ST. PAUL, MINN. — Dominium has secured provisional approval to rehabilitate the historic Fort Snelling Upper post in St. Paul. The approximately $100 million project will be financed through a combination of low-income housing tax credits as well as federal and state historic tax credits, among other sources. The final product will add a projected 190 affordable housing units. The project is in response to strong demand for more affordable housing in the market. Research from Dominium shows Hennepin and Ramsey counties have only 34 apartments affordable and available for every 100 residents making less than $20,000 a year.
Located near the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport, the Upper Post of Fort Snelling was a major hub for military activity throughout the late 19th century and much of the early 20th century. It served as an induction and training center during both world wars. The site, which was designated a national historic landmark in 1960, was turned over to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources in 1971. Dominium recently completed the rehabilitation of St. Paul’s Schmidt Brewery on West 7th St. Dominium also is in the process of completing the $175 million renovation of the Minneapolis Pillsbury A-Mill, a national historic landmark, into artist’s lofts. Additionally, the company is working on the $118 million renovation of the Arcade Building in St. Louis. Dominium will now negotiate a lease with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, the terms of which will then be voted on by Minnesota’s State Executive Council, which consists of Minnesota’s governor, lieutenant governor, attorney general, auditor and secretary of state.