Phoenix Celebrates Groundbreaking of New Senior Affordable Housing Community Helen Drake Village

The City of Phoenix and its partners celebrated the start of construction on Helen Drake Village, a new affordable housing community that will bring 80 high-quality rental homes to Phoenix seniors. The project is uniquely located on City-owned land next to the existing Helen Drake Senior Center, creating the City’s first-ever combined senior housing and services campus. 

“Helen Drake Village is a significant step forward in our commitment to provide Phoenix seniors access to affordable, high-quality housing with essential services,” Mayor Kate Gallego said. “By combining vibrant homes with direct access to programs and activities, we’re building a community where residents can enjoy a stable, connected community.”

“Helen Drake Village is going to change lives. It’s inspiring to see our City step up and invest in seniors who’ve given so much to this community,” District 5 Councilwoman Betty Guardado said. “Seeing this become a reality fills me with pride for Phoenix and excitement for what’s ahead.”

Helen Drake Village will feature 74 one-bedroom units and six two-bedroom units in a modern, three-story building, designed for adults 55 years old and older. Apartments will be available at prices that are affordable for seniors with incomes ranging from 30% to 60% of the Area Median Income (AMI).  The project is made possible through a partnership between the City of Phoenix, co-developer The Richman Group, Snell & Wilmer, Biltform Architects, Atwell Engineering, EOS Builders and the Arizona Department of Housing.

“Helen Drake Village represents the kind of strategic investment that strengthens Phoenix’s entire housing system,” said Titus Mathew, Phoenix Housing Director. “By transforming City‑owned land into long‑term affordable housing, we are demonstrating how public resources can be used responsibly and creatively to expand options for seniors across Phoenix.”

“From the start, our goal was to deliver housing that feels rooted in the neighborhood and worthy of the people who will call it home,” said Alex Popovic, Regional Vice President of The Richman Group of Arizona. “Helen Drake Village reflects a long-term commitment to quality and thoughtful design for Phoenix seniors.”

By building this community next to the Helen Drake Senior Center, the City is making it easier for residents to stay active, connected, and supported. Seniors living at Helen Drake Village will be steps away from social activities, wellness programs, community meals, and recreation opportunities already offered at the center. 

“Co-locating housing with an active senior center is a huge win for older adults in Phoenix, Jacqueline Edwards, Human Services Director said. “Residents will have immediate access to programs and community support that enrich their daily life, and we’re excited to welcome them.”

Residents will also have access to onsite amenities at Helen Drake Village including a community center, wellness studio, sports courts and community garden.

Helen Drake Village represents another step in implementing the City’s Housing Phoenix Plan, which calls for redevelopment of City-owned land to create new affordable and mixed-income housing options. 

Construction is expected to be completed in 2027.