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Arvonne Fraser Library

Arvonne Fraser Library (previously known as Southeast Library) is part of Hennepin County’s library system serving the SE Minneapolis/University of Minnesota neighborhoods, including SE Como. The building itself was designed by master architect Ralph Rapson, originally as a credit union for university employees in 1963, and then converted to the Southeast Library in 1967. The building underwent a multi-million dollar renovation and reopened on January 25, 2020 as the Arvonne Fraser Library. Click here to read the Star Tribune’s article on the library’s rebirth.

Home Improvement & Ownership Loans

SECIA has made Neighborhood Revitalization Program (NRP) funds available to property owners of the Southeast Como neighborhood to make improvements to their properties.

Low Interest Home Improvement Loan
  • 2% APR
  • Loan amounts from $1,500-$15,000
  • No maximum income limit
  • Terms up to 10 years
  • Closing costs apply
  • Eligible improvements include most interior and exterior maintenance
 Purchase Assistance Loan
  • 0% APR
  • Loan amounts up to $5,000
  • Income limits apply
  • 100% forgiven if borrower remains in the home for 15 years
  • To ensure funding, application must be received at least 4 weeks prior to closing
Emergency Deferred Loan
  • 0% APR
  • Loan amounts from $1,000-$7,500
  • Income limit of 80% area medium income (AMI)
  • The deferred loan is forgiven after 15 years, if the property is still owned and occupied.
  • To qualify for this program, borrower(s) must not be eligible for any other financing administered by CEE
 Senior Emergency Grant
  • Grant amounts from $1,000-$7,500
  • Income limit of 80% area medium income (AMI)
  • At least one of the recipients must be 62 years of age or older
  • Eligible improvements will be determined through a required analysis of the emergency condition of the propertyTo qualify for this program, borrower(s) must not be eligible for any other financing administered by CEE

Learn more about loan options and apply on the CEE website. 

Metro Transit

Southeast Como is serviced by multiple Metro Transit buses. On Como Ave, routes 3A, 3B, and 3C lead to UMN and downtown Minneapolis westbound and downtown St. Paul eastbound. On Elm Street and Kasota at the south end of the neighborhood, routes 3A, 3B, and 3K run to both downtown metro areas. To the north, on Hennepin/Larpenteur avenue, route 61 connects us to the Nicollet island area, downtown Minneapolis, Falcon Heights, and downtown St. Paul. Route 25 connects our neighborhood directly north to the quarry shopping center and St. Anthony neighborhood. Route 30 connects us along Broadway street to the northeast neighborhoods.

Public Schools

Southeast Seniors

Southeast Seniors is a neighborhood, non-profit organization dedicated to helping aging neighbors to remain healthy, independent, safe and connected in their homes and community. If volunteer help is needed to change lightbulbs, install air conditioners or to get to the store; or if professional help is needed for connection to specialized services, consultation on health and safety concerns, other needs, Southeast Seniors is there to give Como and other SE Minneapolis neighbors the support they need. For assistance or opportunities to volunteer connect to SE Seniors at: SE Seniors Volunteers.

Van Cleve Park

The Accord Native Garden in Van Cleve Park

The Accord Native Garden in Van Cleve Park

Van Cleve Park is the hub of the Como neighborhood. Its programs serve neighbors of all ages from its programs and activities for pre-schoolers to its programs and activities for seniors. Van Cleve Park provides active many sports programs for Como and other city youth. Its grounds and facilities include indoor and outdoor basketball courts, tennis courts, softball fields that concert to ice rinks in the winter, computers for public use, and meeting spaces for community groups. Check out Van Cleve’s programs, activities, resources and hours on the park’s website