Virginia City Council and HRA partner for affordable senior housing improvements

St. Louis County is taking significant steps to address the pressing housing needs of its senior population. During a recent board meeting, the county discussed a partnership with the Virginia Housing and Redevelopment Authority (HRA) to rehabilitate Washington Manor, a 63-unit senior housing facility in Virginia. This initiative aims to ensure that affordable housing remains available for seniors in the community.

Dana Hiltonen, Executive Director of the Virginia HRA, presented details about the project, highlighting the need for capital improvements and a steam conversion for the aging building. The city of Virginia, which originally purchased the former school building in the early 1990s to convert it into senior housing, is now unable to manage the necessary upgrades. To address this, the HRA plans to acquire the property for a nominal fee and issue bonds to fund the renovations.

The proposed rental rates for the units range from approximately $812 for one-bedroom apartments to $1,200 for two-bedroom units, which Hiltonen described as affordable market rates for the area. The project is expected to meet a significant demand, with existing waiting lists for senior housing in the region.

Commissioner Grimm emphasized the importance of maintaining existing housing units, particularly in rural areas where building new senior housing can be financially challenging. The board's discussions underscored a collective commitment to preserving and enhancing housing options for seniors, recognizing that many prefer to remain in their own homes rather than move to assisted living facilities.

The board's support for this initiative reflects a proactive approach to tackling the housing crisis faced by seniors in St. Louis County. As the project moves forward, it is anticipated that these efforts will not only improve living conditions for current residents but also provide much-needed housing solutions for future generations.