Shady Acres Bungalows, a 296 unit affordable senior housing project in Waco, is planned for Airport Road. The 35 to 40 million dollar development will feature duplex units and community amenities while addressing regional shortages in senior housing.
According to reporting from KCEN, developers have announced plans for Shady Acres Bungalows, a 296 unit affordable housing project for seniors in Waco, Texas. The development will be located at 6900 Airport Road near Lake Waco and is intended to address growing demand for affordable senior housing across Central Texas. Project leaders said the development cost is expected to fall between 35 and 40 million dollars, with a projected financial closing in mid 2026.
The planned community will consist of one and two bedroom duplex style units. Developers said each unit will feature a mid century modern design intended to support a cohesive neighborhood layout.
Community amenities under consideration include pickleball courts, walking trails, gardens, a clubhouse, and potential pet adoption events coordinated with local partners. The project aims to provide residents aged fifty five and older with access to housing oriented toward active lifestyles and community engagement.
Developers involved with the initiative described the project as a response to a documented shortage of affordable senior housing in the region. A market study referenced by the development team identified a need for 9,000 affordable units in the Waco area. Project representatives stated that Shady Acres would address only a small portion of the identified gap but would contribute incremental capacity to a strained market.
For some members of the development team, the project’s purpose reflects personal experience. One developer noted that his mother faced difficulty finding housing she could afford on a fixed income. Team members said the project aims to increase the availability of sustainable housing options for seniors even if financial returns are lower than those associated with market rate projects.
Pricing for the units has not been finalized. The Waco Housing Authority will determine rental rates after the development reaches later stages of planning and financing. The project’s amenities, layout, and services will be refined as development advances and regulatory processes are completed.
Developers indicated that the project’s timeline depends on finalizing funding and approvals. Once underway, Shady Acres Bungalows is expected to expand the supply of senior oriented affordable housing while adding recreational and social amenities intended to support resident well being.
The initiative represents one of the larger senior focused affordable housing developments announced for the Waco area in recent years.