The Northern Virginia Journal, Friday, May 17, 2002
Senior housing on the rise in Prince William area Builders target elderly people with limited incomes

By Christine Rodrigo

After decades of appearing virtually invisible, senior citizens on limited incomes are being courted by developers.

Three separate projects to provide apartments for the growing senior population are in the works in Manassas and Manassas Park. They are the first such projects to be built in either city. Even western Prince William County hasn't had a new income-restricted complex for seniors for about 30 years, said Lill Wagener, director of the county's Agency on Aging.

Demographics are driving the sudden popularity of housing project for independent seniors - those who don't need assisted-living facilities or nursing homes, several officials said.

"The fact of the matter is the baby boomers are aging, and in five to 10 years we're all going to need this type of housing," said Julian Bermudez, the county's housing and community development director.

Another reason Manassas didn't previously have senior housing is because until recently, no part of the city was zoned for such a development, said Carl Smith, chairman of the city's Housing Advisory Committee. Once the zoning was changed, developers began looking for land and planning their projects, he said.

Age-restricted housing is needed because many older people are physically unable to maintain their homes and yards; at an apartment complex, there's no need to mow the lawn and shovel snow, Smith said.

"The population is aging, and we're going to get more and more people who will qualify for this type of housing," he added.

Manassas has two independent living complexes under reconstruction: the 79-unit Quarry Station and The Oaks of Wellington, which Will have 131 apartments. Also, a Fairfax-based developer intends to build a 148-unit facility in Manassas Park.

All three projects will offer one-and two-bedroom units. At least some of the apartments in each facility will have income restrictions so seniors on fixed incomes don't be priced out of the market.

Quarry Station, at 8750 Quarry Road, is a $7.9 million project being developed by Alexandria-based Wesley Housing Development Corp. The three-story building, which will be restricted to residents 55 and older, is expected to be complete in June, said Al Smuzynski, Wesley president and chief executive officer. To qualify for an apartment, all residents must have incomes below $39,000.

A few miles away from Quarry Road, crews are clearing tires and grading 7.3 acres for a separate project, The Oaks of Wellington. The $12 million development, at 10240 Hendley Road, will be restricted to people 62 and older. Construction is expected to be complete in June 2003, said Peggy Miltenberger, a representative for the project owner, Wellington Seniors Apartments L.P.

Forty percent of the 131 Wellington units will be income-restricted with the maximum amount set at $40,320: The other 60 percent, which will be identical to the income-restricted apartments, will be rented at market rates, Miltenberger said.

In Manassas Park, city officials last week voted to sell 8 acres to Digital Park LLC for $233,500 for a senior housing project. Fairfax-based developer Larry Doll, managing partner of Digital Park, plans to work with First Centrum to build 148 apartments for people age 55 and older. The development, costing $6 million to $8 million, will be on Manassas Drive near Manassas Christian School. All residents must meet income restrictions with the maximum set at $41,760. Construction is tentatively set to start in spring 2003.

The designated ri1aximUm income levels are considered w be "moderate" rather than "low” income, Wagener said.

While some local people will be interested in the apartments, the majority of residents probably will move here from elsewhere, Smuzynski said. Based on other Wesley Housing Developments, he predicted 50 percent to 75 percent of residents will move here to be near their adult children, about 75 percent of residents will be female and their average age will be much higher than the minimum of 55.

At The Oaks of Wellington, the developer will target its marketing materials to Manassas residents first so those who are interested can apply for apartments, Miltenberger said.

“There are no elderly communities with upscale living conditions [in Northern Virginia] that are not assisted living," Miltenberger said, explaining why she believes The Oaks will fill a niche. Each apartment will have hardwood floors and a washer and dryer while the common areas will include a library, indoor pool and hot tub.