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 
A great idea! So simple, practical and informative.
I’ve attended several Council Chats and found them to be a great way to casually speak with city leaders.
I love these chats they have, they are so targeted to specific topics and needs in the community
Yes, it’s been a great addition to local city government. These chats give us an opportunity to informally discuss topics and issues of concern with city leaders.
Housing is a hot topic here too. The majority of the conversations are around having a balance between affordable and luxury along with HOA costs and those costs are on the rise too. The small hamlet we live in does not really want high rises and more mixed use with parking. Then around us in adjacent cities it is more large apartment complexes (which come with more storage places too) and major high rises. You have to think about the city resources, law enforcement, emergency response, medical services, etc. too when it comes to a building boom. I really like the city council is transparent and open to the community and what the community wants and needs and thinks regarding growth, safety, etc. Thanks for sharing – ENJOY Your Day!
Thanks for sharing about housing concerns in your area of Florida. It will be really interesting to hear the results of this local housing study.
Great idea. I think that there are many areas with housing shortages and something needs to be done about it
I fully agree. And I might add “affordable” housing options.