Council Move Allows Senior Apartments

A 259-unit senior citizens apartment complex near the Anaheim Hills Festival Shopping Center won City Council approval this week.

The three-story Victoria Woods complex will be built by American Housing Partners Inc. of Irvine. The complex will be limited to residents 55 and older, and about half of the apartments will be available to low-income seniors.

Rents for low-income residents will start at $589 a month for one-bedroom apartments and $704 for two bedrooms. Market-rate rents will be $825 to $925 a month.

Amenities will include a recreational facility with a full-time activity director, two swimming pools and two spas, said Robert Zamora, executive vice president of American Housing Partners.

The apartments will have laundry hookups and patios and range from 700 square feet for a one bedroom to 875 square feet for two bedrooms, Zamora said.

Councilwoman Shirley McCracken said the senior complex is resort-like and a welcome addition to the community.

The site was selected because it is near shopping, transportation, entertainment and medical services, Zamora said.

Originally, office buildings were proposed for the 17-acre undeveloped site, part of the specific plan for the shopping center. But the developers said there is not a market demand for office space in the area.

The council also approved amending the specific plan to allow the senior apartments. At Tuesday’s meeting, the council is expected to finalize that amendment.

Construction will begin in December and occupancy is scheduled for next fall, Zamora said.