Ecumen Breaks Ground on New Affordable Senior Living Community 11 Units Designated for Veterans Experiencing Homelessness at Ecumen’s The Hillock.
By Angie Andresen | October 26, 2021
MINNEAPOLIS, October 26, 2021 — Addressing the real need for affordable senior housing — particularly near transit, jobs and services — Ecumen today broke ground on an affordable, 100-unit senior housing community that will include 11 units designated for veterans who are experiencing homelessness.
One of the 25 largest healthcare organizations in Minnesota, Ecumen also announced the name of this new community at the groundbreaking: The Hillock. The Hillock is scheduled to open in fall of 2022 and is the first phase in creating an 100 percent affordable, intergenerational campus at Snelling and 45th Street in the Longfellow neighborhood of Minneapolis
“This is an exciting day for us because this type of project is so central to our mission and vision that every older adult has a home with innovative services to live the life they choose,” said Shelley Kendrick, Ecumen president and CEO. “There is such a need for more affordable options for seniors, and we’re delighted to be part of the solution.”
The nonprofit, which is celebrating 160 years in 2022, has a long history of serving those in need — serving widows and orphans after the Civil War in its earliest days. It now provides many housing and service options for seniors.
“Our mission compels us to honor and serve those who need it most. Certainly, many of our veterans are in need, and this is one way we can make a difference — by designating some of these beautiful apartments for our veterans.”
The Hillock is designed to provide a safe, affordable, maintenance-free living option adjacent to public transit for Minneapolis residents 55 and older, while offering the benefits of socialization and community. Total development costs for The Hillock are $24 million. Rents are expected to range from $816 to $1,339 for studio, one bedroom or two bedroom units. Units are available to qualifying seniors at various income levels earning from, at, or below 30 percent to 60 percent of Hennepin County Area Median Income (AMI). Other unique aspects of this project include a community garden and onsite clinic, which will be open to a rotation of medical providers.
Phase two will be a 89-unit affordable family housing building with 13 units reserved to support veterans experiencing homelessness. The campus is co-developed by Ecumen and Snelling Yards Development, a joint venture between Lupe Development Partners and the Wall Companies. The two new communities will sit on a three-acre parcel that formerly housed the City of Minneapolis Public Works maintenance yard.
The intergenerational approach that will come to life with the second phase of the project has many benefits, including creating connectedness and community among different age groups. This approach also can decrease isolation and depression among seniors and helps young people understand and appreciate the aging process.
“We love being part of an intergenerational community that will give people the option to stay in their same community and neighborhood as they age.”
About Ecumen
Ecumen is a nonprofit provider, developer and operator of award-winning living spaces and innovative technology and services for older adults. Mission-driven since its founding in 1862, Ecumen’s legacy of service is a reflection of a commitment to honoring those it serves. One of the country’s largest senior housing and services providers, Ecumen is based in Shoreview, Minn., and operates properties and services in multiple states, and provides new development, management and consulting services. Housing options include cooperative living, independent living, assisted living, memory care, short-term rehabilitation and long-term care communities. Its diverse in-home and community-based services include home care, hospice, physical and occupational therapy, adult day services, technology products and an online durable goods medical store. Ecumen is a recipient of the 2020 NRC Health Customer Approved Award, a reflection of resident and family member ratings.
For more information, visit www.ecumen.org.