History

Matthews Park Cooperative Townhomes is a 24-unit housing development in the Seward neighborhood that has played an important role in the evolution of affordable housing models in Minneapolis.

Developed in 1976 as one of the city’s first Section 8 projects, these three buildings were originally designed as a cooperative to provide stable, income-based housing for residents navigating economic transitions.

In 1985, as the cooperative decided to dissolve, Redesign (then Seward Redesign) bought the townhomes in order to preserve their Section 8 status. This move ensured that the housing would remain both affordable and resident-centered, protecting it from conversion or loss during a period when many subsidized properties faced uncertainty.

From that point forward, Matthews Park has operated not just as housing, but as a place where residents could stabilize, build income, and plan for what comes next.

The Vision

The vision behind Matthews Park Cooperative Townhomes is rooted in the idea that affordable housing should create pathways, not barriers.

Redesign’s long-term stewardship has been critical to maintaining the townhomes’ affordability, stability, and resident experience.

Community Mission & Impact

Matthews Park Cooperative Townhomes demonstrates how deeply affordable housing can serve as a foundation for economic mobility.

For residents, the impact is tangible. Stable, affordable housing makes it possible to pursue employment, education, and long-term financial goals. As income grows, residents gradually adjust to higher rent levels, building the capacity needed for future housing independence.

For some, this has meant moving on to homeownership, an outcome that reflects the development’s success not just in providing housing, but in creating opportunity.