Good news during uneasy times: Carson City to break ground on senior housing

We have some good news to share in these not-so-good economic times, especially when it comes to development and housing.
Construction will begin soon on a $3.6 million, 42-unit senior apartment complex in Carson City that will help to close the gap in a shortage of affordable retirement housing here.
The development, Sierra Ridge Apartments, will be a rental housing community that is affordable to senior households, according to the Carson City Chamber of Commerce, in making the announcement Thursday. The complex will be built on 3.48 acres at 1870 Russell Way and consist of one and two bedroom apartments. A ground breaking ceremony will be on June 2, at 10 a.m.
Also good news economically is the $33,000 in annual property taxes that will go to the city, according to the chamber.
Thanks to a successful grant application to the Nevada Housing Division, construction should begin soon and will be completed by 2011. Funding with Low Income Housing Tax Credits will enable the rents to be set at a level to insure the project will be able to serve seniors with low and very-low incomes ranging from 30 percent to 60 percent of area median. Several units will be fully equipped for persons with mobility impairments. These units will help meet a rising demand in housing for low income seniors in the Carson City area.
Sierra Ridge Apartments will be laid out in an attractive plan with units contained in a three story building with approximately 7,600 square feet of common space for lobbies, laundry, manager’s offices, interior hallway and recreation. Each unit will have a private patio, and there will be sufficient open space to provide community gardening areas. Building exteriors will feature high quality siding with masonry accents and 30-year architectural shingles.
The apartments are designed to create an enjoyable and comfortable community for active seniors. The one-bedroom units will be 630 square feet and units will range between $ 348 and $ 589 per month. The two‑bedroom units will be approximately 850 square feet and units will range between $ 419 and $ 709.
Unit amenities include Energy Star appliances, self-cleaning ove, microwaves, dishwashers, ceiling fans, extra storage space and access to cable and high-speed internet. The property will also offer a comprehensive menu of supportive services which will include activities and classes of interest for the residents, health services, and assistance for those who will want to age in place. Most of these activities will be coordinated with the Carson City Senior Center.
There have been nearly zero vacancies in Carson City affordable senior rental properties for the past several years. The 89 unit Autumn Village developed by CDI in Carson City has a waiting list of nearly 100 households. There is also a shortage of units equipped for seniors with disabilities. This development will add approximately 6 fully equipped units to help meet this need.
The site for this development has been approved for multifamily, high density multifamily development. It is about one block from a public bus stop on a route that goes directly to the Carson City Senior Center. Bus transportation is free of charge to Carson City residents 60 years of age and older.
The development team is fully experienced in the development of affordable housing. Community Development, Inc. has developed several other properties for seniors using the same style of building. The architect is experienced in the development of affordable housing and have been involved in previous developments with CDI. Their familiarity with the type of construction will facilitate building the project efficiently and with a minimum of delays.
Some of the services proposed for the residents of Sierra Ridge Apartments include transportation assistance, free immunizations and health screenings, assistance with medicare and medicaid, training and information on issues of interest to the aged, and planned social activities. Many of these activities could occur on-site in the spacious common areas. The common areas will provide space for resident meetings, socializing and recreation. There will also be an on-site manager’s unit and office, a common laundry facility, and a computer area with free high speed internet access for residents. Free wireless internet service will be available to all residents.

Lender Partners include:

Nevada Housing Division

First Independent Bank of Nevada

Utah Community Reinvestment Corportation

Western Nevada HOME Consortium

 National Equity Fund, Inc