Jefferson School: A Shovel-Ready Housing Site

Jefferson School Summer 2025

Jefferson School: Creating a Shovel‑Ready Housing Site 

The Hibbing Economic Development Authority and the City of Hibbing is transforming the former Jefferson School property into a shovel‑ready site for housing development.

This 10.3‑acre parcel, centrally located in Hibbing, will be prepared to welcome new homes that align with the City’s 2023 Housing Needs Analysis and strategic priorities. By taking the necessary pre‑development steps, Hibbing ensures developers can begin construction with minimal delays, delivering the homes our community urgently needs.

At‑a‑Glance:

  • Site size: 10.3 acres (former Jefferson School property)
  • Need: More than 1,200 new housing units by 2035
  • Focus: Mix of general‑occupancy and age‑friendly housing
  • Support: Backed by IRRR Development Partnerships grant
  • Why it matters: Stable housing for families & seniors, supports workforce, aligns with sustainability goals

Why This Project Matters:

  • Community & Workforce: Quality housing supports employers and residents of all ages. Right‑sized homes free up larger properties for families.
  • Housing Strategy Alignment: Meets identified need for more than 1,200 new units by 2035.
  • Sustainability: Walkable location and energy‑efficient standards reduce costs and emissions.

Local Need at a Glance:

  • Median household income: $52,881
  • Households at or below 150% of poverty: 25%
  • MPCA Environmental Justice designation: Yes
  • Students receiving free/reduced meals: 35.6%

Scope of Shovel‑Ready Activities:

  • Wetland delineation
  • Pre‑demolition asbestos and hazardous materials assessment
  • Boundary and topographic survey
  • Phase I Environmental Site Assessment
  • Tax Increment Financing (TIF) analysis
  • Municipal advising and legal work
  • Demolition planning and bid preparation
    • These steps are supported by funding from the IRRR’s Development Partnerships program.

Project Partners:

  • Project lead: Hibbing Economic Development Authority (HEDA)
  • Owner / policy direction: City of Hibbing
  • Affordable & workforce housing: Hibbing Housing & Redevelopment Authority (HRA)
  • New builds & rehabs: North St. Louis County Habitat for Humanity
  • Repair & rehab programs: Arrowhead Economic Opportunity Agency (AEOA)
  • Developer engagement: Northshore Development Co.
  • Shovel‑ready grant support: IRRR

Project Timeline:

  1. Phase 1 – Due Diligence: Environmental review, surveys, demolition planning, financial analysis, and legal work.
  2. Phase 2 – Site Readiness: Demolition, utilities, platting, developer selection, and finalization of housing program.
  3. Phase 3 – Construction: Groundbreaking and vertical build‑out.

Resources:

Frequently Asked Questions:

  • What does “shovel‑ready” mean?
    • Completing all due diligence and pre‑construction steps so a developer can begin building without delay.
  • What kind of housing is envisioned?
    • A mix of general‑occupancy and age‑friendly options, such as townhomes, duplexes, and accessible apartments.
  • How will this support seniors and working families?
    • By providing accessible, energy‑efficient homes at a variety of price points. Seniors can “right‑size” into new homes, freeing up larger houses for families. Stable, quality housing also helps local employers recruit and retain workers.
  • What are the environmental benefits?
    • Energy‑efficient building standards lower utility costs, while the site’s central location reduces vehicle dependence and emissions.

Project Contact:

Hibbing Economic Development Authority (HEDA)

401 East 21st Street, Hibbing, MN 55746

General inquiries: betsyolivanti@hibbingmn.gov