Construction to start on affordable housing units in Riverside

A four-story, 59-unit affordable housing complex for seniors is ready for construction in downtown Riverside, the city announced Wednesday.

The city and developer Eden Housing Inc. recently broke ground for the new Mulberry Gardens Senior Apartments at 2520 Mulberry St. on a 1.26-acre site that previously had one-story office buildings that were vacated, according to the city’s announcement. The new senior living complex will have a community room, management offices, a mail and parcel room, laundry facilities and a building maintenance shop.

“I am committed to taking care of our seniors which is why developments like this are vital,” Mayor Patricia Lock Dawson said in a statement. “With partners like Eden Housing, we’re tackling our housing crisis one corner, one unit, one household at a time.”

The senior housing complex, all of which are for low-income tenants, will share common areas with the 150-unit Mulberry Gardens Family Apartments that will be built in a second phase of the development project, officials said. A pedestrian paseo will run between the two buildings, providing seating and gathering spaces, a bocce ball court and a walking loop that will run along the edges of the property.

“Today marks a significant milestone for the Mulberry Gardens projects,” Eden Housing CEO Linda Mandolini said in a statement. “We cannot wait to add more than 200 safe, affordable housing options for seniors and families in the Riverside community. This project is a testament to our unwavering commitment to creating inclusive and sustainable communities where everyone can thrive. I am grateful to our partners for their continued support; together we are building a brighter future for all residents.”

More information, including how to sign up for the “interest list,” can be found at: edenhousing.org/properties/mulberry-gardens-apartments/.

More from Riverside County