St. Paul, Minnesota

Ames Lake Redevelopment Project

Ames Lake Redevelopment is a four-phase project that encompasses a four-city block area within St. Paul. When the project began, there were 38 apartment buildings that had received little or no investment over the years. More than 1,600 residents lived in one- and two-bedroom units constructed in the 1960s. The apartment buildings had multiple owners and suffered from inconsistent property management. Numerous police calls were made to the area and people generally felt unsafe.

With the help of CDBG funds, the City acquired these buildings with the help of Real Estate Equities who will own and manage all of the units. Extensive renovation created larger units to accommodate families and new rental townhomes will be constructed to replace the most blighted buildings. Much needed green space and a community center will be included in the third phase.

The first two phases of the project, Rose Hill and Barclay Terrace, consisted of 48 one-bedroom units and 48 two-bedroom units in each phase. After rehabilitation, each phase will consist of 28 one-bedroom units, 42 two-bedroom units and seven three-bedroom units, 73 percent of which are affordable to low- and moderate-income households. Rose Hill is fully occupied and Barclay Terrace is completed and occupancy has begun.

The third phase of Ames Green is anticipated to begin in this month. Ames Green will rehabilitate additional units, construct 11 townhomes and includes adding green space and a community center to the area. The final phase, Ashwood Court II, will begin in 2005.

The total project cost is approximately $52.4 million including nearly $7 million from HUD's Community Development Block Grant Program. Other sources include $1.6 million Economic Development Initiative Grant and $16 million through the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit. CDBG funds will be used for acquisition and rehabilitation of the low- and moderate-income housing units. A one-for-one replacement plan has been completed.

In addition to receiving a substantial amount of CDBG funds, this project has a large social impact on the area in that crime in the area has been reduced and people no longer fear living or visiting the area.