Construction on the Helen Drake Village, a new affordable housing community that will bring 80 rental homes to Phoenix seniors, is anticipated to be completed in 2027 (photo courtesy of City of Phoenix Housing Department).
At an April 10 ground-breaking event, the city of Phoenix and its partners celebrated the start of construction on Helen Drake Village, a new affordable housing community that will bring 80 rental homes to Phoenix seniors.
The project is located on city-owned land next to the existing Helen Drake Senior Center at 7600 N. 27th Ave., creating the city’s first-ever combined senior housing and services campus.
Helen Drake Village will feature 74 one-bedroom units and six two-bedroom units in a modern, three-story building, designed for adults 55 years old and older. Apartments will be available at prices that are affordable for seniors with incomes ranging from 30 percent to 60 percent of the Area Median Income (AMI). The project is made possible through 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.
By building this community next to the Helen Drake Senior Center, the city says that it is making it easier for residents to stay active, connected and supported. Seniors living at Helen Drake Village will be steps away from social activities, wellness programs, community meals and recreation opportunities already offered at the center.
“Co-locating housing with an active senior center is a huge win for older adults in Phoenix, Jacqueline Edwards, Human Services director said. “Residents will have immediate access to programs and community support that enrich their daily life, and we’re excited to welcome them.”
Residents also will have access to onsite amenities at Helen Drake Village, including a community center, wellness studio, sports courts and community garden.
In a press release, city leadership said, “Helen Drake Village represents another step in implementing the city’s Housing Phoenix Plan, which calls for redevelopment of city-owned land to create new affordable and mixed-income housing options.”
Construction is expected to be completed in 2027. Learn more at www.phoenix.gov/administration/departments/housing/housing-phoenix-plan.html.
