Crown Center for Senior Living is embarking on Phase II of its construction project, which will create additional affordable housing for local seniors within its University City campus.
Crown Center offers affordable housing for older adults, aimed at helping them thrive in spaces designed for their needs, comfort and sense of belonging – regardless of financial circumstances.
Slated to begin later this summer, Phase II will feature the construction of a new 68-unit apartment building, essential renovations to the 118 apartments in the existing Weinberg Building, and kitchen enhancements to support the Circle@Crown Cafe and nutrition program.
The project, which is expected to be completed by fall of 2026, follows the successful completion of Phase I, which included the construction of 52 new apartments and the opening of the Staenberg Commons, a 12,500 square foot community hub open to residents and neighbors. When finished, Crown Center will offer a total of 238 affordable residences for area seniors.
“Affordable housing for seniors is at a premium in St. Louis due to our 100 percent occupancy rates and lengthy waitlists,” said Andy Thorp, executive director of Crown Center for Senior Living. “That’s why we felt the time is right to further invest in our physical infrastructure so we can continue to meet the needs of our residents and community members for years to come.”
The preliminary cost estimate of the Phase II project is $23 million. Funding includes about $14 million in Federal Low-Income Housing Tax Credits, with the remaining secured through $4.5 million in philanthropic support and additional borrowed funds. To help bridge the funding gap, Crown Center is launching the “A Place to Call Home” campaign, a $6 million fundraising effort led by campaign chairs Lauren and Darryl Sagel. A limited number of Missouri State Tax Credits will be available to eligible donors through the Affordable Housing Assistance Program (AHAP).
“With help from our generous donors, we look forward to expanding our footprint so we can continue to empower older adults, reduce isolation and build upon our thriving, inclusive community where older adults can truly flourish with the dignity and the security they deserve,” said Thorp.
