IN RECENT YEARS, Faribault has experienced a boon in apartment building construction, especially in the downtown area. Hillside Apartments, Straight River Apartments and Riverchase Apartments have all opened with Riverchase II coming soon.
Additionally space in downtown historic buildings has been, or will be, rehabbed into more apartments.
At the former Farmer Seed & Nursery site along Minnesota State Highway 60, Midwest Flats Apartments are under construction.
And on the south end of town are the new Elmview Apartments.
That’s a whole lot of apartments added to already long-standing apartment complexes and other rental units in the city. But apparently the need and demand are there based on discussions among local government officials.
Housing will focus a monthly City Council Chat slated for 5 pm Wednesday, March 11, at Viaduct Park. Specifically, Maxfield Research will present results of a housing needs analysis done for the Faribault Housing and Redevelopment Authority. That will include demographic trends, market demand, affordability challenges and projected housing needs over the coming years, according to the city of Faribault.
I’m curious about the results of that study. As an aging Baby Boomer, I hold a different outlook on local housing needs than a young person or young family just settling into the community or looking to buy a home.
What I appreciate about the monthly Council Chats are the focused topics, the informality of the gatherings, and opportunities for the public to ask questions, comment and mingle with city employees and elected officials. This is about as grassroots as it gets in local government. Listen. Learn. Discuss. Make informed decisions.
© Copyright 2026 Audrey Kletscher Helbling
Minnesota Prairie Roots 
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