As the owner and operator of over 1,100 units of affordable housing throughout Washington County, we play a critical role in ensuring that all residents have a good and safe place to live.

We’re proud of the work that we do in partnering with architects and developers to create award-winning facilities that roughly 2,000 seniors and kids, working families, and those with disabilities call home. Below are some examples of what we’ve been up to in communities around Washington County.

We’re also a financing partner for many privately-owned affordable housing developments throughout Washington County. Information about those programs is available here.

The Glen at Valley Creek

The Glen at Valley Creek is the CDA’s newest rental development, located near Valley Creek Road and Tower Drive in the heart of Woodbury. When the property was listed for sale, the City asked the CDA to evaluate the potential to redevelop site to provide high-density, affordable housing. The site was ideally situated near shopping, healthcare, the Central Library, Woodbury YMCA, and the Tamarack Nature Center. The CDA worked with city staff, architects, and engineers on a concept plan that overcame the site’s unique challenges, including stormwater management, pedestrian access, and traffic control at the adjacent intersection. The CDA also engaged residents of the surrounding homes to understand and address their concerns. While design work was underway, CDA staff brought together public, private, and nonprofit partners to finance the development. These partners include:

  • Dakota County
  • Enterprise Community Investments
  • Minnesota Housing
  • Metropolitan Council
  • City of Woodbury
  • US Bank
  • Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines
  • Bridgewater Bank
  • Senior Care Communities

The Glen opened its doors in 2019 and offers 42 one and two-bedroom apartments to seniors age 62+ at affordable monthly rents. The building includes a wealth of shared amenity space, including a fitness room, space for crafting, and a comfortable lounge area with fireplace in the Bill and Joan Hargis community room. Each apartment includes thoughtful design features that can adapt to the needs of residents change with age. On-site staff are available to assist residents with coordinating transportation, housekeeping, and personal care services as those become desired or necessary. As a result of its features and financing, the Glen at Valley Creek has received awards from the National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials (NAHRO) and the National Association of Local Housing Finance Agencies (NALHFA).

Piccadilly Square

The City of Mahtomedi approached us to help fulfill a vision to redevelop the former Piccadilly Restaurant, which closed in 2006.  The site is a prominent location at the gateway to the downtown area.

The vacant building fell into disrepair, which had a blighting impact on the community.  As a fully developed community, the prospect of redeveloping this property posed significant advantages to the city and the county.

Our redevelopment effort has created 79 units of affordable senior housing and addresses critical housing issues in the Mahtomedi/White Bear Lake/Oakdale area. This redevelopment has provided the following benefits:

  • The project’s 79 units of affordable senior housing are addressing critical housing issues in the Mahtomedi/White Bear Lake/Oakdale area.
  • Local businesses are benefitting from the increase in customer base within a short walking distance.
  • Pedestrian and bike amenities have enhanced the connections to the existing regional trail network.
  • An outdoor public plaza and indoor community gathering space create an area that embraces the community beyond its own resident population.
  • Residents are linked to the metro transit system, with a bus stop just one block from the site.

In April 2017, Piccadilly Square was one of just five projects nationwide to receive the Redevelopment Excellence award from the National Association of Local Housing Finance Agencies.

We are proud that our work stands as a model for other communities in terms of design and partnership between private and public entities.

The Groves

In 2014 and 2015, we collaborated as co-developers with Shelter Corporation to substantially renovate the Parkside Apartments in Cottage Grove.

Rebranded as The Groves, the renovation used Low Income Housing Tax Credits and our gap financing program to fund the project.  The CDA retains a vested interest in the property and the option to once again fully own the property after the 15-year tax credit compliance period is complete.

The $4.4 million in improvements represents a substantial investment that benefits not only in the property itself but also the greater Cottage Grove community.

The rehabilitation project consisted of demolition of four units to increase site safety and security. Exterior improvements were made and a new playground/recreation space was created.

Inside, units now include central air conditioning, in-unit washers and dryers, updated kitchens and flooring, and new windows.