But the people we have, a lot of them are still employed. It's a design where you can age in place. The Hogan sits on land once owned by the First Presbyterian Church. Liking the concept behind the building plans, the church sold the property to Robinson, who was set on the location and its proximity to existing services, most within walking distance of the project.
From light cooking to social gatherings, the needs of an aging community were built into the complex. Residents will find laundry rooms on every floor, handicap-accessible amenities, rooms dedicated to arts and crafts, and sound-deadening walls. Each floor also includes a cleaning closet, a gathering space and wide doors and hallways. The second and third floors include large outdoor patios offering views of the neighborhood. Social gathering played strongly into the building's design, Robinson said.
He also noted the three daycare centers neighboring the building. He envisions The Hogan's residents having story hour with kids, blending generations side by side. We're trying to balance communal living with a home. Missoula has faced an acute housing shortage in recent years. The lack of supply has played a role in driving up prices as demand has soared. In recent years, the development community has answered the call and dozens of projects are under construction across the city.
They range from market-rate apartments to income-restricted housing, single-family homes to condos. The prices run the gamut from affordable living to products that cater to higher incomes. But senior housing hasn't been as hotly discussed in conversations around Missoula's housing needs.
Robinson experienced the challenges of finding housing for aging adults when he moved several family members to Missoula. One of the big problems that seniors face is affordable housing. They don't have to maintain a house here. They also have a social connection. The city's housing policy mentions the need for senior housing, though it looks more acutely toward wage and financial problems than it does toward the needs of an aging population.
