Wesley Housing Opens First Seniors Community Dedicates to
Founder Virginia Peters

Over 140 guests attended Wesley Housing's grand opening of Quarry Station Seniors Apartments in Manassas, the organization's newest affordable housing property serving seniors living on fixed incomes. The September 24th event included a ribbon cutting and a warm welcome by Manassas Mayor Marvin L. Gillum. Wesley Housing dedicated the Virginia Peters Gallery to its founding director. Ms. Peters' vision to build strong and vibrant communities and offer supportive and educational services to low- and moderate-income residents continues to thrive after 28 years.

Contributors and funders of the project, new Quarry residents, future residents, Wesley Housing volunteers, Board Chair Nancy Minter, President/CEO Alvin Smuzynski, and representatives from many area businesses and human services organizations joined the early afternoon celebration. Guests enjoyed a light lunch as they listened to partner appreciation tributes.

The development of Quarry Station was a truly collaborative effort. Tax-credit financing for the complex was provided by The Richman Group Capital Corporation; SunTrust Bank and Freddie Mac provided major funding, as well as Acacia and Citigroup. The project's general contractor, Hamel Builders, donated $2,500 in the name of Bob Barrett, superintendent at Hamel, toward the craft room at Quarry Station.

Quarry Station is Wesley Housing's first community in Prince William County. The property offers a 79-unit complex designed to meet the physical and social health needs of Northern Virginia seniors. Site-based services include exercise programs, social activities, and a state-of the art computer lab, which allows residents to keep in touch with family and friends via e-mail. Quarry Station resident Margaret Welsh, 73, likened her new home to "a five-star hotel without room service."

That is precisely Wesley Housing's goal. "We want to offer a range of services to our residents to contribute to their well-being and quality of life," explains Quarry Station Site Manager Stacy Stephens.

The region's affordable housing crisis is accelerating at an alarming pace. Seniors living on fixed incomes - local residents and those who re-locate to be near family - have few housing options. Quarry Station offers a well-timed solution. Prince William County's senior population is expected to reach 16,000 by 2004, a 25% increase in the next few years (Delta Associates/CACI). "We're delighted to offer a safe, stimulating, and affordable living space for area seniors," said Wesley Housing President/CEO Alvin Smuzynski. "Wesley Housing is proud to offer affordable housing options to one of the region's most vulnerable populations."

Apartments are still available at Quarry Station. Initial rental rates are $650, plus utilities, for a one-bedroom unit and $850, plus utilities, for a two-bedroom unit. For more information about Quarry Station, please call Site Manager Stacy Stephens at (703) 393-7788.