$16.4 million renovation preserves affordable housing for older adults
National Church Residences hosted a ribbon-cutting for the grand reopening of Lakewood Christian Manor, celebrating a $16.4 million renovation of this community for low-income seniors age 55 and older. Lakewood Christian Manor is a 250-unit apartment complex for independent living, featuring a mix of studio and one-bedroom floor plans. This 9-story structure features amenities such as a large community room for resident social events, a computer room, an arts and crafts room, a fitness center and a wellness center to connect with community health care partners.
“Today’s milestone for Lakewood Christian Manor reflects our commitment to preserving and expanding affordable senior housing here in Georgia,” said Sonya Brown, senior vice president of affordable housing management for National Church Residences. “Thank you to all our partners, who joined with National Church Residences to improve and continue this community that has graced this neighborhood for more than 50 years.”
Financial partners who made this renovation possible include Lument, the National Equity Fund, Invest Atlanta, the Georgia Department of Community Affairs, Bank of America, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and Atlanta Housing.
“By 2050, nearly 12% of the Atlanta region’s population, or more than 900,000 people, will be aged 75 or older,” comments Dr. Eloisa Klementich, president and CEO of Invest Atlanta. “Projects like these are so vital because they help to preserve the spirit of the community and ensures that Atlanta residents, including seniors, can stay rooted in their communities as long as they choose.”
“Lakewood Christian Manor is the blueprint for other communities to follow of how to invest in their seniors. Quality, affordable living is paramount to aging with dignity and retiree happiness,” said Councilman Antonio Lewis, City of Atlanta.
Situated in Atlanta’s Perkerson neighborhood, the community was originally constructed in 1972 by a group of churches to create affordable housing for older adults. National Church Residences purchased the property in 1999 from Georgia Christian Homes Foundation, Incorporated. The recently completed renovation included a refresh of all shared public spaces and updates to apartment homes that spanned new cabinets, countertops, flooring, energy efficient appliances and lighting, and plumbing fixtures. The architectural design was developed by Foley Design Associates of Atlanta. Choate Construction served as general contractor, overseeing construction and renovation craftsmanship.
National Church Residences has had a presence in the Atlanta metro area for more than two decades, currently managing nearly 2,000 units of affordable senior housing at 17 communities in the metro area. The organization also is currently building Sweetwater Point, a new 96-unit affordable housing community for adults age 55 and older in Douglasville that is expected to open late this summer. National Church Residences’ total investment in the Atlanta area in the last four years has been $63.9 million with $45 million in south Fulton County alone. Another $43 million in development projects are slated to begin in south Fulton County this summer.
About National Church Residences
Originating from a Christian commitment of service, National Church Residences provides an array of health care services and a variety of housing options to more than 65,000 older adults. The nonprofit organization is driven by a vision to scale for mission impact by advancing better living for 100,000 seniors by 2030, wherever they call home. With more than 350 communities across the United States, it is the nation’s largest nonprofit provider of affordable senior housing and the largest manager of service coordinators. The organization also offers a variety of additional senior living options, home and community-based services, as well as permanent supportive housing for the formerly homeless and disabled. For more information, visit us at NationalChurchResidences.org and follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn and YouTube.
