PASADENA, CA-Abode Communities has started construction on the developer's new Hudson Oaks apartment project, a 45-unit affordable seniors housing development that will replace a vacant, blighted building damaged by fire in 2005. The $17 million project will provide housing for very low-income seniors earning below 30% of Area Median Income ($17,400 to $19,800).

The Hudson Oaks will include apartments of one and two bedrooms ranging from 480 to 717 square feet. Rents will be about $450 for a one-bedroom, one-bath unit, compared with average market-rate rents of about $1,150 in Pasadena, putting the Hudson Oaks rents at about 60% below market.

Abode and local officials observed the construction start with a ceremony at the site recently, where Robin Hughes, president of Abode, noted that residents will receive assistance with daily living activities, health and wellness programs to prevent or delay physical and cognitive decline, recreation and civic engagement to prevent isolation and foster social interaction, and financial and legal services to provide access to benefits and prevent fraud.

Others on hand included Pasadena mayor Bill Bogaard, vice mayor Victor Gordo and Bill Pav