FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: September 12, 2024
Trellis and Missions Inc. Programs Save 56 Deeply Affordable Units in St. Louis Park
Two nonprofits join forces to preserve 56 deeply affordable apartments and prevent families from losing their homes in St. Louis Park
St. Louis Park, MN – Trellis, a nonprofit affordable housing developer, and Missions Inc. Programs, a provider of supportive services, have successfully partnered to preserve 56 deeply affordable apartment homes in St. Louis Park. The acquisition, finalized on September 10, 2024, ensures that the former Perspectives apartment complex remains affordable for low-income families and prevents the displacement of residents. The property will now be known as Bickham Court, in honor of George Bickham, a longtime community teacher and mentor whose dedication to local families has left a lasting impact.
Trellis’ preservation offer was a response to Perspectives Inc.’s bankruptcy, which placed the property up for sale earlier this year. An alternative buyer’s offer would have removed affordability restrictions, converting the units to market-rate housing and displacing residents. Trellis’ successful bid, approved by the bankruptcy court, prevents that conversion and maintains the development as an affordable housing resource.
“Our goal is not only to maintain affordability but also to create a renewed sense of pride and community for Bickham Court residents,” said Dan Walsh, Vice President for Housing Development at Trellis. “We’re thrilled to honor George Bickham’s legacy and provide families with a vibrant, supportive environment where they can thrive.”
Bickham Court, located at 2753-2768 Louisiana Court, consists of 10 one-bedroom, 42 two-bedroom, and 4 three-bedroom units. Of these, 22 apartments will remain reserved for households earning 30% of the Area Median Income (AMI), while the remaining units will be restricted to 50% AMI.
Trellis plans to undertake a comprehensive renovation of Bickham Court, with work anticipated to begin in late 2025. The planned improvements include updates to plumbing, mechanical systems, and roofs, as well as enhancements to unit interiors, common areas, and building exteriors. Additionally, the renovation will add office space and a community room for children’s programming.
Missions Inc. Programs, known for its extensive experience in providing supportive services to families in supportive housing, will continue to serve Bickham Court residents. They will offer case management, tenancy support, parenting skills, therapeutic groups, and more. “Missions Inc. is excited to continue offering support services to the families living at Bickham Court,” said Katy Daniels, CEO for Missions Inc. “We are committed to assisting these families as they build strong, stable lives.”
Trellis, in partnership with Missions Inc. Programs, is profoundly grateful for the opportunity to preserve Bickham Court as a deeply affordable, supportive community for years to come. This vital initiative would not be possible without the support and commitment of our funding partners: Greater Minnesota Housing Fund, MN Housing, Hennepin County, the City of St. Louis Park, and the Family Housing Fund. We extend our heartfelt thanks for making this vision a reality.
For more information, please contact:
Dan Walsh
Vice President, Housing Development
About Trellis
Trellis is a nonprofit organization dedicated to developing and managing affordable housing throughout the Twin Cities metro. By creating quality, affordable communities, Trellis ensures that individuals and families can live in dignity and stability, regardless of income. For more information on Trellis, visit our website at www.trellismn.org.
About Missions Inc. Programs
Missions Inc. Programs provides housing, domestic violence service – including emergency shelter, and supportive services for those seeking recovery from substance use disorders. The organization offers a collaborative and safe community for clients to heal and transform their lives. Founded in 1895, Missions Inc. is one of the longest serving nonprofits in Minnesota. To learn more about Missions Inc, visit their website at www.missionsinc.org.