Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity

Ripley Gardens has not finished making its mark on our Twin Cities community. Though many of us were not alive for its pioneering past, we will be able to witness its impactful future. Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity (TCHFH) partnered with Central Community Housing Trust (CCHT) and other sponsors to revitalize this Minneapolis landmark.

The redevelopment is an example of a new business model for TCHFH. Due to rising land and construction costs, the focus at TCHFH has shifted from single-family housing to mixed-income and mixed-use housing. There are three historical structures on the Ripley Gardens site—a Tudor Cottage, a bungalow, and the former Martha G. Ripley maternity hospital building. CCHT restored these three existing buildings on-site and built a new apartment building, creating 52 rental units. In addition, 3 new buildings were added. TCHFH contributed 8 townhouses to the redevelopment—one triplex, and one five-plex.

Situated between Penn Avenue North and Queen Avenue, the Ripley Gardens buildings meet eco-friendly standards. The units have large, energy efficient windows. TCHFH installed water conserving fixtures and high-efficiency appliances. Residents of the five-plex and the tri-plex have accesss to underground parking and outdoor green space.