Minneapolis Affordable Housing Project Gains Approval
The 98-unit development offers new family-sized rentals for households earning 30% to 60% of the area median income.
Updated on Oct. 27, 2026 in Apartments
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The Minneapolis Planning Commission has approved a new 98-unit affordable housing development to be built on the historic Checkerboard Elevator site. The project, proposed by Trellis Co., seeks to provide rental housing for households earning between 30% and 60% of the area median income.
Why it matters
This project addresses a localized shortage of multi-bedroom rental units, specifically designed to help families in the Howe neighborhood. Future household financial planning for local renters will depend on the final outcome of upcoming city rezoning and tax increment financing discussions.
The proposed building will provide 98 total units, including 21 three-bedroom apartments for families earning 30% to 60% of the area median income. The development remains subject to final city approval.
The players
Trellis Co.
A developer focused on creating affordable housing units for low-to-moderate income households.
Minneapolis Planning Commission
The city body responsible for reviewing land use, zoning, and development proposals.
Minneapolis City Council
The local governing body that manages city-wide policy, zoning, and public financial approvals.
The details
Trellis Co. plans to construct a six-story building that incorporates the historic headhouse of the Checkerboard Elevator, which stopped operating in 2013. The design includes 30 one-bedroom, 47 two-bedroom, and 21 three-bedroom units alongside amenities like bike parking and a children's play area. The developer will next seek a tax increment financing district to help move the project toward completion.
Timeline
1912: Construction began on the original grain elevator at the site.
2013: The Checkerboard Elevator site ceased industrial operations.
October 26, 2026: The Minneapolis Planning Commission approved the project.
Money Landscape
This project follows the 2013 closure of the Checkerboard Elevator, which sat idle for over a decade. The transition of this site reflects a broader trend of repurposing historical industrial land to address current regional housing supply shortages.
Low-to-moderate income households in Minneapolis should monitor future City Council updates regarding the project's tax increment financing and zoning approval. If approved, the site will offer a new housing option for families seeking three-bedroom rentals at restricted income levels.
The takeaway
This development proposes a shift for the Howe neighborhood, potentially adding needed family-sized housing units to the local market. Residents should watch for upcoming public hearings at the Minneapolis City Council to stay informed on project timelines and tax financing decisions.
Further reading
For more on market trends, visit our Apartments section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Finance & Commerce.
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