Rochester Area Foundation was joined by representatives from Zumbro Ridge Estates, The Coalition for Rochester Area Housing, and numerous company representatives who collaborated to improve Zumbro Ridge Estates for a ribbon-cutting celebration.
In 2017, residents of Zumbro Ridge Estates formed a nonprofit co-operative that owns and manages the manufactured housing community. Since then, the co-op has sought community partnerships to rehabilitate the infrastructure, build-out vacant lots, and add community amenities like a basketball court, picnic area, and playground.
In 2019, The Coalition for Rochester Area Housing loaned $340,000 to First Homes to purchase, install, and offer for sale five move-in ready manufactured homes at a time until thirty empty lots have been filled at Zumbro Ridge Estates. Impact Finance will offer gap loans of up to $5,000 per unit based on buyer eligibility. Together with the co-op board, the Coalition for Rochester Area Housing is coordinating donations and in-kind services from a number of community businesses and nonprofits to keep the improvement costs down for residents (see list below).
“We know that the lack of affordable housing in the Rochester area will require all sectors of the community working together to find creative solutions,” said Steve Borchardt, Director of the Coalition for Rochester Area Housing. “The revitalization of Zumbro Ridge Estates is a great example of how pride in home-ownership and your neighborhood is a win-win for the community as a whole.”
CONTRIBUTORS TO ZUMBRO RIDGE ESTATES
Coalition for Rochester Area Housing: $340,000 loan for new manufactured homes
First Homes (Program of Rochester Area Foundation): Installation and sales of new manufactured homes
Impact Finance (Program of Rochester Area Foundation): Gap Loans for residents purchasing new manufactured homes
Bear Creek Church: Basketball boards, poles, and hoops. Preparing former rental homes for ownership
Bremer Bank of Pine Island: general financial support
Evangelical Methodist Church: Renovate clubhouses, tree cleanup, student sport camp scholarships
First Alliance Credit Union: Specialized financing for manufactured homes
HGA Architects: Architectural drawings of new park
Homes of Harmony: Supplying and supporting manufactured homes
Kiwanis Club: General financial support
MBT Bank/Hanson and Hanson Foundation: $25,000 grant for playground and basketball court projects
Northcountry Cooperative Foundation: Co-operative Board Support, ongoing mentoring
Superior Mechanical: Repairing all water and sewer line for new homes
Thompson Garage Door: New garage door with remote
Rochester Area Builders: Building new bus shelter
Rochester Asphalt: In-kind labor and delivery for basketball court
Rochester Public Library: Programming support for Zumbro Ridge Estates youth
Rory’s Home Improvement: community center windows and construction
Sisters of St. Francis: General financial support
Tremaine Jackson: General financial support