The Paces Foundation recently broke ground for Las Brisas Manor, an independent living community for low-income seniors in Del Rio, Texas. Construction is expected to start immediately, with the community due to open by summer 2012.
“The City of Del Rio is pleased to partner with The Paces Foundation, the Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas, the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs, and Community National Bank, as well as others, to provide the all important basic need of housing for our seniors,” said the city’s mayor, Roberto Fernandez. “During this tough economic time, it is more important than ever to create lasting partnerships for the betterment of our communities.”
The more than $6.4 million in funding for the construction came from several sources, including a $500,000 Affordable Housing Program grant from Community National Bank and FHLB Dallas.
Upon completion, Las Brisas Manor will feature 48 units priced for low-income residents, including 15 one-bedroom units and 33 two-bedroom units, which will come fully equipped with Energy Star kitchen appliances.
“The Paces Foundation built the first Gold LEED certified seniors affordable living home in Georgia,” said Mark du Mas, president of The Paces Foundation. “Las Brisas Manor will be the first project for senior citizens built to Green Built Texas standards. Such sustainable building practices not only reduce our impact on the environment but also significantly drop the utility bills for our residents, which can sometimes take a large portion of their income.”
The foundation, which also built Las Brisas Apartments, a family-oriented affordable housing community located adjacent to the planned senior community, was one of 79 organizations to receive a portion of the $18.5 million in AHP grants awarded in 2010 by the FHLB of Dallas.
Written by Alyssa Gerace