SHAKOPEE, MINN. — Merchants Capital has arranged $25.5 million in debt and equity financing for the construction of Prairie Pointe, a 42-unit affordable and supportive housing development in Shakopee. Merchants Capital provided $14.1 million in 9 percent Low-Income Housing Tax Credit equity and secured an $11.4 million bridge loan from Merchants Bank.
Developed by Twin Cities-based developer Beacon Interfaith Housing Collaborative, Prairie Pointe is the only housing development in the area to offer onsite supportive services and rents restricted at 30 percent of the area median income (AMI). Twenty-eight units will be permanently set aside for people experiencing homelessness and/or those with disabilities, and 14 units will be restricted at 50 percent AMI. The permanent supportive housing units will operate under the Minnesota Department of Human Services Housing Support rental subsidy program through Scott County, as well as private subsidy provided by Beacon. Volunteers of America Minnesota and Wisconsin will provide onsite supportive services.
Prairie Pointe will feature one-, two-, three- and four-bedroom units. Community spaces will include a gym, donations room, computer and study rooms, children’s playroom and playground. Beacon’s service partner will provide onsite case management, housing stability skills, employment assistance, mental health support and educational programming as needed for residents. Construction began in January and is slated for completion in December.