In Northeast Reno on Tuesday, officials broke ground on apartments meant for income restricted seniors.The complex has a special meaning because of who it's named after.
Officials broke ground on the Willie J. Wynn apartments on Hillboro Avenue in Reno on Tuesday. Low income senior citizens will have 44 units to call home once the two story complex is finished. “It is really challenging for our senior population because they live on such strict incomes. We are seeing with real estate prices going up, and rent increases. It is getting difficult for our senior population,” said Reno Mayor Hillary Schieve.
The man who the complex is named after, has a special connection to the city.“We used to call him Mr. Reno because he loved this place. He says I’ve travelled many places but this is where I want to be,” said Patricia Wynn-Tau as she described her father.
Willie J. Wynn worked for 3 Nevada governors and was the first African American to serve on the cabinet level in Nevada. He was also a pastor and owner of the location where the apartment complex will be built to help seniors who are financially challenged. “His dream has come to fruition. And that was affordable housing for senior citizens. But he never thought it will be at this location,” said Wynn-Tau.
The development will have an outdoor barbeque pit and a dog park. Inside the building there will be a community room, a wellness room, and a fitness area.A local investor in the apartment complex, says this may be just the beginning of what's the come.
“I think there is a demand for 10 more projects like this,” said Jacobs Entertainment CEO and senior affordable housing investor Jeff Jacobs.
The Willie J. Wynn apartments are expected to be built and renting by the Spring of 2020.
