Construction Begins on Affordable Senior Housing in Phoenix

Helen Drake Village to create first combined senior housing and services campus

Apr. 12, 2026 at 10:11am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A vibrant, high-contrast silkscreen print depicting a senior citizen walking with a cane, repeated in a grid pattern to represent the concept of an inclusive, community-focused senior living development.An innovative new affordable senior housing development in Phoenix aims to provide a supportive community with integrated services.Phoenix Today

Phoenix is starting construction on Helen Drake Village, an 80-unit affordable senior housing community built on city-owned land next to the Helen Drake Senior Center. Aimed at residents 55 and older with moderate incomes, it's part of the city's Housing Phoenix Plan and will create the first combined senior housing and services campus when completed in 2027.

Why it matters

The new Helen Drake Village development represents an innovative approach to senior living, integrating affordable housing with on-site services and amenities. This model could help reshape senior living options in Phoenix, providing more accessible and supportive communities for the city's growing older adult population.

The details

Helen Drake Village will feature 80 affordable rental units for seniors aged 55 and older with moderate incomes. The community will be built on city-owned land adjacent to the existing Helen Drake Senior Center, allowing residents to easily access the center's programs and services. The new development is part of the city's broader Housing Phoenix Plan, which aims to create more affordable housing options across the metro area.

  • Construction on Helen Drake Village began in April 2026.
  • The senior housing community is expected to be completed and open in 2027.

The players

City of Phoenix

The local government overseeing the development of Helen Drake Village as part of its Housing Phoenix Plan to increase affordable housing options.

Helen Drake Senior Center

An existing senior services facility located adjacent to the new Helen Drake Village development, which will allow residents to easily access its programs and amenities.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

Once completed, the city will begin accepting applications from eligible seniors aged 55 and older with moderate incomes to rent the affordable units at Helen Drake Village.

The takeaway

The Helen Drake Village development represents an innovative approach to senior living that integrates affordable housing with on-site services and amenities. This model could serve as a blueprint for other cities looking to provide more supportive and accessible senior living options for their aging populations.