ROCHELLE — Willis Senior Lofts, a 60-unit senior housing development at 410 Willis Ave. in Rochelle, will be completed in March or April and move-ins should start in April, Lincoln Avenue Communities (LAC) Vice President & Regional Project Partner Hume An said. 

LAC is the developer of the project, its second new construction deal in Illinois. 

Willis Senior Lofts is an Enterprise Green and Net Zero-certified senior housing development (55 and older). It will feature a double-volume community room opening up to an outdoor patio, a theater room, fitness center, community laundry rooms, an indoor dog washing room, a walking path, raised community garden, and bicycle parking.  The four-story building is equipped with an elevator and other accessible design features making it well-tailored to the needs of seniors.  

Fifteen of the 60 units at Willis Senior Lofts will be reserved for those making at or below 30 percent of the area median income (AMI). The remaining 45 units will be available to those at or below 60 percent of AMI. 

“Willis Senior Lofts will provide a wide spectrum of affordability to our prospective residents,” An said. 

The project broke ground in November 2023. An said the build went “relatively smoothly and on schedule.”

“We initially had issues obtaining electrical gear equipment, but we were eventually able to get it in time,” An said. “Inflation was definitely an issue.  We saw year-on-year increases of 25-30 percent, but that occurred prior to closing on financing and beginning construction.  Thankfully, the main funder of the development, The Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA), stepped up and provided the requisite funding to fill the gap created by high inflation.”

Willis Senior Lofts has launched a website at www.willisseniorlofts.com and has kicked off leasing and accepting applications for spring move-ins. 

In Ogle County, the 65+ age group has increased by 20 percent in the past 10 years. Willis Senior Lofts will be the first affordable senior housing development in Rochelle. It will be an all-electric building “designed and constructed to a very high standard of environmental sustainability,” An said. 

“We are thrilled to bring such an important resource to Rochelle and Ogle County,” An said. “The demand for affordable senior housing in Rochelle is very high.  There are thousands of people in and around Rochelle that would qualify to live in Willis Senior Lofts, and we have only 60 units available. There is sufficient demand for many more similar developments to meet the unmet demand for this type of housing.”

KMG Prestige Regional Vice President Jason Washington is overseeing the leasing and operations for Willis Senior Lofts. He said the development has seen “a steady influx” of inquiries and he envisions a future waiting list as interest continues to rise in the units. 

“This trend indicates not only a strong demand for senior housing in our area but also reflects the community’s appreciation for well-designed living spaces that cater to the needs of seniors 55+ in Rochelle,” Washington said. “We remain committed to fostering a welcoming environment and are actively engaging with prospective residents to ensure they have all the information they need about making Willis Senior Lofts their home.”

Local access to senior housing is becoming “increasingly critical” as the population ages, Washington said. Many seniors seek independent, affordable and accessible living environments that cater to their unique needs. 

With advancements in healthcare, seniors are living longer and often require housing that accommodates their daily and active lifestyles. The demand for independent senior living is rising quickly, Washington said. 

“Moreover, affordable senior housing is vital for ensuring that our senior residents 55+ can maintain their independence while still having access to necessary support services,” Washington said. “By addressing these needs, we can create a more inclusive and supportive community for our senior population in Rochelle.”

The first set of move-ins at Willis Senior Lofts is set for March/April 2025. Inquiries to obtain a rental application and leasing information can be sent to: WillisSeniorLofts@kmgprestige.com and you may also contact the organization at 1-815-529-3914.