NHC member BRIDGE Housing recently celebrated the renovation of Washington Plaza, a public housing community for low-income seniors. The development features 75 one-bedroom apartments for older adults and saw full renovations made possible by BRIDGE and the Sacramento Housing Authority Repositioning Program, Inc. (SHARP).
The property, opened in 1971, received substantial upgrades including replacement of all major systems, enlargement of community spaces, several green upgrades and exterior retrofits. The property was also updated to accommodate the space needs of supportive programs like service coordination and life-skills training.
“Preservation is critical to maintaining Sacramento’s existing housing assets for vulnerable, low-income seniors and preparing the buildings for future decades of service,” Cynthia Parker, president & CEO of BRIDGE Housing said in a press release. “We are thrilled to welcome home the seniors who live at Washington Plaza.”
BRIDGE Housing engaged with a relocation consultant to accommodate residents of homes being renovated. In three phases, residents were moved to furnished accommodations or given the option to stay with friends or family.
Washington Plaza’s renovations will play a major role in helping older adults to age in place. As noted in last year’s report from NHC, Aging in Every Place, nearly 90 percent of older adults surveyed by AARP revealed their desire to stay in their homes for as long as possible throughout the aging process. Renovations that accommodate supportive programs and provide a sense of community to older adults in the area, like those made at Washington Plaza, will make aging in place a reality for many lower-income older adults.
Washington Plaza is one of several joint projects by BRIDGE Housing and SHARP. Both organizations have partnered on renovations for two other senior buildings, Sierra Vista and Sutterview, both located in Sacramento.