12/03/2025
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Public Invited to Tour New Market-Rate Duplexes in Dawson on December 8
Dawson, MN – Southwest Minnesota Housing Partnership (SWMHP) invites the public to an Open House to tour the newly constructed Trail’s Edge Duplexes, a major milestone in the City of Dawson’s ongoing efforts to expand local housing options and support community growth.
Event Details
Date: Monday, December 8, 2025
Time: 1:00 p.m.
Location: 193 Ash Street, Dawson, MN 56232
The event is free and open to all. Community members, partners, local employers, realtors, and prospective tenants are encouraged to stop by for a guided tour and to learn more about the project’s design, features, and community benefits.
The Trail’s Edge Duplexes add five new market-rate rental duplexes—ten units total—to the east side of Dawson. This development is part of a broader community strategy to increase the availability of quality housing, especially for smaller households, retirees looking to downsize, and members of the local workforce. The need for additional housing was identified in a 2021 housing study recommending 50–75 new units over ten years to meet community demand.
Each duplex offers approximately 1,120 square feet of single-level living, featuring zero-step entries, 36-inch doors for accessibility, two bedrooms, 1.5 baths, two-car garages, a small paved patio, and native landscaping supported by the Lawns to Legumes program. The homes were designed to balance comfort, energy efficiency, modern amenities, and long-term durability.
This project reflects the dedication and forward-thinking leadership of the City of Dawson and the Dawson EDA. The new duplexes will provide much-needed housing options for the community, supporting local workforce needs, continued growth, and overall quality of life. SWMHP is proud to partner with the city and celebrate this milestone in expanding housing opportunities for Dawson residents.
The development represents several years of planning and collaboration among the Dawson Economic Development Authority (EDA), City of Dawson, Ehlers Public Finance Advisors, Southwest Minnesota Housing Partnership, and Jared Rouge Construction. The Dawson EDA will continue to own and maintain the property, including services such as mowing and snow removal. Monthly rent is set at $1,500, with tenants responsible for utilities.
Public interest in the units has been strong, with approximately 15 individuals and families expressing interest—ranging from local retirees to younger residents moving into Dawson. Five units have already been rented prior to completion, demonstrating clear community demand and affirming the City’s investment in local housing solutions.
A special thank you to Minnesota Housing, the project’s sponsoring agency, for helping bring these new homes to the Dawson community. SWMHP congratulates the City of Dawson and the Dawson EDA for their leadership and commitment to expanding housing opportunities. The Trail’s Edge Duplexes highlight what is possible when local partners work together to address community needs and build a strong foundation for future growth.
For more information about SWMHP’s work in communities across the region, visit www.swmhp.org or follow us on social media.
About SWMHP
The Southwest Minnesota Housing Partnership (SWMHP) is a non-profit community development corporation serving communities throughout Southwest and South Central Minnesota. Our mission is to partner with communities to develop places for people to call home. We envision a region where every person has access to a welcoming home, and every place has a thriving and equitable community. SWMHP provides a wide range of housing services including community planning, technical assistance, and housing development.
Contact:
Southwest Minnesota Housing Partnership
Jesse Schott, Director of Construction Services
Phone: (507) 836-1626
Email: jesses@swmhp.org
www.swmhp.org
