Investors break ground for project focused on affordable housing for seniors in southeast Fort Wayne

FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WPTA) – Affordable housing for seniors is coming to southeast Fort Wayne after a groundbreaking on Tuesday.

BACKGROUND: City announces new developer for mixed-use project in southeast Fort Wayne

The $14 million project is located at 1902 McKinnie Avenue. Village Premier campus is part of the 2020 Southeast Development Strategy, with 50 housing units designed specifically for seniors with incomes below the median.

Along with the living spaces, the 48,000-square-foot facility will feature 3,000 square feet of retail space on the first floor and exercise and laundry facilities.

Fort Wayne Mayor Sharon Tucker said she’s excited to see private investment in the city’s southeast side and in the Village Premier campus.

“Housing is one of my top priorities, and this project helps meet a critical need for more affordable housing for our growing senior population,” Tucker said.

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“Our mission is to deliver projects that have an immediate impact for the residents and the surrounding community,” Matt Gadus of House Investments said. “This project will include 50 units of affordable housing for seniors, which will provide them the opportunity to age in place in their neighborhood.”

“We are grateful to our partners, including the City of Fort Wayne, for their continued support for not only this project, but the overall master development plan.”

Village Premier is a 20-acre property purchased by Fort Wayne Community Development in 2010. Currently, the project includes a $40 million development with 208 apartments, the $4.5 million Meridian Health Clinic and several single-family homes.

Future phases are expected to include for-rent townhouses and an early learning childcare center.