An exciting new apartment living option has opened in Westchase District. The Orchard at Westchase opened in late December, catering to residents 55 years and older with limited income.

This affordable housing option is owned by Covenant Community Capital, which operates four Orchard communities throughout Houston.

Community manager Traci Henderson says The Orchard is independent living that "caters to the needs of the aging population."

The four-story buildings all feature shared lounge space for the residents to enjoy. Plus the community has a pool, coffee bar, beauty salon, fitness center, barbecue patio, library, computer stations and a gardening area.

"We'll be hiring a community services director who will plan activities for the residents," says Henderson. 

The community features 153 one- and two-bedroom homes. The three floor plans range from 752 square feet to 1177 square feet, all with washers & dryers, built-in desks and bookshelves and either balcony or ground-floor patio space. Some units have roll-in showers and are equipped with special features for hearing impaired or vision impaired residents.

Rents are regulated by the State of Texas and determined by the individual's or couple's income.

"When you live long enough to be senior, you deserve a certain amount of respect," says Henderson, who brings 19 years of experience in multi-family community management to The Orchard.