San Bernardino’s Last Redevelopment Project Opens To Good Reviews
Dignitaries presented the new Magnolia at 9th Street Senior Apartments with certificates of Achievements. (Left to Right) Anthony Sandoval, Western Senior Housing President; Heather Rouhana, Representative from Congressmember Gary Miller; Aaron Mandel, Western Senior Housing Vice President and Graham Espley-Jones, Western Community Housing President
(San Bernardino, CA) The City of San Bernardino, Western Community Housing, Inc. and Meta Housing, Corp. recently held the grand opening for Magnolia at 9th a 119-unit affordable, luxury, senior housing community now open for seniors.
“This is a great example of what private public partnerships can accomplish,” said San Bernardino Mayor Carey Davis. “It will be a great place for seniors. They will have a wonderful opportunity to improve their lifestyle.”
The Magnolia at 9th Senior Apartments is located in San Bernardino at 181 9th Street near the corner of 9th and Lugo Street. It has been open since January, providing seniors age 62 and older with an upscale but affordable living option. The apartments include 100 one-bedroom units, and 19 two bedrooms.
The project started out as a partnership between the San Bernardino Redevelopment Agency, Meta Housing, and Western Community Housing. With $7.1 million in redevelopment funding that would allow it to transform a formerly blighted 40-year-old apartment complex into an attractive, safe and modern living place, Meta Housing and Western Community Housing began planning this project in 2009.
Prior to Magnolia at 9th Street, the city had used redevelopment funds to bring about renewal to many other blighted houses and apartments in many other neighborhoods.
In February of 2012 as The Magnolia at 9th was assembling additional funding, state legislation eliminated redevelopment agencies. The City of San Bernardino had to convince the State of California that because Magnolia at 9th was already in progress, the redevelopment funds committed to this project should stay in San Bernardino.
First Ward Council Member Virginia Marquez is a supporter of and advocate for Magnolia at 9th since its beginning.
Support from the project came from San Bernardino City officials including Councilmember Marquez and Mayor Davis. (Left to Right) Mayor Carey Davis, San Bernardino City Mayor; Virginia Marquez, 15th Ward City Counsel Member of San Bernardino and Graham Espley-Jones, Western Community Housing President.
As a leader in the senior housing industry, Western Seniors Housing, Inc., which manages Magnolia at 9th, is committed to raising the level of quality senior housing in the industry through thoughtful management programs geared toward maintaining a high level of satisfaction for the owners, operators and residents of senior apartment communities.
“We are thrilled to be able to offer beautiful, quality, affordable housing designed for seniors age 62+, with many amenities,” said Anthony Sandoval, President of Western Seniors Housing, about the comforts and tranquil living conditions that the community has to offer.
The Magnolia at 9th Senior Apartments boasts a brand new 2,500 square foot community room where residents may enjoy relaxation and companionship amongst themselves or their guests.
Judi Penman, President and Chief Executive Officer at San Bernardino Chamber of Commerce leads Mayor Davis, Councilmember Marquez and Aaron Mandel from developer Meta Housing Corp and community members in the Magnolia at 9th Street Senior Housing Official Ribbon Cutting.
The $21 million project also comes with exceptional programs for seniors and a sustainable design using “green building” principles designed to exceed existing energy efficiency by more than one-third. The City of San Bernardino is a partner in the project contributing $7.1 million in redevelopment housing funds.
(Left to Right) Virgina Marquez, 15th Ward City Counsel Member of San Bernardino and Anthony Sandoval, Western Senior Housing President discuss the apartments beauty in the court yard.
“We also partner with an organization like EngAGE, to provide programs for seniors that help them maintain a healthier and happier lifestyle. Providing seniors with opportunities to stay connected and active is essential,” said Meta Housing Corp. Vice President Aaron Mandel.
For example, in the computer center, seniors who have never used a computer before learn how to keep in-touch and interact with their children and grandkids.
“We are thrilled to be able to deliver this beautiful senior housing project to San Bernardino,” said Mandel. “About 38 seniors have moved is and are enjoying their apartments. Rents range from $494 to $807 a month depending on income and availability.”
“Overall, above and beyond the technology, amenities and structure itself, seniors will find a great place they can come to call home and their families can rest assured that their parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles are enjoying their senior years in comfort and good company,” said Mandel.
“We are very excited to bring another great senior apartment community to San Bernardino and the region,” said Mandel. “We look forward to delivering more quality, affordable multi-family housing projects in partnerships with the county and cities in the next few years.”
(Left to Right) Judi Penman, President and Chief Executive Officer at San Bernardino Chamber of Commerce and Rikke Van Johnson, 6th Ward City Counsel Member of San Bernardino.
For more information or to reserve a spot call the Magnolia at 9th Street Senior Apartments at (909) 388.1203.
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