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The plan, approved by the St. Anthony East Neighborhood Association last December, includes 30 apartments for people living with HIV/AIDS (plus one caretaker apartment) and eight for-sale town homes. The town homes are planned to be affordable to households earning 60 to 80 percent of area median income.

The site is located at the intersection of Third and Central avenues in the St. Anthony East neighborhood of Minneapolis. A portion of the land is owned by Clare Housing (including the former site of the King of Clubs bar). The remainder will be purchased from the City of Minneapolis department of Community Planning and Economic Development (formerly MCDA) in April 2004.

The Old Third Town Homes represent the first for-sale units that CCHT has developed in its 17-year history. "This project demonstrates CCHT's commitment to serving the neighborhood's goals of increased homeownership while fulfilling our organization's mission," says Senior Project Manager Sarah Huss. "This project provides housing for people the private housing market underserves."

Clare Apartments will provide both housing and supportive services to 30 very-low income individuals with HIV/AIDS. Rent for all but two units will be Section 8 subsidized, meaning residents will pay 30 percent of their income in rent. Clare Housing will provide supportive services for residents including on-site case management and assistance with transportation, housekeeping, and other needs. The site will also become home to Clare Housing's administrative offices.

Paul Mellblom, president of Clare Housing's Board of Directors, says Clare Apartments will be the first housing in the Upper Midwest for people with HIV/AIDS who can't live independently, but don't need round-the-clock care. "This project fills a gap in the continuum of care," he says.

In addition to the town homes and apartments, the site features a greenway and gardens that will serve residents of the new units and of the existing Spring Manor apartments, an adjacent property owned by the Minnesota Public Housing Authority.

CCHT is finalizing $1.95 million in funding for the project and Clare Housing, $6.7 million. The project is expected to begin construction in April 2004 and be completed in January 2005.

Central Community Housing Trust (CCHT) is an award-winning nonprofit developer of quality housing for the Twin Cities Metro Area, providing homes for more than 2,000 people annually. Since 1987, CCHT has built and renovated 23 properties, totaling 1,200 units of housing. Its mission is to create and sustain quality affordable housing that strengthens lives and communities.

The mission of Clare Housing is to provide services, shelter and compassionate care to persons living with HIV/AIDS. Clare Housing was incorporated as an independent nonprofit, 501(c)(3) agency in Minnesota in 1994. It currently operates two, four-person housing residences that provide 24-hour care.

For more information, contact Nancy Doyle at 612-341-3148, ext. 206.