A Vision Realized: Emerson Village Celebrates Community Persistence
Attend the July 2025 Grand Opening Celebration
Download and print this Emerson Village event flyer to invite members of your congregation or organization to attend.
On the site of an old furniture store, Emerson Village’s entrance is a symbol of persistence with an artful presence. The newly constructed building with a community-built public mural offers hope and possibility to all who pass by. In 2010, when Beacon Interfaith Housing Collaborative (Beacon) was still known as the Plymouth Church Neighborhood Foundation, the merger with Families Moving Forward Shelter Program (FMF) allowed Beacon to acquire the site located at 1808 Emerson Avenue North. The dream? To one day build homes for Northside families to provide a pathway out of the shelter system and into stable places to live.
Giving thanks to a persistent community
Over the years, ideas for Emerson Village apartment homes were met with successes and obstacles, including resistance from some people who didn’t want these homes to be built at all. Yet, the Beacon collaborative persisted and kept going, kept hoping, kept looking for solutions. Ultimately, the development was approved and funded. One community member, Marcy Frost, shared, “We must build on the momentum of our Emerson Village success to ensure that there are enough resources for everyone in our community to be in stable housing. We invite you to stand up for the vision that all people have a home and invite your friends and neighbors to join you.” Through the powerful advocacy of community members and the collaboration of many public and private partners, the Emerson Village dream is now a reality. Lorrie Angline, Project for Pride in Living (PPL) staff and Program Manager at Emerson Village stated, “Emerson Village is fully leased, and families are settling into their new homes. It’s been inspiring to see how grateful residents are to have safe, stable housing—and how quickly they’re building a sense of community here.”
A Striking Presence Sparked by Art
The result of more than 10 years’ work, Emerson Village is stunning inside and out. Part of the development process included listening sessions with community members and a very intentional use of art installations, warm colors, interesting shapes, and materials that feel welcoming and beautiful.
Neighboring community organization Juxtaposition Arts (JXTA) convened a design workshop bringing the architects of UrbanWorks together with service provider PPL and local residents to gather community insights into what might be possible in the space. JXTA, in partnership with local artist Ashley Mary, youth art apprentices and North Siders created the multi-level, multicolored mural outside Emerson Village’s front entrance. It is inspired by Minneapolis culture, youth, and expression.
Other unique elements include a pink and blue metal seating area, decorative wooden ceiling panels and a cozy gas fireplace with bright orange chairs in the reception area, and music-themed wallpaper in the community room. These natural world and artistic elements create warm, inviting, vibrant spaces.
Today, Emerson Village is bustling with activities for families and children. From homework help, to parenting education, and mental health support, service partner PPL works side by side with resident families and Beacon to build a community with a shared vision for the future. As Beacon resident, Sasha shared, “Having access to onsite services has been helpful in our healing journey. It’s nice to know someone has our backs.”
We extend a huge thank you to all of the community members, volunteers, donors, and partners who helped make this dream a reality! Your generosity, advocacy, hard work, planning, donations, conversations, vision, trust, leadership, and belief made these homes possible!
