San Rafael, CA (Summer, 2018) – This summer, local civic leaders and residents of Marin celebrated the renovation of two senior low-income senior housing communities, Mackey Terrace in Novato and Walnut Place in Pt. Reyes Station.

Originally built in 1992, Mackey Terrace was named after Martin Mackey, the founder of EAH Housing. Mackey Terrace, nestled in the rolling hills of Novato, is a low-income housing community designed for seniors and persons with physical disabilities.  It consists of 50 studio and one-bedroom apartments.

Mackey Terrace is located half a mile from a shopping center, in close proximity to a grocery store, other shopping, a community center and health services. It is also near major transportation outlets. Bus services are within a block of the property.

“We need more places like this, we need more partners like EAH,” said Eric Lucan, councilmember of Novato.

According to a recent UCLA study, 55.8 percent of low-income seniors in California shoulder a severe rent burden and 22.6 percent are moderately burdened. Baby Boomers are California’s most rapidly aging population and more housing for low-income seniors is needed.

“Seniors are on the front lines of the housing crisis and are should not have to spend their golden years worried about having to leave their homes,” said Mary Murtagh, president and CEO of EAH Housing. “We are dedicated to providing people with a safe place to live and a place they are proud to call home.”

Walnut Place, a 25-unit, low-income senior housing community located in the coastal town of Pt. Reyes Station, also celebrated its grand reopening this summer.  Originally constructed in 1985 under the HUD 202/Section 8 program, Walnut Place is comprised of studio and one bedroom apartments.

“EAH has been such a great partner for Marin County,” says Marin County Supervisor Dennis Rodoni. “We wouldn’t have this facility here if it wasn’t for you. We wouldn’t have the great affordable housing that we have in Point Reyes Station without them, and we’re looking forward to future opportunities.”

The scope of the renovations for Mackey Terrace and Walnut Place included interior and exterior site improvements. Both properties have an elevator and are designed for older adults and persons with mobility impairments. Each unit is furnished with a full kitchen, wall-to-wall carpeting, Energy Star appliances, LED lighting, and storage closets. Shared common area space includes a furnished community room, lounge, laundry room, community garden, bike storage and patios. Special green features include low-flow water features, solar photovoltaic panels, high efficiency water heaters and drought tolerant landscaping. Solar production benefits are shared to reduce residents’ utility costs.

Mackey Terrace’s rehabilitation was supported by TWM Architects + Planners, Midstate Construction, Low Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC), Merritt Community Capital, North Marin Senior Housing, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and MUFG Union Bank, N.A.

The rehabilitation for Walnut Place was supported by TWM Architects + Planners, Midstate Construction, LIHTC, Merritt Community Capital, MUFG Union Bank, N.A., County of Marin HOME Program, West Marin Ecumenical Senior Housing, Inc. and HUD.