(San Bernardino, CA) The Magnolia at Highland, San Bernardino’s newest affordable, luxury senior apartment community for those ages 62 or better, opens

its doors to the public with a grand opening weekend, starting with a ribbon cutting ceremony on Thursday, Jan. 26,  at 11:30 a.m.

Held at The Magnolia at Highland apartments located at 2196 Medical Center Dr. in San Bernardino (at the corner of Highland and Medical Center Drive), the event kicks off four days of activities, highlighted by guest speakers and presentations from local officials, residents, supporters, refreshments and personal tours.

“We are extremely pleased to share this beautiful and luxurious new apartment community with prospective new residents and are pleased to have such a strong presence in the City of San Bernardino,” said Kim Pollack, Vice President of Western Seniors Housing.

She also added that approximately half the apartments are already occupied and the remaining apartments are renting quickly.  Pollack encourages those interested in applying to become a resident to take advantage of the application fee waiver this weekend and make plans to visit The Magnolia at Highland as soon as possible.

Western Seniors Housing, Inc., a management company that strives to create an environment for seniors where the quality of life is as important as life itself, manages the Magnolia at Highland.

“As a leader in the senior housing industry, Western Seniors Housing is committed to raising the level of quality senior housing in the industry through thoughtful management programs geared towards maintaining a high level of satisfaction for the residents, operators and owners of senior apartment communities,” said Pollack.

The new senior community has turned what was once a blighted automotive site into 80 upscale, spacious, affordable apartments for seniors conveniently located near freeways, public transportation, shopping, dining and Community Hospital of San Bernardino.

"While it is important for seniors to have safe and affordable housing, it’s also important to live in a beautiful place with a high quality of life," said Aaron Mandel, Vice President and senior project manager at Meta Housing Corporation. “That is why the Magnolia at Highland is designed and built reminiscent of a luxurious resort community.”

Apartments are very spacious complete with upscale appointments such as solid wood cabinetry, granite counter-tops, built in computer desk, central heat and air conditioning, modern appliances, with walk in showers in some units.

The beautiful grounds feature a landscaped courtyard with a tranquil fountain and outdoor fireplace in a resort like outdoor patio area with shade trees, barbecue grills, a large swimming pool, spa and multiple areas for relaxed seating.

The amenities don’t end there. For those residents who prefer to participate in activities indoors, there is a computer center, fitness center, billiards room and also a clubhouse offering resident programs through the nonprofit organization EngAGE.

EngAGE transforms aging and the way people think about aging by turning affordable senior apartment communities into vibrant centers of learning, wellness and creativity.

"This development shows what Meta Housing Corporation can do when we work together with good government focused on the needs of our most treasured resource – seniors,” said Mandel.

Carrying a total development cost of $19 million, Meta Housing partnered with Western Community Housing, the San Bernardino Economic Development Agency, Optimus Construction, Inc., Wells Fargo Bank, Chase and the California Community Reinvestment Corporation, to design and build The Magnolia at Highland for seniors in San Bernardino.

“This is the culmination of several years of hard work,” said Carey Jenkins, San Bernardino Economic Development Agency’s Housing and Community Development Director.  He added, “It is exciting to deliver a project that has an immediate benefit to our senior residents and the city.”

The San Bernardino Housing and Community Development Agency subsidy for the project is $7 million from its low to moderate income housing funds.  That investment is what allows some rents to be as low at $357 a month.  These funds are for housing only and cannot be used for the City’s general fund.

In addition to the age requirement, those interested in becoming a resident at the new Magnolia at Highland senior living community will need to meet the maximum allowable income for potential residents.

What this means, is that a single person household can earn up to a total of $25,795 a year. A two person household can earn up to $29,480 a year, with a family of three earning as much as $33,165 a year.

“Please join us for our grand opening weekend starting Thursday January 26^th at 2:00 pm at The Magnolia at Highland” said Pollack.

To schedule a personal tour or to learn more bout The Magnolia at Highland senior apartment community contact Western Seniors Housing, Inc., at (909) 473-1000.