Staff Reports | Community Updates
Phoenix and its partners marked the start of construction on Helen Drake Village, an affordable housing development that will provide 80 rental homes for seniors.
The community is being built on city-owned land adjacent to the Helen Drake Senior Center, creating Phoenix’s first combined senior housing and services campus, according to a press release.
“Helen Drake Village is a significant step forward in our commitment to provide Phoenix seniors access to affordable, high-quality housing with essential services,” Mayor Kate Gallego said. “By combining vibrant homes with direct access to programs and activities, we’re building a community where residents can enjoy a stable, connected community.”
Helen Drake Village will include 74 one-bedroom units and six two-bedroom units in a modern, three-story building designed for adults 55 and older. Apartments will be priced to serve seniors earning between 30% and 60% of the area median income.
“Helen Drake Village is going to change lives. It’s inspiring to see our city step up and invest in seniors who’ve given so much to this community,” said Betty Guardado, councilwoman for District 5. “Seeing this become a reality fills me with pride for Phoenix and excitement for what’s ahead.”
The project is a partnership between the City of Phoenix, co-developer The Richman Group, Snell & Wilmer, Biltform Architects, Atwell Engineering, EOS Builders and the Arizona Department of Housing.
“Helen Drake Village represents the kind of strategic investment that strengthens Phoenix’s entire housing system,” said Titus Mathew, Phoenix housing director. “By transforming city-owned land into long-term affordable housing, we are demonstrating how public resources can be used responsibly and creatively to expand options for seniors across Phoenix.”
The location next to the Helen Drake Senior Center is intended to make it easier for residents to remain connected and engaged.
“From the start, our goal was to deliver housing that feels rooted in the neighborhood and worthy of the people who will call it home,” said Alex Popovic, regional vice president of The Richman Group of Arizona. “Helen Drake Village reflects a long-term commitment to quality and thoughtful design for Phoenix seniors.”
Seniors living at Helen Drake Village will be within walking distance of social activities, wellness programs, community meals and recreation opportunities offered at the center.
“Co-locating housing with an active senior center is a huge win for older adults in Phoenix,” said Jacqueline Edwards, Phoenix human services director. “Residents will have immediate access to programs and community support that enrich their daily life, and we’re excited to welcome them.”
In addition to access to the senior center, residents will have onsite amenities at Helen Drake Village, including a community center, wellness studio, sports courts and a community garden.
