Central neighborhood says CANDO to taking on foreclosures

Central Area Neighborhood Development Organization (CANDO) promotes livability, stability, economic development, and communication in the Central Neighborhood in South Minneapolis. As part of its mission, CANDO recently held the “Central Neighborhood Historic Renovation Tour” to tackle the recent problem of home foreclosures that has swept across the country. This tour took place the morning of June 7th. The idea behind the tour was borrowed from Dayton’s Bluff community in St. Paul. Dayton’s Bluff and Central neighborhoods both boast an abundant inventory of historic homes. CANDO takes great pride in the neighborhood’s historic homes, and would love to see some of the distressed, but architecturally significant, homes restored. The premise of the tour was to give potential home buyers and realtors a look at the unique homes available at affordable prices that have a great deal of potential, while encouraging the sale of vacant homes.

CANDO volunteers put a great deal of thought into selecting vacant homes that had architectural significance and potential for renovation. The tour started at 10am with breakfast at the Midtown Global Market. Tour goers were able to meet with the administrator of CANDO’s loan programs, Neighborhood Housing Services, to get an idea of the types of loan programs that are available only to Central Neighborhood homebuyers and owners. A representative from US Bank was also available to provide information on rehab loan programs available through US Bank. After a continental style breakfast showcasing some of the great restaurants available in Central neighborhood, the first thirty tour goers boarded a trolley to take a guided tour. Others were able to get maps and go on a self-guided tour.

The tour consisted of five vacant homes and one beautifully renovated home that are currently for sale. CANDO wanted to show tour goers that with a little financing, a little elbow grease and a little vision these properties had the potential to be grand. The properties included were 3021 Oakland, 3446 Columbus, 3221 3rd, 3217 Park, 3245 3rd and the renovated 3121 Park. At least two CANDO volunteers were available at each home to give tour goers further information about each home, the neighborhood and the loan programs available.

The tour was a success, and CANDO is considering doing another one next year. This tour was an opportunity to market Central’s homes and Central’s loan programs, as well as an opportunity to introduce people from outside the community to the rich history and pride that resides in Central Neighborhood.

Kori Hennessy is the chairperson of the CANDO Housing Committee.