Housing Development

In an effort to help address the needs of our communities and to help end poverty, the KOOTASCA Housing Development Department works to create new affordable multi-family housing to help address the identified lack of housing stock, including safe and affordable housing. Projects may include the repurpose and renovation of existing buildings, or ground-up construction.

Affordable Housing Affordable focuses on providing housing to those at 30% to 60% of area median income, as well as working with service providers to house and assist those who are currently living with a disability, and those of whom are considered high priority homeless. This ensures that families can pay rent, and have money left over for other necessities like food, transportation, and health care. What’s considered “affordable” depends on a household’s income. The rent or home price that is affordable may vary from one household to the next, but the need for housing that is affordable is shared by everyone.

By working with local HRA’s, service providers, and communities, affordable housing allows for individuals and families within our families the access to safe, modern, and efficient housing in which their rent is no more than 30% of their qualifying income.   Housing provides greater health and well-being to our individuals and families in our communities, and allows for the opportunity to live and grow.

Alexander Baker Apartments- Int’l Falls, MN

In September 2024, a century-old school in International Falls opened its doors once again— not to students, but to families and individuals in search of a safe, affordable home. The completion of the Alexander Baker Apartments marked the culmination of years of planning, collaboration, and community commitment.

Built in 1914, the Alexander Baker School served generations of students and symbolized civic pride during a time of tremendous growth. After its closure in 1995, the building stood vacant for years. Many feared it would eventually be torn down. Thanks to grassroots advocacy and the efforts of Citizens for Backus/AB, the building was preserved, and a new vision began to take shape. That vision became reality through a strong partnership between KOOTASCA Community Action, Trellis Co., and many local supporters. Together, they developed a plan to restore the school and convert it into high-quality affordable housing. The goal was not just to preserve a historic landmark, but to meet a growing need for rental housing in Koochiching County, where the market had seen no new general occupancy apartments in nearly 40 years.

Construction began in 2023 and continued for just over a year. The project involved environmental abatement, structural repairs, and the careful restoration of original features including hardwood floors, brick masonry, stairway galleries, and terrazzo corridors. New plumbing, electrical, and heating systems were installed throughout the 44,000 square foot building. Historic replica windows were added, allowing natural light to fill the spaces where classrooms once
stood. The completed project includes 27 apartments, ranging from one to four bedrooms. All units are income-restricted, and ten of them include additional support through rental assistance and permanent supportive housing. The apartments are bright and spacious, and residents now enjoy modern amenities within
a building that carries deep historical meaning.

Awards

In May 2025, the Alexander Baker Apartments received three statewide honors from the Minnesota Real Estate Journal: Best Affordable Housing in Greater  Minnesota, Best Multifamily Housing, and Best Redevelopment. The recognition reflects not only the quality of the building, but also the value of community-driven development.