Battle Lake Housing Boom

By Heather Rule, Photos provided

Battle Lake knew there was a need for housing, so the city completed a housing study and added various housing options to the area over the past few years.

“Once you build them, they fill up right away, and there’s a waiting list right away,” said Val Martin, Battle Lake Economic Development Authority director. “Then of course that’s an attraction for another developer to build something. Because they see that there is that need.”

The need for housing is a mix of people in the Battle Lake area at various stages of life, from new residents moving to town, people returning to the area, or those who decide to retire in Battle Lake.

Recent new housing in Battle Lake:

2015-17: Krenz Townhome rentals – 8 units

2016: Paulson Water Station Apartments – 16 units – These apartments have a good variety of people from younger ages up to retirement age.

2022: Hammer Rentals (Blue Spruce) – 12 units

2022-23: Hidden Meadows – 3 homes built in a project through OTC HRA – Three single-family houses were built and sold right away. Grants were involved to help lower the cost of the house, with buyers paying the appraised value of the house.

2023-24: Hatchery Row – TBD – There are 13 apartments here, with most of them being rented already. Like many housing options in the area, things fill up as soon as there’s an opening, according to Martin.

2024-25: Lincoln Apartments, Minnesota Housing Project – 10 units – This project, located off of Lake Avenue, started construction in late 2024 and should be done by the end of 2025. There are two-bedroom and three-bedroom apartments, some with garages available. This project involves a grant through Minnesota Housing to help the developer lower the cost of construction and therefore the cost of rent will be lower. It’s known as a workforce housing project, which isn’t income-restricted but the apartments can become a little more affordable.

Being part of the Battle Lake community isn’t just about housing, of course. Battle Lake offers various amenities in the city, from medical facilities to a grocery store, restaurants, school, the lake and a thriving arts community.

It’s just a nice little quaint town,” Martin said. “It’s a fun place to live in.