The Housing and Redevelopment Authority of Mora celebrated the groundbreaking of the Vasa House apartments on Tuesday, September 30. The 23-unit low-income senior apartments are marked as phase one of a senior living community development to be located on Howe Avenue, on the east side of the city.

HRA Board Chairman Paul Larson officiated at the ceremony, and an invocation was led by Pastor Herman Bakker, a member of the Board of Directors of Living Solutions, the owning non-profit organization. A social hour was hosted by residents of Pine Crest and Dala House apartments following the ceremony.

The Mora HRA has been instrumental in the planning of this project from the very first HUD grant application back in 2003. The HRA continues to sponsor this project through administrative and financial contributions.

Planning for phase two of the envisioned senior complex is well underway with much of the funding in place. State grants have been awarded for the construction of a senior service center and an assisted living facility. A partnership with Augustana Care Corporation is being explored. Through joint efforts, the HRA and Augustana plan to also include congregate housing and memory care facilities within the complex.