Community HousingWorks and Laing Cos. have begun construction on the Covina Senior Apartments, a $51.5 million, 60-unit affordable housing project in Covina, California. The development prioritizes older adults displaced by wildfires, including those affected by the January 2025 Los Angeles County wildfires, as well as victims of future fire disasters.
The six-story property is being built on a 0.45-acre state-owned site, made available under Governor Gavin Newsom’s initiative to utilize excess state land for affordable housing. Completion is expected by summer 2028, with applications opening early that year.
Addressing the Need for Affordable Senior Housing
Located at 233 N. Second Ave., the Covina Senior Apartments aim to meet the growing demand for affordable senior housing in the San Gabriel Valley. The property will offer one-bedroom apartments for adults 62 and older earning 30 to 70 percent of the area median income. Fifteen units will be reserved for residents with vision impairment.
Amenities include a club room, lounge areas, an outdoor courtyard, a fifth-floor library, and laundry facilities on two floors. The property will also provide scooter charging and energy-efficient building systems. There will be 27 parking spaces, some with electric vehicle charging and EV-ready capability.
Inclusive Design and On-Site Services
The Covina Senior Apartments will feature inclusive design standards, with indoor and outdoor spaces designed to encourage social connection while supporting residents’ independence and long-term housing stability. Its location near downtown Covina offers access to public transit, essential services, shopping, and community amenities.
Community HousingWorks will provide on-site services, including a part-time resident services case manager, benefits and application assistance, and wellness check-ins. Workshops will cover topics like fall and fraud prevention, as well as Medicare and benefits education.
Funding and Partnerships
Funding sources include the California Department of Housing and Community Development, the California Department of General Services, the Housing Development and Finance Committee, and First Citizens Bank. Additional support comes from the MFSN-LA Disaster and Community Development Block Grant – Disaster Recovery Funding.
Community HousingWorks and Laing Cos. are collaborating with Walton Construction, TCA Architects, Agency Artifact, Kimley-Horn, and Building One Consulting to complete the project. The Covina Senior Apartments is one of nine projects funded by a Multifamily Finance Super notice of funding application, issued by the California Department of Housing and Community Development in February 2025.
Future Plans and Partnerships
The Covina Senior Apartments mark the first collaboration between Laing Cos., a Los Angeles-based affordable housing development and consulting firm, and Community HousingWorks, a nonprofit organization operating in California and Texas. The two are already planning a 129-unit family affordable housing project in Fresno, California, which will also incorporate inclusive design standards.
Kevin Leichner, senior vice president of housing and real estate development at Community HousingWorks, stated, “Community HousingWorks and Laing Companies both adopt the mission of increasing equitable access to affordable housing.” He added, “We were able to come alongside Alexis Laing’s development expertise with our successful track record, project management team and balance sheet, and we are thrilled that we could be part of Laing Companies’ first project to break ground.”
Alexis Laing, founder of Laing Cos., expressed her enthusiasm: “After 20 years in the industry, I started Laing Companies to focus on projects just like this one, bringing senior and family housing to communities that need it.” She continued, “Knowing that senior housing is a growing necessity in the San Gabriel Valley, we’re excited to break ground on an affordable housing development that will address residents’ needs as they age, both now and into the future, with dedicated set-asides units for blind and low-vision residents.”
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