South Fork Addition is Southeastern Minnesota Multi-County Housing and Redevelopment Authority (SEMMCHRA's) newest affordable housing development. South Fork Addition, named after the South Fork of the Whitewater River in St. Charles broke ground on the first phase of a 40.38-acre development in August 2003. The streets in the subdivision reflect the popular fish caught in the Whitewater River. Brownell Street, which runs east/west in the subdivision, is named in memory of long-time St. Charles resident, mayor and Housing Authority Board of Commissioners Chairman, Melvin Brownell. His leadership and vision to promote affordable housing enabled this project to progress.

South Fork Addition will consist of 65 single-family lots for sale, 4 multi-family lots and one commercial lot. South Fork will be developed in two phases. Phase I will consist of 26 single-family lots for sale to area homebuyers, one multi-family lot and one commercial lot. It is proposed that SEMCAC and First Homes will collaborate on 24 mixed-use rental town home units and 12 for sale town home units in both the Phase I and Phase II developments. Phase II will open up the remainder of the 39 single family lots for sale and the remaining multi family lots. It will also complete the plan for community green space and park area. The homes will be connected through a variety of sidewalks and walkways to the community park in the Northeast corner of the subdivision.

The development design was done with the assistance and input from Greater Minnesota Housing Fund, applying their "Building Better Neighborhood" design concepts. These design concepts advocate narrower lot widths, narrower streets and rear alleys to access garages. These design concepts encourage the feeling of an old-fashioned "neighborhood", assist in keeping infrastructure costs at a minimum and help make lots more affordable to the average homebuyer.

Phase I

· 14.02 Acres
· 26 Single Family Lots
·  SEMCAC/First Homes of Rochester/GMHF will build out 16 lots
·  SEMMCHRA will build out 4 lots
·  Remainder available for sale to homebuyers or contractors
· One Multi-Family Lot
·  SEMCAC/First Homes to explore rental townhome options
· One Commercial Lot
·  City requested this be reserved for the Southwest corner of the development - possible convenience store


Phase II

· 26.36 acres
· 39 Single Family Lots
·  SEMCAC will build out a portion to be determined
·  SEMMCHRA will build out a portion to be determined
· Available for sale to homebuyers or contractors
· Three Multi-Family Lots
· Community Park - northeast corner of development