Breckenridge Townhomes

Eagle Lake, MN | Housing

Eagle Lake’s new housing development supports a growing community with energy-efficient and sustainable townhomes.

Blue Earth County Economic Development Authority needed to design a new affordable multi-unit housing development to replace units the authority sold off.

After a long planning process to identify a community where the housing should be built, the Blue Earth County Economic Development Authority selected Eagle Lake as the preferred location due to a recently expanded elementary school, proximity to amenities such as parks, trails and local businesses, and more favorable land prices. Both two- and three-bedroom units were designed for the development. All units have an attached single-car garage and are built following the Minnesota Green Communities criteria. This initiative is designed to foster the creation of affordable, healthier, and more energy-efficient housing throughout the state.

All units have Energy Star appliances, lighting, and mechanical systems. By optimizing the wood framing of the building, with studs every 24 inches instead of 16 inches, there is a reduction in both the thermal bridging and material costs for framing. Wall, ceiling, and under flooring insulation was maximized to reduce heating and cooling costs. Indoor building materials and finishes were selected to minimize indoor air pollutants and gasses, creating a healthier living environment. Additional green initiatives implemented include compact site development, preservation and improvement to the existing wetland, stormwater management through rain gardens, shared open spaces and play area, and multi-modal pathways connecting to Eagle Lake’s sidewalks and trail system. The development was required to include one ADA accessible unit and one ADA adaptive unit, for future conversion. Universal access to all eighteen units is available through the courtyard entries.