Hopkins, MN

Originally developed in the 1950s, the Oaks of Mainstreet site on the edge of downtown Hopkins, MN was a trailer park with up to 140 trailers. By the time it was re-developed, only 20 remained and most of those were condemned. Miller Dunwiddie worked with the City of Hopkins and the developers to turn the blighted site into new housing, with the hope that it would kick-start further development in the downtown.

We designed sixty-six townhouses, ranging from 1,150 SF-1,400 SF. All included 2-3 bedrooms and unfinished basements for additional expansion. Although originally intended to be “rent-to-own” properties, the project was so successful as “for-sale” townhouses that it was sold-out before construction was completed. The project’s goal of encouraging additional development in downtown Hopkins was also realized, with construction since its completion of a new Art Center, movie theater and restaurant complex, and additional commercial and residential properties.