Maricopa seniors could see a new housing option emerge.

Tortosa resident William Jones submitted pre-application paperwork to construct an assisted living center at White-and-Parker Road and Wild Horse Trail, according to public records obtained by InMaricopa this week.

“As our population continues to age, the demand for supportive housing solutions that caters to the needs of the elderly individuals are becoming increasingly urgent,” the project narrative read. “Many seniors require assistance with daily living activities … yet prefer to remain in a homelike environment rather than in a traditional hospital or nursing home setting.”

The proposal called for up to 40 residents to live in the 20,000-square-foot facility dubbed Maricopa Community Assisted Living Center. Building plans detail 40 bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms, a cafeteria, therapy services, a beauty salon and laundry center.

The goal, according to the proposal, is to allow “residents to maintain their independence while receiving the needed support.”

Senior housing a need in city

The need for additional senior living facilities and apartments in Maricopa was highlighted in the updated housing needs assessment by Elliott D. Pollack & Company, a Scottsdale real estate consultant earlier this week.

The assessment recommended the city “support housing products targeted to senior living to allow for age-in-place options.” Suggestions included adult senior apartments, independent living, assisted living and memory care facilities so older residents can “remain in the community and choose suitable housing options as their needs evolve.”

Maricopa City Councilmember Amber Liermann said she was familiar with this need. After her mother passed away, her father wanted to move out of the house but struggled to find appropriate housing that could accommodate a single senior.

“He didn’t really have any options here in Maricopa. So, he lived with me for a little bit and then he moved to Texas because there really was nowhere for him to live here and that was unfortunate,” Liermann said during the meeting.

This point was highlighted in Jones’s pre-application submission.

“The lack of accessible, high quality living options in our community has left many families with limited choices for their loved ones,” read the project narrative. “This gap creates emotional, physical and financial challenges for both seniors and their families.”

Today’s senior housing market

Aside from the single-family homes sequestered behind Province’s gates, Maricopa has few options aimed at seniors, especially senior renters.

Several small-scale assisted living facilities exist around town, mostly in single-family homes housing several adults a la Golden Girls.

In the coming months, Maricopa seniors will have the option of moving into the Waterman apartments near the South Bridge development. It is part of the city’s largest apartment complex with 574 units featuring senior, workforce and market-rate units.

The upcoming Seasons Living at Copper Sky, a senior living facility featuring 146 units, has yet to break ground despite being approved in 2020.