Cuningham announces completion of unique affordable housing and community center development in Minneapolis, MN

 Sam Olbekson

 

MINNEAPOLIS, MN – Cuningham, a design firm with expertise in architecture, interior design, urban design, landscape architecture, and master planning, has announced on behalf of its client, the Red Lake Nation, the opening of Mino-bimaadiziwin Affordable Housing.

  The first-of-its kind,110-unit affordable housing community features a Red Lake Nation embassy and healthcare clinic and is located in the heart of Minneapolis’ American Cultural Corridor.

 Mino-bimaadiziwin, which means “living the good life” in Ojibwe, provides housing to Red Lake Ojibwe Band members and other local Native American residents, as well as bringing much-needed services to the tribe’s urban population.

Jeff Schoeneck

 It is the first housing project developed by a tribal government in a major city, according to Sam Olbekson, AIA, NCARB, Founder and CEO of Full Circle Indigenous Planning + Design, LLC and Cuningham consultant.

“The Red Lake Ojibwe Band identified a strong need for culturally-specific supportive housing for its community members living off the tribe’s northern Minnesota reservation,” says Olbekson.

“In addition to the affordable housing units, the development’s Red Lake Nation embassy and healthcare clinic will create a convenient hub for residents to receive the services, resources, and care they need.”

 

Project funding for the nearly $42 million development came from the city of Minneapolis, Hennepin County, the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community, and 15 other sources.

 “We’ve seen widespread support for Mino-bimaadiziwin from a range of local stakeholders who hold a strong belief that this permanent housing solution, as well as convenient access to community resources and physical and mental health services, will create a solid foundation upon which residents will flourish,” says Jeff Schoeneck, AIA, NCARB, LEED AP, Principal and Executive Director of Cuningham’s Live Studio.

The project was built on a site that previously served as a temporary navigation center for unsheltered residents in response to an encampment of over 300 people called the Wall of Forgotten Natives.

The Cuningham team collaborated closely with Red Lake Ojibwe community members and other stakeholders to ensure the design was strongly rooted in place and aligned with enhancing and uplifting the resident experience and overall mission of the project.  

CONTACTS:

Katie Haga / Elisabeth Manville

The Smart Agency, Inc.

(949) 438-6262
khaga@thesmartagency.com