Hidden within Prairie Village in northeast Longmont, the local housing authority has left a good impression with an affordable community for active seniors 62 and older.
Fall River Apartments at Prairie Village received The People’s Choice Award from Housing Colorado on July 30, voted on by community members from a list of nominees.
Community Manager Torrie Sanders said she was thrilled so many residents took the time to vote. The annual Eagle Awards have been a Housing Colorado tradition since 1990. They honor some of the best examples of individuals and institutions in the state that make housing affordable for everyone. Previously held in-person, this year’s event was a virtual ceremony.
“Fall River was built in a neighborhood that donated and set aside land for affordable rental housing for older adults. As the homes in the neighborhood were built, everyone knew and expected this multi-family building to be part of the overall neighborhood,” representatives from the Longmont Housing Authority said via email. “Therefore, Fall River and (neighboring) Spring Creek were built into a welcoming environment. This allowed for a more thoughtful approach to the design of Fall River and a gathering of input from the surrounding neighborhood groups. We also have gardens, interactive walking paths that our neighbors are welcome to use as well. Fall River is a four-story building, which allows for a smaller building footprint and a larger open space.”
The community garden at Fall River Apartments in Prairie Village.(Photo by Matt Hagerman)
The new building boasts exercise and yoga rooms, common halls with kitchenettes and two exterior fourth-floor decks overlooking the Rocky Mountains. It’s fully occupied but a waitlist will be opened up soon. More information will soon be available at longmontha.com.
“Affordable housing is such a high demand these days, especially senior housing,” Kathy Felder of the city’s Community Services Department said. “Since the first move-in, our residents have expressed appreciation and gratitude to be able to call Fall River their home. It is a very busy place with many connections being made between the residents.”
The one- or two-bedroom apartments at Fall River are designated for the elderly earning 30%, 40% or 5% of the area median income. It is one of nine communities overseen by the Longmont Housing Authority, and preventing the spread of COVID-19 is a top priority.
“Management has weekly update meetings with the city of Longmont,” the LHA stated. “And some of our older adults have even taken it upon themselves to help out in wiping down our community. We all try our best to do our part to be safe.”
The housing authority also partners with local organizations like the Longmont Senior Center and Longmont Meals on Wheels to serve each of its communities.
The courtyard at Fall River Apartments in Prairie Village.(Photo by Matt Hagerman)
