EAH Housing has broken ground on a 69-unit affordable housing community for seniors in downtown Imperial, California.
The three-story building will feature 68 one-bedroom apartment homes reserved for seniors, one two-bedroom apartment for the building manager, a common area with a fitness room, a specially designated common room for residents to take part in card games and other activities, and an area set aside for use as a civic space for the city of Imperial. A laundry room will be located on each floor.
“This community has been designed to meet the needs of low-income seniors in our small desert community and will fit gracefully within Imperial’s downtown area,” said Othon Mora, community development director for Imperial. “The affordable housing crisis is acute in all of California, and this also holds true in our community. We’re thrilled to be able to have a hand in addressing it.”
Units at Imperial Village will be reserved for seniors making between 30% and 60% of the area median income.
The development will also take advantage of the region’s desert sun, with a solar photovoltaic installation on the roof of a parking structure.
“Our organization is committed to leveraging our expertise and relationships to fill the growing gap for affordable housing in California. Projects like Imperial Village are perfect examples of what that means in practice,” said Laura Hall, president and CEO of EAH Housing. “Every unit we add to the city’s housing inventory helps, and we want to celebrate that here today.”
Designed by architect NOAA Group in close collaboration with the city to have a traditional character, the building’s exterior will be accented by arched openings, classic columns, and large shade overhangs. A courtyard and community garden with raised planter beds will be a focus point for outdoor activities.
Financing for the approximately $32.3 million development includes funding from the city, California Department of Housing and Community Development, and the Department of Housing and Urban Development.
