The Carver County Community Development Agency (CDA) recently broke ground on Carver Oaks Senior Residence, a 43-unit housing development designed for seniors aged “55 and better.”
Located on Hartwell Drive in Carver, this project will provide affordable housing for older adults with incomes at or below 50% of the Area Median Income (AMI). Currently, that translates to $43,500 for a household of one and $62,100 for a household of four, with adjustments made annually by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
The mission of Carver County’s CDA is providing affordable housing opportunities and fostering economic and community development.
As part of its work, the CDA and Carver County Public Health worked with Maxfield Research and Consulting LLC in 2024 to complete a Comprehensive Housing Needs Analysis for the county. According to this analysis, Carver County’s senior population is steadily growing, and the demand for affordable housing is becoming increasingly urgent.
In 2023, the county had 468 affordable senior housing units well below the need of 1,000 units. The anticipated demand is expected to increase to 1,567 by 2030. Carver Oaks is a direct response to this need, providing accessible, modern housing for seniors seeking to remain in their community as they age.
Carver Oaks Senior Residence will offer a mix of one- and two-bedroom units, each equipped with essential amenities like in-unit washers and dryers, full kitchen appliances, and walk-in showers designed with accessibility in mind. Each unit will feature independent central heating and air conditioning through energy-efficient systems, along with high-speed internet wiring.
The development will also include smoke-free living spaces, controlled building access with security cameras, underground parking for all residents, and community gathering areas including a fitness room and community gardens. Seven units will be reserved for veterans using Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (VASH) vouchers, providing additional support for those who have served.
This project is part of a larger planned unit development (PUD) in partnership with the city of Carver. The development is strategically located near Carver’s SW Transit Park & Ride, Carver Crossing, and Carver Place — a 60-unit affordable housing complex for general occupancy that is scheduled to open in September 2025. This centralized location promotes accessibility and encourages community engagement, with amenities like a nearby farmers market providing further opportunities for social connection.
Carver Oaks and Carver Place are the first uses of the city of Carver’s Connection Fee Waiver Program where, based on the affordability of the units, the city waives up to $250,000 of water and sewer connection fees, as long as the project can demonstrate it will remain affordable for 20 years.
Courtney Johnson, mayor of the city of Carver, is excited about both Carver Oaks and Carver Place, recognizing the option this type of housing brings to the community.
“I’m always interested in projects that can increase Carver’s market to different types of homes with greater housing variety and affordability,” she said. “Carver Oaks and Carver Place will create opportunity for people to live in Carver at a price point that is affordable.”
Recognizing that secure housing is just one piece of a thriving senior lifestyle, Carver Oaks will also employ a resident service coordinator. This role will help connect residents with essential services, including healthcare, transportation and community-based care programs, fostering independence and improving quality of life.
Allison Streich, executive director of the Carver County CDA, emphasized the collaborative effort that made the project possible.
“We’re excited to finally break ground on Carver Oaks Senior Residence and see this project take shape,” she said. “This development is a significant step toward providing seniors with safe, affordable housing right here in their own community. Partnering with the city of Carver and other stakeholders has made this vision possible, and it’s a great example of what can happen when we work together to meet the needs of our residents.”
Construction on Carver Oaks Senior Residents is set to continue into next year, with an anticipated completion date of March 2026. As the project progresses, updates will be available through the Carver County CDA and the city of Carver websites.
For more information, visit: Carver County CDA: https://www.carvercda.org
City of Carver: https://www.cityofcarver.com/185/Carver-County-Community-Development-Agen
The complete Comprehensive Housing Needs Analysis can be found on the CDA website at https://www.carvercda.org/about-us/resource-library/p/item/20723/2024-comprehensive-housing-needs-analysis-for-carver-county
