October marked an exciting milestone for the Housing First Minnesota Foundation and its partners as they celebrated the groundbreaking of the new 360 Communities – Lewis House in Eagan. This transformative project represents an important step forward in providing safe, dignified housing and supportive services for survivors of domestic and sexual violence.
On Oct. 7, 360 Communities leadership, staff, and project partners gathered at the future construction site for a ceremonial groundbreaking ceremony, where words of hope and encouragement were shared, hard hats were donned, and dozens of shovels moved the first dirt where the new Lewis House will stand.
The celebrations continued on Oct. 19 at Union 32 Craft House in Eagan, bringing together community members, supporters, and project partners to recognize this important milestone and the lasting impact the new Lewis House will have on individuals and families throughout Dakota County.
The community celebration offered an opportunity to learn more about the history of Lewis House, connect with those involved in the project, and see plans for the new building. Attendees were also invited to participate in a collaborative mosaic art project, led by artist Anne Krocak, that will become a permanent part of the completed shelter.
Coming Together: Community & Partnership
For the Housing First Minnesota Foundation, projects like the new Lewis House demonstrate the incredible impact that is possible when the housing industry comes together with nonprofits in need around a shared mission.
The Foundation is proud to partner with 360 Communities, PulteGroup, Greiner Construction, and other dedicated project partners to help make this vision a reality. Through collaboration, construction expertise, and the generosity of the housing industry, we are working to create spaces that allow these nonprofit partners to focus on what they do best: providing services and support to those most in need.
As we celebrate these important project milestones, we are reminded that true impact is measured not only in square footage or the beds being created but also in the lives of the individuals and families who will walk through its doors.
We are incredibly grateful to everyone who has and will contribute to making this project possible. To learn more about the project and opportunities to support its completion, visit housingfirstmnfoundation.org/360-communities-lewis-house.
More About the Project
- The new Lewis House is a partnership between Housing First Minnesota Foundation, PulteGroup (Pulte Homes of Minnesota), Greiner Construction, and 360 Communities.
- The project includes development of a new 50-bed, apartment-style domestic and sexual violence shelter in Eagan.
- The new Lewis House shelter will serve over 600 individuals annually, with about half being children.
- This $14 million project focused on safe, stable housing for survivors of domestic and sexual violence.
- Lewis House is the only domestic and sexual violence shelter in Dakota County.
- The new Lewis House will include a Survivor Support Center that will be accessible for residents and non-residents to receive supportive services on-site.
- Lewis House provides critical support services for survivors and their families.
- Housing First Minnesota Foundation and residential build partner PulteGroup are responsible for finishing residential units and interior elements.
- The project is specifically designed to create a secure, welcoming environment that fosters healing, stability, and hope through collaboration.
- Construction is expected to continue through 2027, with survivors and staff anticipated to move into the new facility in early 2028.
