Ripley Gardens Showcased as a National Example of Sustainable Affordable Housing

Left to Right:  Gina Ciganik, Aeon VP; Alan Arthur, Aeon President;  Kelly Caffarelli, President Home Depot Foundation; Mayor R.T. Rybak

The Ripley Gardens development, located at the corner of Penn and Glenwood Avenues in the Harrison neighborhood, was recently honored by The Home Depot Foundation with the National Award of Excellence for Sustainable Community Development.

Both Aeon, the nonprofit developer of Ripley Gardens, and the City of Minneapolis were showcased in a national competition as an example of how public-private partnerships can successfully create a sustainable community.

“Many cities across the country are finding successful ways of dealing with financial, social and environmental issues through thoughtful design and land use, resulting in the construction of healthy, safe neighborhoods like Ripley Gardens,” said Kelly Caffarelli, president of The Home Depot Foundation.

The development’s 52 apartments offer a range of affordability as well as 8 home ownership opportunities. Aeon worked closely with members of the Harrison neighborhood to develop the site in a way that met the community’s needs.

“Ripley Gardens is a social, economic, and environment oasis,” said Minneapolis Council Member Don Samuels said, “The redevelopment turned a blighted corner into life and is a model for other areas in the city.”