History

Seward Towers has long been a defining presence in the Seward neighborhood: two high-rise buildings providing hundreds of affordable homes in one of Minneapolis’ most vibrant and diverse communities. Built in the early 1970s as HUD-sponsored affordable housing, the Towers have served generations of residents seeking stability in a changing city.

From the beginning, Redesign played a role in supporting the property, but its most critical moment came in 1990. As affordability restrictions aged and market pressures mounted, the Towers were at risk of being converted to market-rate housing, putting hundreds of residents at risk of displacement.

In response, Redesign helped structure the acquisition of the 640-unit property in a way that centered community control. Rather than allowing outside ownership to dictate the future of the buildings, a unique governance model was established, including direct representation from tenants, the Seward Neighborhood Group, Redesign, and CommonBond Communities.

This structure ensured that the Towers would remain not only affordable, but accountable to the people who live there.

That commitment continued decades later. Beginning in 2015, Redesign and CommonBond partnered on a $95 million renovation and refinancing effort that modernized the buildings while preserving affordability. At the same time, the HUD Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) contract was renewed, securing long-term affordability for another generation of residents.

The Vision

The vision for Seward Towers has always extended beyond preservation. It is about redefining ownership, power, and accountability in affordable housing.

At its core is a belief that residents should have a meaningful role in shaping the places they live. The Towers’ governance structure reflects this, embedding tenant and neighborhood voices directly into decision-making rather than relying solely on external ownership or top-down management.

This approach also recognizes the importance of long-term stewardship. By maintaining a community-based ownership presence, Redesign and its partners ensure that decisions – from capital improvements to public realm investments – are informed by lived experience and local priorities.

That philosophy has guided both major investments – like the comprehensive renovation of the buildings – and smaller but meaningful improvements, such as advocating for safer connections to nearby amenities like Triangle Park and enhancing shared outdoor spaces.

Financially, the model also challenges traditional real estate norms. Value generated through the property (such as proceeds from refinancing) is intentionally reinvested back into the community, supporting initiatives like arts and cultural programming rather than being extracted.

Community Mission & Impact

Today, Seward Towers provides stable, affordable housing to hundreds of residents, with updated units, modernized systems, and improved shared spaces that support quality of life.

The 2015–2016 renovation brought significant upgrades, including new windows, kitchens, and flooring in individual units, as well as improvements to heating, plumbing, electrical, and fire protection systems throughout the buildings. Entrances were redesigned to enhance safety and security, and nearby outdoor spaces were improved to be more accessible and welcoming.

But the true impact of Seward Towers lies in how it operates.

Because of its size, the property could easily feel disconnected or institutional. Instead, its community-informed ownership model ensures that it remains grounded in the neighborhood. Redesign’s ongoing presence and relationships provide insight into resident needs that go beyond formal engagement processes, capturing voices and experiences that are often missed.

Just as importantly, Seward Towers demonstrates that large-scale affordable housing can function differently: preventing displacement, embedding community voice in governance, reinvesting locally, and maintaining long-term accountability. In doing so, it challenges the assumption that housing of this size must be impersonal or extractive.

Seward Towers stands as a powerful example of what it looks like when a community not only saves its housing, but reshapes how it is owned, governed, and sustained for the future.