Seward Towers East & West, Minneapolis, MN

Seward Towers is comprised of two 21 story high rises that house a diverse set of residents.There are 320 units in each tower with a total population of 856.Twenty-three (23%) of the residents are senior citizens and 18% are children and youth.Residents primarily represent east African cultures of Somali and Sudan.The average income for Seward residents is $10,482. Seward Towers is located in a high traffic area, which creates concerns for residents regarding safety. Residents in Seward Towers are primarily new to Minnesota and to the climate. Access to transportation is always an issue which has created a continual need for on-site programming and opportunities. Parents of Seward Towers youth place a high priority on housing and getting their basic needs met. Because many of the residents are new to Minneapolis there is a lack of connection to traditional recreation places. As a result, there is a high need/demand for the Towers to work creatively to provide opportunities and spaces for the young residents to spend their time when out of school. Thus, providing youth residents with positive out of school time opportunities is the focal point of this site's programs