LEXINGTON, Ky.

Efforts are underway to provide more aging residents with
brand-new affordable housing. Christian Towers in Lexington is launching the
construction of another building following the recent opening of a modern tower that houses
40-one-bedroom units. This initiative is Lexington’s latest stride in providing its senior
and 55-and-over community with low-income housing opportunities.

New Spaces for Independent Living

Resident Betty Whitt, a retired federal court stenographer, has nothing but
praise for the services offered at Christian Towers. After working for
years, she returned to the independent living community and delighted in
the transformations that had taken place during her absence. The
property’s first tower had recently undergone renovations, significantly
enhancing the living experience for the residents.

“Our windows here used to be so high, you know,
and you have to go. I had to get up on all my toes to look out,” Whitt
said. “And now I could sit in my chair in the living room and look out
on the world. And it’s great.”

Connecting More People to Low-Income Housing

With the introduction of the new tower, the community has unfolded fresh
housing opportunities for more people. The modern tower provides unsubsidized
housing for individuals aged 55 or up, available to those earning between
$27,000 and $35,460 annually. The older tower remains open to those 62 or up
and those 18 or up with mobility impairments, offering subsidized housing slots.

Property manager Jenny Daugherty emphasized the importance of connecting
more people with these low-income housing options. “I’d like to see more
motion in the community with trying to see if we can find the budget to open
up the voucher program again and open up the waitlist. There’s a huge need
among this demographic,” Daugherty said.

Creating a Sense of Community

The two towers of the Christian Towers feature a range of facilities
to bolster the sense of community and provide avenues for regular entertainment and physical
activities. The recently renovated first tower flaunts a shared laundry,
a fitness center, and more. “We have been blessed to have this giant
new community space that’s included in the new building. We’ve had a lot of
community in the original building, but it’s quite a bit smaller.” Daugherty
mentioned enthusiastically.

The upcoming Tower Two promises to add another layer to the community
environment. The structure will introduce a salon to the property and offer
more room for event hosting and community gatherings. Currently, Christian
Towers is home to over 100 residents, with 10 new residents already occupying
the new apartments.

Addressing Housing Challenges

This development is indeed a significant step in addressing the persisting
housing challenges for seniors and low-income residents. Lexington’s affordable
housing fund has granted an award of $500,000 towards the extension,
demonstrating the city’s commitment to this cause. The residents of Lexington
continually anticipate more community-focused housing projects like this in
the future.