The Long Beach Senior Arts Colony serves as more than housing. The amenity-rich development in Long Beach, Calif., is a community full of life and energy.
Developed by Meta Housing Corp. and Century Affordable Development, Inc., the project features 200 units for seniors earning between 30 percent and 60 percent of the area median income as well as 15,000 square feet of amenity space. The development includes a 99-seat performance theater, art studios, a resident art gallery, a dog park, fitness areas, and community gardens.
“It’s really these programs that have a very warm reception from the residents that create a strong community,” says Tish Kelly, Meta Housing project manager.
EngAGE, a nonprofit service provider, focuses on creative and healthy aging with arts and wellness activities.
Originally planned as a multi-phased project with market-rate, affordable, and for-sale housing as well as retail, Meta restructured the financing after the economic downturn to do the affordable component first. The first phase of the Arts Colony was then split into two separately owned and financed projects.
The $55.9 million Phase 1A, which was completed in January, includes 161 units and was financed with 4 percent low-income housing tax credits (LIHTCs) and tax-exempt bonds. The $14.1 million Phase 1B, which was completed in October, includes 39 units and was financed with 9 percent LIHTCs.
