The need for market rate rental housing and improving the condition of some Albert Lea apartments were identified Tuesday at a housing summit at Wedgewood Cove Golf Club.

The event was meant to provide an overview of local housing challenges and opportunities and survey attendees to gauge which topics were of interest to them. Time was given for open discussion with attendees.

An electronic survey during the event consisting of about 10 questions was expected to be made public Wednesday.

A panel discussion featuring representatives from Freeborn Lumber, Wells Fargo, Coldwell Banker, Robert Hoffman Realty, and Albert Lea Housing and Redevelopment Authority answered prepared questions and those posed by the audience that included representatives from Owatonna, Austin, Waseca and other communities.

“We had very good representation of all of those from our community last night,” said Albert Lea City Manager Chad Adams on Wednesday. “And really had good opportunity, I would say, to provide an overview of existing challenges and opportunities and feedback of what the community feels as high priorities, market rate rental housing and rehabilitation of apartments and other areas that are in a dilapidated state.”

Adams said the HRA has been active to help rehabilitate single-family homes, and discussion during the event reportedly included that there needs to be another tool to help rehabilitate such properties, either through state funding or local sources.

“There’s a lot of interest to do that just from our perspective of maintaining our existing housing stock and tax base, preserving it versus those houses potentially becoming more dilapidated or unsafe where we have to take them down,” Adams said.

Attendees reportedly discussed the need for one-level living spaces for seniors.

“It was really good to get that feedback last night,” Adams said.

The Albert Lea City Council plans to discuss the issues during a retreat next month.

“It was a great opportunity to make a lot of connections last night, and for some of those stakeholders in the audience to make connections with each other as well,” Adams said.

Hoffman said Wednesday though Albert Lea is a nice town, it is not easy to find a place to live in the community.

“I have seen first-hand many times over the loss of good potential Albert Leans by not having available housing, as well as the success stories of finding a great place to rent for a year or two and then selling them a home and seeing them become a great addition to our community,” he said.

Hoffman said he sees the need for market rate apartments as a Realtor.

“Owning and managing many market rate apartments and specializing in selling homes to rents, I know the need for affordable, easy-to-rent apartments that can lead to purchasing a home in Albert Lea and helping our community thrive,” he said. “If we can (help) people find an easy place to first live in Albert Lea, Albert Lea will help people fall in love with Albert Lea.”