Albert Lea Trades and Labor Board names community rooms after board members

Senior Court

Pictured receiving a plaque in his name are Chuck Lee and his wife, Beatrice “Tootie” Lee. Presenting the plaque is Bob Goldman, a current board member, who also served as legal counsel to the board for 40 years. -- Submitted photo

The 80-apartment Senior Court housing complex was constructed in 1970 by the trades and labor unions of Albert Lea, together with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development in Washington, D.C., to provide subsidized affordable housing for area residents with modest means. Harvey Paulson was one of the key community leaders who spearheaded the project, which was the first union-sponsored housing project in the United States. He also served as the first president of the Albert Lea Trades and Labor Senior Housing Board. The community room at Senior Court was named Paulson Hall in honor of Paulson.

Senior Tower

Pictured presenting a plaque are housing board members, Len Stanek, left, and Mike Hoiseth, right. Receiving the plaque are the daughters of the late Harvey and Helen Paulson. In the center from left are Sharon Hansen, of Albert Lea, Pamela Millen, of Pine Island, and Connie Navratil, of Bloomington. -- Submitted photo

The 85-apartment Senior Tower housing complex was constructed in 1980 by the trades and labor unions of Albert Lea, together with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development in Washington, D.C., to provide subsidized affordable housing for area residents with modest means. It also serves as the SEMCAC center to provide daily low-cost noon meals for area residents. Chuck Lee was one of the key community leaders who helped win approval for the planning and construction of both Senior Court and Senior Tower. He is the only remaining member of the original Albert Lea Trades and Labor Senior Housing Board and has served in that capacity for 40 years. The community room at Senior Tower was named for Charles A. Lee Hall in honor of Lee.