New senior living apartments in Rochelle address affordable housing crisis

The Willis Senior Lofts will not only provide low-rent housing but also provide a higher standard of living for the elderly.

The apartment has a total of 60 units available, thanks to the $21 million put into designing and building the complex.

Officials behind the development said there is an affordable housing crisis across the country, especially for seniors.

“There’s been very little development of senior housing in the community, historically. There’s really no other affordable senior housing in not just Rochelle, but really in Ogle County,” Fairview Housing Partners’ Executive Director Thom Amdur explained. “As the demographics of this community continue to age, it’s really a growing, unmet need.

“So, to be able to be here in this market, which has been so incredibly welcoming, by the way, to help meet that need and really help people age in dignity, is really very gratifying,” Amdur said.

The lofts are available to rent as of July 25th.

Over 30 units have already been occupied.