Kingsley Commons Opens: First Multi-housing Development Built in Minnesota for People with MS

MINNEAPOLIS, July 9, 2007 — The state’s first multi-housing development specifically designed and built for people living with multiple sclerosis and one of only three such developments in the nation will open this month in Minneapolis.

Kingsley Commons is a unique community of 25 one- and two-bedroom affordable apartment homes with universal design features, where residents have access to personal services that help them live independently. This innovative property is the result of several years’ joint effort by the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Minnesota Chapter, the Powderhorn Community Council and nonprofit developer, property manager and service provider CommonBond Communities.

Miller Hanson Partners designed the three-story, 26,000-square-foot building on a woodsy site along Shingle Creek in North Minneapolis (4550 Humboldt Avenue North). Frana Companies is the general contractor.

“Kingsley Commons provides a much-needed, affordable housing option for people with MS, some of whom are young and might otherwise have to live in nursing homes,” said Maureen Reeder, President of the National MS Society, Minnesota Chapter. “This project is a landmark first step to address the growing need for housing and other long-term services for people with MS.”

“When CommonBond Communities was brought on board, we were thrilled to be a part of this important housing resource,” said Paul Fate, President and CEO of CommonBond Communities. “We are certain Kingsley Commons can be a national model and will demonstrate how housing can be a catalyst for community change and personal success.”

The need for affordable and accessible housing for people with disabilities is great. More than 200 people inquired about this housing community and nearly 150 people applied to live in Kingsley Commons. The Minnesota Chapter continues to partner with community organizations to address the need for appropriate housing for people with MS. CommonBond is exploring similar housing opportunities in other states.

Residents are moving into Kingsley Commons this month. A grand opening is scheduled for Thursday, August 16 in the late afternoon.

Project funding sources include the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development; Hennepin County Housing and Redevelopment Authority—Affordable Housing Incentive Fund; the City of Minneapolis; the National MS Society, Minnesota Chapter; and corporate grants from Travelers, GMAC ResCap, Bremer Foundation and Pentair Foundation.

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About CommonBond Communities
Founded in 1971, CommonBond Communities is the largest nonprofit developer, manager and service provider of affordable housing in the Upper Midwest, transforming and strengthening urban, suburban and rural neighborhoods so all people, despite their economic status, experience the benefits of a strong sense of home.
www.commonbond.org

CommonBond Communities
Deb Sakry Lande
Director of Community Relations
651.290.6225
lande@commonbond.org

About National MS Society, Minnesota Chapter
The National Multiple Sclerosis Society helps each person address the challenges of living with MS through a 50 state network of chapters. The society funds more MS research, provides more services to people with MS, offers more professional education and furthers more advocacy efforts than any other MS organization in the world. The Minnesota Chapter represents an estimated 9,000 people with MS in Minnesota and western Wisconsin.
www.mssociety.org

National MS Society,
Minnesota Chapter
Emily Wilson
Media and Marketing Coordinator
612.335.7931
ewilson@mssociety.org

About Miller Hanson Partners | Architects + Planners
Founded in 1962, Minneapolis-based Miller Hanson Partners plans and designs luxury condos, senior campuses, co-ops, affordable apartments, supportive housing, learning environments, and mixed-use developments that incorporate civic spaces and retail. The firm’s clients are private and nonprofit developers, local housing authorities, faith-based groups, educators and health care organizations.
www.millerhanson.com

Miller Hanson Partners | Architects + Planners
Kathe Stanton
Media Relations Representative
651.633.7676
kathe_stanton@excite.com