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Senior Urban Housing Development Opens In Mesa

Encore on First Development is in downtown Mesa on 1st Ave.
(Photo by Alexandra Olgin-KJZZ)
Encore on First Development is in downtown Mesa on 1st Ave.

Another senior urban housing development was unveiled Thursday afternoon, this time in Mesa. The 81-unit complex is located downtown.

Encore on First is walking distance from the Mesa Arts Center, restaurants and shops. It was built with money from a tax credit. Private investors put money into the development and in turn get a federal tax break.

This arrangement ultimately means residents pay lower rent. Roberta Becker moved in a few weeks ago. She said the complex fit all her needs as an active senior.

“Affordable housing doesn’t mean low class, you know, this is great," said Becker. 

Becker does not have a car and said she will take advantage of nearby light rail and bus systems. This complex is part of a larger movement to build affordable senior living options close to public transportation. A similar project went up in Tempe about a year ago.

Alexandra Olgin was a Senior Field Correspondent at KJZZ from 2013 to 2016.