Mino Oski Ain Dah Yung Supportive Housing

St. Paul, Minnesota

2019

48,559 sf

Mike Laverdure, Chris Kroeger

Project Status: Completed Project

Housing

Scope:

Master Planning Architecture Interior Design B3

Designed with a strong, welcoming cultural influence, the new supportive housing program will provide onsite, culturally responsive services for young Native people who have been in crisis and/or homeless in downtown St. Paul. The program provides a resource for Native youth to have case management, behavioral, medical, dental health and access to responsive teams that are grounded in their Native identity. Through cross partnership with ADYC and PPL, the building is being constructed with 80% funded by MHFA.

With a focus specifically on healing, there is a cultural activities center, medicine garden, and sweat lodge. Each floor is designed with the eagle, buffalo or other teaching animal in mind. There are computer and job training rooms — and spaces where residents can make drums and native clothing.

This unique building features trapezoidal windows, animal light totems representing the 7 grandfathers, and 3 teepees in the sunset.

The back of the building represents a Star Quilt.

DSGW-Mino-Oski-Ain-Dah-Yung-012

Metal forms were applied to the half-circle brick wall at the entrance, representing a drum.

Quiet room with cultural baseline for "centering" oneself.

The community room with direct access to the side yard and sacred garden.

The community room includes a kitchenette and a space for residents to gather.

The resident rooms lack certain amenities to promote using the community room for socialization.

Solid wood cabinets in all of the resident rooms.

Each of the 42 resident rooms are single occupant, each with their own bathroom with low-flow fixtures.

The location provides easy access to public transportation with the light rail right across the street.

With resident rooms, offices, cultural rooms, kitchen, and food shelf - this 4 story building provides hope for the area's homeless youth.

Conveniently located close to counseling services, farmers markets, job programs, both downtowns, light rail and the bus route.