After more than three years of planning and collaboration, a new senior housing development is finally moving forward on Peoria's near South Side. The $18 million MacArthur Senior Flats project will bring 52 new rental units for residents aged 55 and older, serving as a key piece of the MacArthur Corridor Revitalization.
Project Overview and Location
Led by Pivotal Housing Partners and the Peoria Opportunities Foundation, MacArthur Senior Flats is strategically located along MacArthur Highway at the northwest corner of the McBean Street intersection. This high-visibility site is situated across from Martin Luther King Jr. Park, contributing to the revitalization efforts of the broader corridor.
“We are honored to continue bringing desperately needed housing to the southside with a development that supports one of our most valued populations—seniors. MacArthur Senior Flats will be more than housing; It will be a catalyst of change on the MacArthur Corridor.”
Peoria Opportunities Foundation Executive Director | Irina Riggenbach
Peoria Journal Star reports that the development will feature 45 one-bedroom and seven two-bedroom garden-style apartments. The units are designed with affordability in mind and will be offered to households earning up to 60% of the area median income (AMI), with some units available at the 30% and 50% AMI levels as well.
Funding and Partnerships
The City of Peoria is contributing to the project through a land donation and financial support from tax increment financing (TIF) and the HOME Investment Partnerships Program. The bulk of the funding will come from Low-Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC) awarded by the Illinois Housing Development Authority.
Construction Timeline and Next Steps
While formal renderings of the new complex are still in development, early plans are already in motion. Drafting of the redevelopment agreement is underway and will soon go before the Peoria City Council for approval. If approved, construction is expected to begin in spring 2025, with initial occupancy planned for 2027.
Construction Workforce Needs
As with any large-scale housing development, the MacArthur Senior Flats project will require a wide range of construction professionals and skilled trades, including:
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Excavation and Site Prep Crews – For grading, drainage, and foundation work
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Concrete and Masonry Workers – To handle slab work, walkways, and building shells
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Carpenters and Framers – To build out structural and interior elements
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Electricians and Plumbers – To install systems to code and handle unit-specific utilities
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Roofers and Siding Installers – For weatherproofing and building exteriors
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Painters and Finishers – To bring interiors to completion
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Landscaping Crews – For site beautification and green space
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Project Managers and Safety Inspectors – To oversee workflow and compliance
This mix of trades represents a major job-creating opportunity for local workers and contractors in the region.
Community Impact
Peoria is facing an urgent need for affordable housing, particularly for seniors. Rising costs have priced many fixed-income residents out of quality rental homes. MacArthur Senior Flats addresses this by offering safe, modern, and affordable options within a walkable neighborhood.
It also serves as a model for what collaborative public-private partnerships can achieve. By combining city resources with experienced development partners, this initiative shows how long-dormant land can be transformed into housing solutions that uplift entire neighborhoods.
Momentum in the South Side
The project joins another major development in the neighborhood: Churchview Garden Homes. Also a collaboration between Pivotal Housing Partners and the Peoria Opportunities Foundation, this community will bring 47 family housing units to the area and is expected to begin leasing in spring 2025.
Together, these developments signal a new wave of investment in Peoria's South Side, with the potential to anchor more infrastructure improvements, community amenities, and long-term economic growth.
Looking Ahead
As the MacArthur Senior Flats project advances, it stands as a beacon of progress for the area. Construction in 2025 will not only generate housing for vulnerable seniors but also provide meaningful work for the local trades community. In the long term, it will help redefine what sustainable, community-driven revitalization looks like in Peoria.
