The City of Wabasha and its Port Authority have selected Keller-Baartman Properties LLC, out of Red Wing, to begin developing plans for a proposed 44-unit market-rate apartment building, in downtown Wabasha, on a city-owned site. The site is located at the intersection of Alleghany Avenue and Second Street, steps away from Wabasha’s historic Main Street and the many amenities of downtown including the Mississippi River, public library, and National Eagle Center. Keller-Baartman was selected out of a competitive process where four proposals were received from different developers.
“The project was pursued by the Wabasha’s Port Authority’s WATCH housing task force, who through a housing study, identified a need for new rental housing in Wabasha and identified this city-owned site as a great future housing opportunity, due to its downtown location and amenities,” explains John Friedmeyer, Port Authority President.
Wabasha’s Mayor, Emily Durand, has been a long proponent of more housing in Wabasha.
“Wabasha needs all types of housing, and it is one of the top concerns from our local employers, as a barrier to filling open positions,” said Durand, “Keller-Baartman impressed our selection committee, given their extensive experience building similar kinds of housing in Red Wing and in Zumbrota. We got to tour their building in Zumbrota and the quality of the units, finishes, and community feel of the building was really impressive.”
The apartment building will have studio, one, two, and three-bedroom units, an exercise room, a community room, and 28 ground-level enclosed parking stalls with an additional 10 parking stall behind the complex. The City of Wabasha is partnering with the developer to pursue a state-wide grant and TIF to support the project, so the start date is unknown at this time.
“We are really excited to be partnering on a project with the City of Wabasha. This is a great site and has a supportive Council and Port Authority behind the project, which is critical for the success of any project,” stated Robert Keller, from Keller-Baartman Properties.
