Construction boots and hard hats are set to become a familiar sight at The Heights, the latest affordable housing development commencing on the East Side of Saint Paul. Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity has broken ground on what's poised to be a significant injection of homes for those caught in the grip of the housing crisis. Chris Coleman, the organization's President & CEO, heralds the project, "We are thrilled to start construction at The Heights and lay the groundwork for the first 74 units of affordable homeownership at the site," he told the publication. With shovels ready, site work begins this week and the erection of homes will follow before the month wanes.

The project represents much more than just a construction endeavor; it aims to foster a sustainable and inclusive community. Spanning 12 acres of what used to be the Hillcrest Golf Course, The Heights aims to be an all-electric neighborhood gunning for LEED-Platinum Certification, a nod to the city's advocacy for an eco-friendly future. Green spaces, art, and community-centric features are sprinkled throughout the development plan, promising a kaleidoscope of amenities that go beyond merely a roof overhead.

A crucial piece to this mosaic of community revitalization and affordability is the Jimmy & Rosalynn Carter Work Project. This Fall, from September 29 through October 4, the hearts and hands of volunteers, encompassing both local residents and visiting notables, will converge at The Heights. They'll pick up hammers and don hard hats to champion the cause of affordable housing. Celebrated figures Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood step into the shoes of the Carters to host this year's Carter Work Project, continuing a tradition with 14 years of personal investment to back it.

The plan at The Heights touts nearly 150 affordable homeownership chances, with an assorted mix of single-family houses, twin homes, and townhouses all under the Habitat umbrella. Sherman Associates and JO Companies join the fray, adding a near 900 rental units to the tally. Together, these components bring the project's housing offerings to a value sounding in at around $450 million, a definitive boon for Saint Paul's housing landscape.

With site work kicking off and public and private partnerships flourishing, The Heights stands as a testament to collaborative efforts to tackle substantial societal challenges like affordable housing. The development, with its commitment to affordability, sustainability, and community, serves as a blueprint for what is possible when a city comes together to address the needs of its residents. As construction vehicles roll in, it's a ground-breaking moment, in more ways than one, for the East Side of Saint Paul.