The Blue Mound Tower apartment units will soon undergo a major rehabilitation, thanks to funding through Minnesota Housing.
The $1 million project will address plumbing issues, elevator maintenance and other repairs for the 70-unit apartment building in Luverne.
Funds were secured through the Publicly Owned Housing Program (POHP) a state-funded program that rehabilitates and preserves public housing units.
“The opportunities afforded to the HRA of Luverne through Minnesota Housing’s POHP programs will preserve Blue Mound Tower and set us up for future success for years to come,” said Tammy Johnson, director of the Luverne Housing and Redevelopment Authority and Blue Mound Tower.
“This investment reinforces the importance of public housing and helps us continue to provide safe, stable homes for people across our community.”
The rehabilitation project will address:
•Replacing aging water and sewer lines.
•Tuckpointing over 25 percent of the exterior brick façade.
•New roofing for the two building entrances and maintenance shop.
•Elevator pump replacement.
•Parking lot repairs and resurfacing.
•Update unit door hardware to improve accessibility.
•Ventilation, plumbing and lighting upgrades tied to pipe access work.
“The majority of our on-going maintenance problems involve plumbing issues that occur all hours of the day and night,” Johnson said.
“Good plumbing in a building ensures a comfortable, efficient and safe living environment. We are optimistic this part of the project will cut down on water leaks, slow drains and sewer backups.”
She said replacing doorknobs to levers will provide easier accessibility for tenants, and resurfaced parking lots improve safety, especially for those who aren’t steady on their feet.
“Our elevators are constantly running, and replacing the pump unit will reduce down time and extend the life of the elevator,” Johnson said.
“Most important, tenants, current and future, can have peace of mind that they are living in a well-built, well-maintained building.”
Luverne’s total price tag for the project will come in over $1 million.
Minnesota Housing recommended funding $947,800 for the Luverne project, which may be modified for actual costs pending closing.
Luverne HRA will contribute 10 percent of the total project cost to help finance the project.
POHP was first established by the Minnesota Legislature in 2005 to offer assistance to Housing and Redevelopment Authorities (HRAs) and Community Development Agencies (CDAs) that provide public housing to individuals and families.
POHP funds are provided in the form of a 20-year, deferred, forgivable loan to organizations that operate public housing.
There is a competitive application process to apply for POHP funding.
In 2024, 42 applications were submitted and only 18 developments were selected.
Johnson said the next step will be to work with the Southwest Minnesota Housing Partnership and Minnesota Housing to close the loan.
Meanwhile, she’s working to minimize stress for residents during the process.
“Contingency plans are being made for tenants who may be temporarily relocated during construction,” Johnson said.
“We realize construction brings disruption, and therefore we are planning carefully and thoughtfully to make this transition as smooth as possible for those who call Blue Mound Tower home.”
If all goes as planned, she said construction could start by the end of this year.
Luverne HRA was also a recipient in the 2018 POHP selection process. That 2018 project funded:
•Generator installation.
•Roof and skylight replacement.
•ADA entrances.
•Partial window replacement.
•Fire pump improvements.
•New fire alarm system.
•Exterior security lighting.
•Elevator improvements.
•Digital thermostats in all apartments.
•Base board heater replacement.
•Interior lighting upgrades.
“There are always needs with an aging building,” Johnson said. “However, I’m optimistic that this project will secure quality public housing in the Luverne community for years to come.”
Johnson, who has been in her position for 10 years, said she believes safe, secure, affordable housing is a human right.
“Blue Mound Tower provides just that to folks of all ages,” she said. “Personally for me, it’s rewarding to carry out that mission in a community I grew up in and still call home.”
