On July 1, 2024, Noor Companies and Redesign, Inc. celebrated the groundbreaking of Wadaag Commons, a transformative 39-unit housing development that will offer much-needed affordable one- to four-bedroom units in Minneapolis’ Seward neighborhood. The event was marked by inspiring speeches from key figures, including Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, Minnesota Housing Commissioner Jennifer Ho, and Representative Ilhan Omar.

Wadaag Commons: A Vision for Affordable, Accessible Living

Wadaag Commons is the sixth and final phase of the Seward Commons development, a visionary project led by Redesign, Inc. starting in 2009 converting an industrial area adjacent to the Franklin Avenue Light Rail station into a vibrant, transit-oriented community. The development underscores a commitment to creating walkable neighborhoods with accessible transit options, fostering an environment where families can thrive.

The name “Wadaag” means “sharing” or “community” in Somali, reflecting the project’s mission to serve the community and meet the needs of large families often underserved by the current housing stock in Minneapolis. The 6-story, elevator-served apartment building will be 100% affordable to low-income families, providing essential housing options that are both culturally relevant and tailored to the needs of its residents.

A Community-Centered Partnership

This project is a collaborative effort between Noor Companies, a Somali-American, woman-owned social enterprise, and Redesign, Inc., a nonprofit Community Development Corporation dedicated to enhancing the five neighborhoods of Greater Longfellow: Seward, Longfellow, Cooper, Howe, and Hiawatha.

“We are thrilled to bring this project to life and provide affordable housing solutions that are desperately needed in our community,” said Nawal Noor, Founder & CEO of Noor Companies. “This groundbreaking marks a significant step towards creating a more inclusive and equitable Minneapolis.”

Key Features and Community Impact

Wadaag Commons will include:

• Four one-bedroom units serving High Priority Homeless households eligible for Housing Support.
• Five units (three one-bedroom and two two-bedroom) serving People with Disabilities eligible for Housing Support, with supportive services provided by Simpson Housing Services.
• Twenty-four units with Project-Based Section 8 Vouchers from the Minneapolis Public Housing Authority, with rents based on HUD payment standards.
• Six units serving households at 60% of Area Median Income.

Informed by the Community

To ensure the project meets the needs of its future residents, the development team engaged a Qualified Stakeholder Group comprised of likely Wadaag residents, including people of East African descent and households with multiple children and children with disabilities. This group identified critical needs such as units with more than two bedrooms, private exterior entrances, a playground, multi-story units to reduce noise, sufficient bathrooms, central air conditioning, in-unit laundry, prioritized underground parking, and oversized refrigerators in larger units.

Part of the Community

Wadaag Commons aims to integrate seamlessly into the broader community. The surrounding area is a major thoroughfare for pedestrians and cyclists accessing the Light Rail Transit station and trail. Features that enhance community integration include stoops, landscaping, art along the sidewalk, secure bike parking, a publicly visible mural informed by East African art, and both interior and outdoor play areas.

Remarks from Community Leaders

The groundbreaking ceremony featured remarks from several prominent figures:

• Representative Ilhan Omar: 

“As someone who grew up in this area, somebody who recognizes that this area desperately – because of its growth – needed more affordable housing and more affordable housing that could accommodate bigger families, hearing about Wadaag Commons was just like ‘Yes! What can we do? How can we support it?’”

• Mayor Jacob Frey: 

“You know, you experience projects that have multiple phases. It is fairly unique to have a six phase project that we are finally seeing through to fruition.”

“Wadaag means sharing. You are sharing with so many people throughout the city that need a home.”

• Housing Commissioner Jennifer Ho: 

“But to just look around us now and see things that were in peoples’ imaginations way back then is extraordinary to do.”

“We need so many more of these.”

• Minneapolis Public Housing Authority Deputy Director Dominic Mitchell

“This is really a realization of what this community determined that they need.”

“It takes a real engagement, a real investment into the community need to really see these things move forward.”