Retirement Housing Foundation and City of Pasadena Work Together to Preserve Affordable Housing

The Concord will undergo a complete renovation.

The Concord, a 149-unit affordable apartment community for low-income seniors, is scheduled to begin a $17 million renovation in mid-July. It is part of the Retirement Housing Foundation‘s (RHF) family of communities.

Plans include renovating all common areas, adding a computer lab for residents and creating a media area. Additionally, the outdoor area will receive enhanced landscaping for residents to enjoy. All balcony railings will be replaced and windows will be replaced with energy efficient windows.

It is planned to replace all plumbing, throughout the building, all electrical systems, including the emergency generator and the fire alarm system. The existing emergency-call system will be upgraded and a new security system will be installed.

Individual apartment improvements will include replacing all kitchen and bathroom cabinets and countertops, new plumbing fixtures, new kitchen appliances, new air conditioning and heating units, replacing all flooring, window coverings, and converting bathtubs to walk-in showers. All lighting, appliances and HVAC units will be energy efficient.

Ten percent of the units will be modified as “accessible units” to accommodate persons with disabilities.

“This 149-unit apartment building has been part of the RHF family of affordable housing communities for older adults since 1989. It was constructed under the HUD 202 program and the former owners had sold it in error with HUD’s permission,” says the Rev. Laverne Joseph, President and CEO of RHF. “With assistance from the City of Pasadena, RHF was able to purchase the building in 1989 while the city retained ownership of the land. We are very pleased to have worked with the city to acquire the land and obtain financing for the acquisition, as well as funding to upgrade the Concord. RHF has committed to rent restrictions for the next 55 years so we can continue to serve older adults and persons with disabilities for many more years.”

Funding for the financing and the renovation of The Concord was provided by the City of Pasadena, the Department of Housing and Urban Development, California Statewide Communities Development Authority, Wells Fargo and Citibank.

Retirement Housing Foundation (RHF) was founded in 1961 by two clergy and a layperson in the United Church of Christ. What began with a $7,000 grant has turned into one of the nation’s largest non-profit organizations that provides housing and services for more than 22,500 older adults, low-income families and persons with disabilities. RHF has 197 communities in 29 states, Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico and the U. S. Virgin Islands. Of those communities, 79 are in California and 58 are in Southern California.