The people in Colorado Springs who best know what seniors need are making progress on creating a second affordable housing campus for seasoned citizens, this time north of central downtown. Silver Key Senior Services, a nonprofit founded in 1970 with services that help older adults age safely, in dependently and with dignity, received unanimous approval from the city planning commission last week to proceed with developing a 1.2-acre property at 2126 N. Weber St. The decision gives a nod to the proposed use and density of 49 units consisting of 47 one-bedroom apartments and two, two-bedroom units. Future progress now is contingent on the organization receiving 9% federal and state low-income housing tax credits through the Colorado Housing and Finance Authority, said Jason DeaBueno, president and CEO of Silver Key Senior Services. Applications for this go-round are due in February, and a decision from the state agency could come in March, he said. If the project is selected for the tax credits, construction could start this summer. “We’re hopeful; we know it’s a competitive process, and we think we’re a highly valued community member and have demonstrated we can move from design to articulation to implementation.” Almost immediately after opening the 50-unit Silver Key Apartments at South Murray in October of 2024, the organization realized the demand for housing for very low- to low-income seniors ages 62 and above is even greater than expected, DeaBueno said. “We have over 400 people interested in living at our current apartments at South Murray and Fountain Boulevard, and that’s stayed pretty steady, which demonstrates the amount of need,” he said. The organization looked at several properties, but the location on North Weber Avenue, in view of Penrose Hospital to the west and in walking distance of a grocery store to the east and nearby eateries that include a café, taco shop and ice creamery, seemed like a perfect fit, DeaBueno said. “It’s a vacant lot in the middle of a residential and retail area; it’s really prime for us.” In giving their blessing, planning commission members said there was not a more ideal spot for older adults because of advantages that include access to a nearby park, shopping choices and being on a public bus line. As with the organization’s first affordable housing project in southeast Colorado Springs on land adjacent to its headquarters at 1625 S. Murray Blvd., Silver Key will provide residents with complementary services such as meals through its in-house nutrition program, along with transportation to medical appointments and socialization such as fitness classes. The complex will have features that allow maturing adults 62 and above to age in place, such as cabinets that are easy to open and close, a convenient trash chute and different color schemes for each floor for quick identification, according to DeaBueno. Units will be priced for residents who have an income primarily in the range of 40% to 60% of area median income, though Silver Key is fundraising to help offset units for residents who annually receive 30% or less of area median income. An average projected area median income of 52.65% will “ensure long-term affordability for residents with the greatest need,” DeaBueno said. The overall projected cost is still in flux, he said, adding that the organization has set a goal of raising $800,000 in a legacy fund to Millicent “Mikki” Kraushaar, who while not the founder is credited with building Silver Key into a powerful advocate and service provider for the community’s seniors as its first paid CEO when it opened in 1971 through her retirement in 2004. Kraushaar lived in the Old North End, where the new affordable apartment complex will be built. She will be memorialized with a community garden at the new campus, according to DeaBueno. To donate, go to https://www.silverkey.org/mikki-legacy-fund/. “The affordable housing crisis not only nationally but also stateside and locally is incredible, especially for older adults,” DeaBueno said. “Silver Key is making a 40-year commitment to be involved with this for as long as possible. ...read more read less