#HUD #Osceola Council on Aging #Salisbury NC

New Senior Housing Complex in Salisbury, North Carolina

On March 20, 2026, a significant milestone will be celebrated with the grand opening of an innovative senior housing complex in Salisbury, North Carolina. This project, orchestrated by the Osceola Council on Aging (OCOA), in collaboration with HUD North Carolina, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, and the North Carolina Housing Finance Agency, is set to provide affordable and multi-generational living options for seniors.

Adaptive Reuse of Historic Building

Located at the historic Ford City Motor site, the new complex represents an adaptation of the original Ford dealership building coupled with an expansion that took nearly three years to complete. The redevelopment utilizes the full structure of the dealership, which includes both the showroom and storage spaces to create a thriving community for elderly residents.

The complex will feature a total of 64 living units, comprising studio apartments, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom units. Rental prices will range from approximately $800 for efficiency units to $1,050 for the largest two-bedroom units. This diverse offering caters to a variety of financial situations, promoting inclusiveness within the community.

Focused on a 55+ Community

Designed specifically for residents aged 55 and older, the senior housing facility will create a vibrant living environment spread across five buildings. While the primary applicants must meet the age requirement, the complex also welcomes younger secondary residents above the age of 18, ensuring a family-friendly atmosphere.

Moreover, to enhance the quality of life for its residents, the complex will offer coordinated support services. These will include communal meals, social activities, art and history programs, urban gardening initiatives, as well as fitness alternatives such as yoga classes. Such amenities are integral to fostering a sense of community and independence among the residents.

Support from Federal Housing Programs

A notable aspect of this development is the financial support from HUD. Thirty-six of the units will be designated as rent-assisted through HUD's 202 PRAC program, providing financial aid for elderly residents aged 62 and above. These tenants will pay no more than 30 percent of their income towards rent, with HUD covering the rest. For the remaining twenty-eight units, the properties qualify under the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC), ensuring affordability for 55 plus aged individuals without needing HUD assistance.

The development has not been without its challenges. Wendy Ford, President and CEO of OCOA, highlighted the rigorous grant application process, which involved collaborating with development consultants and partner organizations like South State Bank. The competition for funding was intense, necessitating thorough research and documentation.

A Historic Landmark Reimagined

Ford expressed gratitude towards all the agencies that played a role in bringing this project to fruition, emphasizing the importance of affordable housing in the Salisbury community. “We are deeply grateful to the many agencies who supported this expansive, affordable housing development on such a historic landmark within the community of Salisbury. We are excited that future Salisbury residents will call this beautiful facility home,