Rochester Couple Launches City’s First Tiny Home Community
Zac and Lauren Boutin have opened Downtown Cottages, Rochester’s first tiny home community, catering to visitors and healthcare workers.
Rochester, Minnesota, Tiny Homes, Downtown Cottages, Mayo Clinic, Affordable Housing
Rochester: Zac and Lauren Boutin have created quite a buzz with their tiny home community near downtown. People are curious about what they’re building and often stop by to ask questions.
They’ve been working on this project for four years, and it’s finally come to life with four tiny homes for rent. Located at 520 Fifth Ave. NW, right by Pop’s Art Theater, the homes are cozy and inviting.
After a lot of planning and dreaming, they opened Downtown Cottages in October. This is the first tiny home community in Rochester, designed to be a low-density residential area with shared amenities.
Each home is about 526 square feet and packed with features like a coffee bar, full kitchen, and even a washer and dryer. They’ve made sure it feels homey and comfortable, perfect for guests.
Zac, who’s a general contractor, wanted to create something affordable yet cozy. He knows firsthand how important it is to have a comfortable place to stay, especially for families visiting loved ones at Mayo Clinic.
The homes are designed with healthcare workers and patients in mind, offering easy access and no stairs. They’ve already seen a good occupancy rate, around 70% to 80%.
Lauren shared a touching story about a family celebrating a birthday while staying there. It’s clear they want to create a welcoming space for everyone.
Zac’s own experience with cancer treatment at Mayo Clinic inspired this project. He remembers how tough it was for his family, and he wants to help others in similar situations.
They faced challenges getting approval for their tiny home community, but they didn’t give up. After several attempts and some setbacks, they finally secured a spot for their four homes.
Now, they’re looking to expand and build more tiny homes nearby. They believe these developments can really help first-time homebuyers and seniors looking to downsize.
Overall, the Boutins are excited about their project and the positive impact it can have on the community. They’re hopeful that more tiny home communities will pop up in Rochester in the future.