Ben Young Senior Housing (In Development)

Ben Young Senior Housing (BYSH) is currently in design and slated to begin construction in the first quarter of 2027. BYSH will be a four-story, 91-unit building consisting of 10 studios, 71 1-bedroom, and 10 2-bedroom units. Each unit will have air conditioning. On-site staff will include property management, maintenance, and social services. The building will be income restricted for those earning less than 60% of the area median income (AMI), including a set-aside for those earning 30% of AMI or less.

Based on EHA's mission statement to, "foster healthy communities where households thrive," the project stands out from other affordable projects in its design's focus on promoting both mental and physical health of its residents by providing a wide range of amenity options. More can be done for our residents than simply providing units. Amenity spaces are a fitness studio (852 SF) and exercise room (843 SF), library room (833 SF), fourth floor roof deck with gardening, covered and secured bicycle parking, and a park located on the western side of the property (also known as the Dado Park). The thesis for BYSH is that resident's physical and mental well-being will improve if a variety of gathering and exercise options are provided, compared to if there were minimal amenity options.

Loneliness is a national health concern. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states there is strong evidence that many adults aged 50 and older are socially isolated or lonely in ways that put their health at risk. Social isolation significantly increases a person's risk of premature death from all causes, a risk that may rival those of smoking, obesity, and physical inactivity. Other health risks are a 50% increased risk of dementia, a 29% and 32% increase in risk of heart disease and stroke, respectively, and higher rates of depression, anxiety, and suicide. Loneliness among heart failure patients was associated with a nearly 4 times increased risk of death, 68% increased risk of hospitalization, and 57% increased risk of emergency department visits.

To combat loneliness, the project offers an array of amenity options to cater to people with different personalities, hobbies, and interests. The community center, for example, can host large gatherings and parties, like for the Super Bowl. The fitness studio can accommodate large group exercise activities. On the other hand, the library will have no TV to limit noise distractions, and is designed for more intimate conversation, personal contemplation, and quiet activities such as reading, knitting, or puzzles. Residents can exercise alone in the exercise room. The fourth-floor roof deck will have upwards of 40 garden plots for residents with a green thumb. The Dado Park has benches to promote social interaction.

The fitness studio will be a space for 10-12 people participating in exercise classes, such as group yoga. The room will have a television where residents may search for videos online to guide their exercise routine. The fitness room will have fitness equipment designed for seniors, such as recumbent stationary bikes, or treadmills with additional handles. Either the community space (which has a kitchen) or fitness studio can host speakers from outside the organization, presenting on health or financial best practices, for example. Upper floors will capture stunning views of the Cascade Mountain range."

Questions? Please contact us by email at benyoungdevelopment@evha.org.