Lakewood's new housing community, designed to benefit both seniors and the environment, offers affordable apartments to seniors 62 and older and features the largest solar collecting system on any residential building in Colorado.

The Lakewood Housing Authority held a grand opening celebration for the Residences at Creekside, located at 1700 Pierce St., on April 12.

Community members and project contributors were invited to learn about the new housing development as well as take tours through the building.

"This is one step to give back to seniors what they have given to our community," said Tami Fischer, executive director of the Lakewood Housing Authority. The LHS broke ground on the project a little over a year ago.

"I'm a strong supporter of renewable energy," said Lakewood Mayor Steve Burkholder. "This is a facility to be proud of - not only for the tenants but for the environment."

The Residences at Creekside has 117 apartments, said Linda Cochran, who is the site manager for Lakewood's other affordable senior housing development, Willow Glen, located at 1575 Kipling St.

Cochran pointed out that Creekside's amenities such as laundry facilities and sinks are designed to easily accommodate wheelchairs. The facility's workout room also features a bike and an exercise machine that are especially designed for senior's needs, she said.

Another highlight of the development is a fully-furnished guest suite, which seniors' family members can rent out to be close to their loved one, Cochran said. Seniors will start moving in the building near the end of April.

The building is also designed with the environment in mind. A 25,000-watt solar panel system on Creekside's roof will provide electricity for the building, reducing the amount needed from power plants, and heat exchangers were installed in recapture heat from wastewater left after taking a shower or doing laundry, according to Kris Hayes, who does marketing for affordable senior housing providers.

To qualify for Creekside, seniors must have an annual income of less than $30,120 for a single person or $34,380 for a couple. Rents range from $331 for a studio to $867 two-bedroom. The facility does allow pets.

For more information about the Residences at Creekside, call 303-974-2500 or visit www.creeksidelakewood.com.

To read another story about the Residences at Creekside, click here.