The first apartment complex in the city of Carver exclusively serving the 55+ demographic is in the process of being occupied.
Local leaders and area residents gathered Monday afternoon (March 2) for a ceremonial ribbon cutting at the entrance to Carver Oaks, a 43-unit affordable housing project near the intersection of Jonathan Carver Parkway and Ironwood Drive.
According to Allison Streich, Carver County Community Development Agency (CDA) executive director, the Carver Oaks building includes 32 one-bedroom units and 11 two-bedroom units, ranging in size from 672 square feet to 1,106 square feet.
New residents must meet income eligibility guidelines to live there — at or below 50% of the area median income.
In addition, seven of the units are specifically earmarked for veterans experiencing housing instability. Carver Oaks is partnering with the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs to provide Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (VASH) vouchers to cover a large portion of the rent for those residents who are veterans. Households in VASH units pay 30% of their income toward rent.
New residents of Carver Oaks started moving into their homes at the end of February, according to Streich, and approximately half the units are currently leased.
Each of the apartment units features a laundry room with a washer and dryer, accessible bathroom facilities and modern kitchen appliances.
The complex features high-speed internet connections, secure door access, underground parking, fitness rooms, a community gathering room, a craft room and a library.
In the moments prior to the ribbon cutting, various local leaders offered their congratulations for the finished project and commented on the many obstacles that were overcome to make Carver Oaks a reality.
Streich thanked the many partners that made the affordable housing project possible, including Minnesota Housing, Carver County, the city of Carver, Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs, R4 Capital, Metropolitan Council of the Twin Cities, Frana Companies, Kaas Wilson Architects, Winthrop & Weinstine, Guaranty Title, Old National Bank, Larissa Rippley from Rippley Richard Real Estate and Steven Dunbar of Ivy Properties.
Streich told the assembled crowd that the project, which has been years in the making, will provide stable housing for seniors for years to come.
“We’re so excited to see this project open and for 43 households to be able to call Carver Oaks home,” she said.
Celi Haga, chairperson for the Carver County CDA board of directors, said whether future tenants of Carver Oaks are new to the city or longtime Carver residents, they will enjoy the community feel of the new complex — similar to other CDA facilities throughout the county.
“I am so, so proud of the hard work and dedication of the entire CDA staff to make our properties more than just a place to live, but make it a real home,” Haga said. “The facilities are beautiful, and the staffs work to make meaningful connections with our residents and help residents connect with each other. I’ve never seen anything like it, and I’m so grateful for all their hard work.”
Rachel Robinson, deputy commissioner for Minnesota Housing, congratulated the CDA on completing the Carver Oaks building and welcoming the first residents.
“It’s a really exciting day,” she said. “Housing is foundational to a full life and a thriving state. We work with communities and partners to create, preserve and finance housing that is affordable so more Minnesotans can live in a stable, safe, accessible home in the community of their choice. And this is what that looks like … and that’s what makes days like today so wonderful.”
She also applauded the use of Housing and Urban Development VASH vouchers to provide stable housing for veterans.
“It brings us closer to our goal of ending veteran homelessness in Minnesota, which is incredibly important as we move ahead,” she said.
Carver Mayor Courtney Johnson noted that the groundbreaking for Carver Oaks occurred just 307 days prior to the ribbon cutting ceremony for the complex.
“It’s been a ton of fun watching the construction progress, and I’m excited to be here today to celebrate as we move from this being a building and turning it into homes,” she said.
The project helps the city of Carver meet some of its strategic housing action plan goals, which includes a desire to provide more exclusively 55-plus apartment units.
“Carver Oaks broadens the housing options in our community,” Johnson commented. “The city of Carver is a place where everyone is welcome, valued and included. Today, we aren’t just cutting a ribbon, we’re opening the doors to a community.”
Lisa Anderson, District 1 Carver County commissioner and liaison to the Carver County CDA board, wrapped up comments for the afternoon.
She noted there’s a sign in the CDA office that reads: “To accomplish great things, you must not only act but also dream; not only plan but also believe.”
“This is not just a quote, this is this team’s operating principle,” she said. “Projects like this are extraordinarily complex, involving multiple partnerships … countless requirements and a patchwork quilt of funding sources. Yet this team never stops moving because they never stop dreaming. They know that the light at the non-stop tunnel of bureaucratic headaches are the people who call Carver Oaks home — people who have their own dream to have safe, affordable homes in beautiful Carver County. That’s what fuels this team. Carver Oaks has demanded years of dedication, planning and persistence, fueled by the belief that lives will be transformed.”
She concluded that Carver Oaks is not just a beautiful building, “but a home for dreams, friendships and new beginnings. It’s community, it’s dignity, it’s hope and it’s home.”
The crowd briefly adjourned outside for the ribbon cutting near the entrance. Then tours and refreshments were provided to attendees.
For more information about Carver Oaks, or to apply for a unit, contact the manager at carveroaks@carvercda.org or call 952-556-2786.
