challenge undertaken to minimize disruption and ensure the stability and well-being of the senior and disabled tenants who call Henry Hill home.
The project moved forward with a clear and structured timeline, a critical element for a renovation of this magnitude. With the intricate financing details scheduled to close in January 2027, the physical work was set to commence the following March. The entire renovation, from the first day of construction to the final touches, was targeted for completion by December 2027. This revitalization effort not only secured the future of an essential community asset but also paid homage to its past. The apartment building itself is named in honor of Henry Hill, the visionary founder who established the town of Granite Falls in 1872. This connection to local history reinforced the project’s significance, transforming it from a simple building upgrade into an act of community preservation that honored both its pioneering roots and its commitment to caring for its citizens well into the future.
