Minnesota group to build AIDS housing facility

Minneapolis-based Clare Housing, an AIDS service organization, later this year will break ground on a 30-unit, $6.7 million apartment building in a blighted section of the city for HIV/AIDS patients and their families, the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports. Another group, Central Community Housing Trust, will build eight brick row houses across the street from the apartment complex that will be put up for sale. The two residential areas will be joined by a common green space. Clare Housing chose the site for its AIDS housing project because it is near downtown Minneapolis, close to medical services, and on a major bus line. Clare's initial proposal called for a complex with more than 100 apartments, but that plan was rejected by the St. Anthony East Neighborhood Association because the group wanted more home ownership in the area. The row homes will sell for $140,000 to $190,000. Of the 30 apartments, 28 will have Section 8 rental assistance funding. The housing projects will be completed and available for occupancy in January 2005.