Accessible Space Inc. announces that construction on a 22-unit affordable apartment community for low income seniors age 62 and older off of Washington Avenue and Mill Street is nearing completion.

Funding for construction and rental assistance was provided by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Section 202 program. The nonprofit sponsor and developer, Accessible Space Inc., will also own and manage the senior apartments when construction is completed in early 2009.

The affordable senior apartment building in Albert Lea, known as Washington Avenue Apartments, is conveniently located close to neighborhood amenities such as grocery and retail stores, as well as banking, medical and pharmacy services.

This senior housing will provide 22, HUD subsidized, one-bedroom apartments to qualifying senior households where at least one household member is age 62 or older. A two-bedroom apartment will provide living space for an on-site resident manager. Wheelchair accessible, one-bedroom apartments will also be available to senior households who need a barrier-free apartment and will include features such as accessible stove-tops and ovens, roll-under counters and sinks in the kitchen and bath, large roll-in showers, 36-inch wide doors with lever-action handles, raised electrical outlets and lowered light switches. All common areas will meet Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) guidelines for wheelchair accessibility. Shared common areas include on-site laundry facilities, a community room with kitchen amenities, an activity room and an outdoor patio with gas grill. Qualifying senior households will pay rent based on 30 percent of their adjusted gross monthly income.

Founded in 1978, Accessible Space Inc. is a St. Paul based national, nonprofit organization whose mission is to provide accessible, affordable, independent and supportive living opportunities for persons with physical disabilities and brain injuries, as well as seniors. This mission is accomplished through the cost-effective operation of cooperatively managed housing, supportive living and rehabilitation services.

Accessible Space acknowledges the people, agencies and organizations that supported this initiative, including the city of Albert Lea and the Central Minnesota Council on Aging. Information is also available on-line at www.accessiblespace.org.