Jordan Tower II to receive facelift

The Fifth Street entrance to the Jordan Tower II is set to receive a facelift.

Red Wing Housing and Redevelopment Authority Board has approved a plan to revamp the tower's entranceway. The project could begin in late August and wrap in November if bidding for contracts goes well.

But the $113,000 project will do more than just spruce up the entranceway. It also will replace a set of stairs that pose challenges to some of the seniors living in the towers.

"It's kind of awkward," HRA Executive Director Randal Hemmerlin said referring to the staircase.

He noted the stairs are narrow and rather steep.

"They're scary," Hemmerlin added.

There is also a $17,000 project to refurbish a unisex bathroom near the entryway. The project will give the interior entryway a more modern look, Hemmerlin said.

The HRA will pay for these improvements with money from the tower's reserve accounts, which have a healthy balance, Hemmerlin said.

@Sub heads:Jordan I

@Normal1: In a separate project, the agency will refurbish six handicapped-accessible units in Jordan I.

Mandated by U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, the project aims to make the rooms more accommodating to their tenants, Hemmerlin said. The agency has budgeted for the $152,000 project in each of the past two years.

"I think those are two very nice improvements for Jordan I and Jordan II," Hemmerlin said.

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