Chorus Apartments

Chorus is a 116-unit, affordable housing development with a focus on supporting low-income families. The building is the first of four projected multi-family projects going up in Hopkins, near Minnehaha Creek, which is a protected area by the Minnehaha Creek Watershed District. The units rent for 30%, 50% and 60% of the area median income, making it accessible to many types of people who may be at a housing disadvantage otherwise.

The site of the development is located on a Mississippi Watershed zone which lead to a Minnesota eco-region approach to the interior design. Each projected building will be inspired by a different eco-region of Minnesota with Chorus being the north central hardwood region. The north central hardwood region is a contrast between more densely forested zones and the planed regions. The terrain varies from rolling hills, to areas forested with hardwoods such as birch as well as conifers.

The interior concept for Chorus anchors to its surroundings by utilizing birch-look wood for a simplistic Scandinavian effect. A color palette of natural burgundy and sage ties together the largely neutral and simple concept. Though simple, our team designed big and produced something that felt “market-rate” with an affordable budget for the dignity and enjoyment of the residents.

The program for this project is largely focused on families. The amenities include a leasing lobby with a “cantina” for day-to-day essential purchases, and a spacious clubhouse complete with a community library, craft room, and a cozy indoor-outdoor fireplace. Finally, an expansive amenity deck wraps the clubhouse on three sides. Each day around 2:45pm, the kids race off the bus, stop by leasing for candy, and head to the game room to play ping pong with their neighbor friends in their safe and inspiring home.

This project was a perfect example that affordable housing can be beautiful and have durable, usable amenities without breaking the bank. While the use of LVT and plastic laminate in an affordable project may not be revolutionary, using finishes like these and others that mimic more high-end materials help to sell the “market rate” feel that was our end goal.