
PHOENIX — Construction is moving along on 78 new apartment homes for seniors on the former campus of Catholic Charities Community Services of Arizona. The Foundation for Senior Living is building Acacia Heights, an affordable senior living community, which is located in the heart of Historic Pierson Place.
The apartment homes will serve seniors 62 years old and older between 40-60 percent of Area Median Income (AMI) adjusted for household size. The property is located at 615 W. Pierson St. in Phoenix. The project is anticipated to be complete in early 2021.
“The majority of these units will be affordable to individuals and households earning minimum wage or relying on social security benefits,” said Steve Hastings, director of real estate for FSL.

“It’s a great location with access to restaurants and shops nearby,” he added. “Additionally, the property is walking distance to the light rail terminal at Camelback and Seventh Avenue.”
The project will consist of 76 one-bedroom and two two-bedroom apartment homes. The apartments will be accompanied by common spaces and a community room area. Acacia Heights will be energy efficient and include energy efficient appliances inside the units.
Foundation for Senior Living

FSL is a 501(c)(3) organization whose mission is to provide home- and community-based services and to develop energy-efficient, affordable housing to promote health, independence and dignity for all. With a long history of helping Arizona families with issues including health, hunger, aging, illness, loneliness and substandard housing, FSL is committed to improving the quality of life for all Arizonans
“The Pierson Place Historic District has become rather popular in the last 10 years,” said Hastings.

Income data indicates that gentrification — the process of changing the character of a neighborhood through the influx of more affluent residents and businesses — is occurring in the area, Hastings said.
“With the onset of gentrification, it is important that existing residents are not priced out of the neighborhood and are provided affordable housing opportunities within their boundaries,” he said. “Acacia Heights is such a project.”