Hibbing HRA awarded $26 million for new housing development
January 6, 2025
Hibbing, MN — A new, 52-unit workforce housing development proposed by the Housing & Redevelopment Authority (HRA) of Hibbing has been selected to receive funding from the Minnesota Housing Finance Agency (MFHA).
Cobb Cook Place was awarded $25.92 million through MHFA’s Super RFP, with more than $3 million contributed by local sources. It was made possible through community involvement and significant local funding support from the Department of Iron Range Resources & Rehabilitation, Hibbing Economic Development Authority (HEDA), the City of Hibbing and the HRA.
“This award will have a positive impact on our workforce housing, replacing 52 units of public housing at the Greenhaven Apartments,” said HRA Executive Director Jackie Prescott. “We are so grateful for the support of local leaders and the community for this project. The extremely competitive application would not be a possibility without the support of our community. This is an exciting and much-needed improvement for Hibbing.”
This transformative project will address the pressing need for quality, affordable housing for low- and moderate-income families in Hibbing. The development will feature 52 units of workforce housing designed to meet the needs of individuals and families. Key amenities will include energy-efficient appliances, community spaces and resident services, ensuring that residents have access to safe, sustainable, and supportive living environments.
“This is a monumental step forward for the City of Hibbing,” said Mayor Pete Hyduke. “This development demonstrates our commitment to preserving existing housing and providing residents with stable, affordable housing. It’s an investment not only in housing but also in the health, education and well-being of our community.”
Cobb Cook Place will be located on city-owned land in the 4000 block of 5th Avenue West. A groundbreaking is expected to take place in fall 2025.
The current Greenhaven Apartments, built in 1952, face high utility expenses and ongoing capital needs that cannot be adequately addressed with the current funding received from HUD. This initiative aligns with the HRA of Hibbing’s broader goals of providing quality, affordable housing within the City of Hibbing.
Once complete, Cobb Cook Place will provide workforce housing for single adults and families, creating new opportunities for them to thrive. Additionally, this new development will result in lower operating costs for the HRA.
Prescott believes the funding secured prior to application to MFHA and this award will nearly cover the full estimated cost of Phase 1 of this project. Project developer/partner Center City Housing Corp. was awarded a $1.9 million housing grant from IRRR in 2024. Additional support includes a HEDA contribution of upwards of $250,000 through various sources, the City’s pledge to provide a shovel-ready site and the HRA’s earmark of $100,000 of its own funds.
The HRA and Center City Housing are currently working on the application for Phase 2 of this development, which will take the final 48 units of Greenhaven Apartments to a new location. Once construction is complete, the existing units at the Greenhaven Apartments will be torn down.
For more information:
Hibbing HRA Executive Director Jackie Prescott at 218-966-0640 or jacquline.prescott@hibbinghra.org