A new multi-family housing project is rising in southeast Willmar near the Highway 23/71 bypass–15th Street Flats. This affordable housing project consisting of 47 multi-family rental units is definitely taking shape. Commonwealth Development, the project developer, closed on funding with the State of Minnesota on August 31, 2018. Commonwealth gave the notice to proceed with construction on September 4th to the general contractor, Project One Construction of Kimball, MN. Shortly thereafter, the contractor began site work removing the topsoil at the site.
Eight months after the start of construction, 15th Street Flats contractors have reached the fourth floor and are working on the roof, plumbing, electrical and other elements of the project. Notably, 15th Street Flats is on time and on budget. If the project schedule continues to hold, the developer anticipates resident move-in by September 2019. As a direct result of this project and other developments in Willmar, the EDC has interacted with other housing developers that have taken notice of the community and have been exploring and planning other housing projects.