A First for the LGBT Community
Washington Square West is all rainbows with the grand opening of the John C. Anderson Apartments. The nearly $20M project, developed by Pennrose in a partnership with the dmhFund, is one of the first senior communities in the US specially geared towards LGBT residents. With 56 one-bedroom units, the six-story Energy Star building is a block from the Avenue of the Arts and around the corner from the William Way LGBT Community Center. There's also a 5,000 SF interior courtyard and a roof deck, and yes, pets are also welcome. Word from Pennrose is that interested renters camped outside the leasing office during pre-application in September.
Pennrose CEO Richard Barnhart (second from right, sharing a laugh with dmhFund prez Mark Segal during the doorbell ringing) says the project brought together two of Pennrose's strengths, urban infill construction and partnering with non-profits to address community needs. He's especially pleased to honor the legacy of the former city councilman and gay-rights advocate whose name adorns the building. Mark adds that he's heartened by the support the project received from officials at city, state, and federal levels (many who joined them for the opening).
