SEDA seeks builders for apartments

Staples Economic Development Director Melissa Radermacher is looking for developers to build new apartments in Staples to meet some of the needs identified in a recent housing study.

At the Aug. 23 Staples Economic Development Authority (SEDA) meeting, Radermacher told the board that she is working with the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) and with developers out of St. Cloud to build market rate housing apartments. The market rate designation would help make the rents a little lower for renters, but they would not be able to use tax increment financing or tax abatements. 

“The developers would be taking most of the risk, we would be able to help them out,” said Radermacher.

Radermacher said she is also working with the Central Minnesota Housing Partnership to start an affordable housing apartment project.

A third apartment project for high-end housing is just in the beginning stages. Radermacher said there is a need for nice housing that has more amenities, such as a workout facility, outdoor decks or a coffee shop at the center. She said no developers are on board yet.

Board member Tim Rice, who is the Lakewood Health System CEO, said that Lakewood is looking at the need for high-end senior housing, although they are also just in the exploration stage.

Board member Chris Etzler suggested the two plans could work together, with seniors on the ground floor and the top levels for other high-end needs.

Radermacher said she is also starting to look into mixed-use housing, places with housing on the upper floors and retail shops on the ground floor.