Ramsey County awards Encephalo Investments $2 million for East Side preservation

SAINT PAUL, MN — On August 4, 2026, the Ramsey County Board of Commissioners approved two Local Affordable Housing Aid (LAHA) awards to Encephalo Investments totaling $2 million, funding the substantial rehabilitation of 87 units of naturally occurring affordable housing across two multifamily properties on Saint Paul’s East Side.

The awards will support preservation rehabilitation of the York Avenue Apartments (32 units at 1074 York Avenue) and the 7th Street Apartments (55 units across five contiguous buildings at 1863–1891 7th Street East). All 87 units will be placed under a recorded 30-year affordability covenant serving households earning between 30% and 60% of Area Median Income.

The rehabilitation program will address resident security, building systems including heating, plumbing, and electrical infrastructure, and envelope work including roofing and windows. Work will be performed by Encephalo’s in-house construction affiliate, with occupied-rehabilitation phasing designed to preserve tenancy for existing residents.

“These buildings represent decades of affordable housing on Saint Paul’s East Side, and we’re grateful to Ramsey County’s Community and Economic Development team for their partnership in preserving them for another generation of residents,” said Ashray Gupta, Founder & CEO of Encephalo Investments. “The county’s investment allows us to make the substantial systems and safety improvements these properties need while maintaining affordability for the households who call them home.”