New senior housing will open this spring

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WORTHINGTON — Local seniors could have another option for housing as soon as late February.

Buffalo Ridge Apartments, a 19-unit affordable housing complex, is currently under construction at 2107 Nobles St. in Worthington.

The complex, designed for residents ages 62 and older with very low incomes, will feature 18 fully furnished, 540 square foot, one-bedroom apartments, and one two-bedroom apartment to accommodate a caretaker.

The apartments are being developed and managed by Accessible Space Inc. (ASI), a non-profit affordable housing provider; with rent being partially subsidized by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

Qualifying households will pay 30 percent of their adjusted gross monthly income for rent.

Douglas Oman, the real estate development manager for ASI, said about four of the units are fully accessible for those with disabilities.

“(They are) wheelchair accessible with roll-in showers and roll under counters,” he explained.

“One of our fortes is to provide more accessible housing, especially for more frail elderly. It was a nice thing for the city and for us.”

Brad Chapulis, director of community and economic development for the city of Worthington, confirmed some local seniors have already expressed an interest in the housing, and said the complex should provide a “small dent, not a significant dent” in the city’s housing shortage.

“It’s providing housing alternatives for the aging population, which currently only have the Meadows or Golden Horizons or nursing homes as an option. The city’s hope is the availability of these units will open up some existing opportunities for ownership that don’t currently exist,” or, he said, “It may open a rental unit that’s currently occupied by an elderly individual.”

The complex will also feature a controlled access main entry system, centrally located laundry facilities, elevator service, an outdoor patio with a gas grill and community room with kitchen facilities.

Those interested may call ASI at 800-466-7722 for more information.

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