Senior Housing Complex Taking Shape

Who is happy about the lack of rain this winter? The construction crew putting up the Warner Creek senior housing complex in Novato.

Eden Housing, a Hayward-based nonprofit that has been building senior housing since 1968, expects to be finished with 61 units of affordable housing by November 2012 on the 2.27-acre site at 806 Diablo Ave.

“We’re about 35 percent complete,” said Faye Blackman, Eden’s project developer. “The estimated notice of completion is October, but all the life-safety systems have to be in place … We’re making wonderful time in terms of construction. It’s bad for the state that we haven’t had much rain, but for construction it’s positive.”  

The foundation is complete and the wood framing is going up now just across the street from and adjacent to two condominium complexes along Warner Creek, a half mile from Novato’s Old Town.

Of the 61 units, 60 will be one-bedroom units for very low to extremely low-income seniors aged 62 and older (the other is an on-site manager’s unit). According to information from Eden Housing, “The Warner Creek Senior Housing Project will help to meet the needs of low income seniors in Novato with safe, attractive, and affordable homes and on-site services that will help these individuals thrive.”

Blackman said the age restriction was 55 and over at the time of Novato City Council approval of the project in August 2011, but the age was changed to 62    in response to voiced concerns. The only exception would be for a live-in caregiver. 

The site, formerly a vacant lot, is close to walking distance from shopping, transportation choices and other services and community amenities. 

What will the place be like when it’s finished? It will be a U-shaped, three-story building with a central courtyard and a two-story element stepping down on the Diablo Avenue frontage. Parking will be on the southern side of the project, adjacent to a . A two-story lobby area will have offices, a community room and space for on-site resident service programs. Further inside, the development will have courtyards, a raised outdoor patio and a community garden for the residents.

Blackman said management will work closely with new residents and police to try and keep the Warner Creek complex as crime-free as possible. 

She said interest has been strong about the rentals. “Folks have been calling to be put on the interest list,” she said. “Later we’ll be giving more information about the leasing process. There will be more of a concerted outreach in the spring.”

Check out more details on Eden Housing's site.