At the Osceola Council on Aging, our mission has always been to serve seniors with dignity, compassion, and purpose. Recently, we expanded that mission beyond Central Florida with the completion of an affordable senior housing development in Salisbury, N.C.
I know the natural question— why North Carolina? This was a strategic decision rooted in impact. By expanding our housing portfolio, we are addressing a critical need for affordable senior housing while strengthening our ability to serve residents in Osceola County. This project allows us to build on our expertise, enhance our credibility with federal and state partners, and generate revenue that is reinvested directly into the programs our community depends on.
The development itself is something of which we are incredibly proud. We transformed the historic Ford City Motor dealership built in 1946 into a modern senior living community. The original structure now houses 28 units, complemented by a new HUD-supported expansion of 36 additional apartments. The community offers studio, one-, and two-bedroom apartments, along with shared spaces designed to foster connection and engagement.
“We are excited that this new North Carolina based rental complex will lend financial resources for senior clients and programs, right here in Central Florida,” said Angelica Rodriguez, OCOA Senior Vice President of Housing. “Comparable to the senior housing demand in the state of Florida, North Carolina is experiencing that same elder necessity,” added Rodriguez.
This work is timely. North Carolina, much like Florida, is experiencing a significant increase in its senior population, with projections showing a 60% rise by 2030. That growth is being driven by an influx of retirees seeking a lower cost of living and a shortage of affordable, accessible housing options, as referenced by the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
After three years of planning and construction, the 55-plus, pet-friendly community now spans five buildings and fully utilizes the footprint of the original property. The dealership’s iconic glass-panel showroom has been restored into a central gathering space for residents, hosting social activities and community events. While designed for seniors, the development allows secondary residents over the age of 18.
Residents will have access to congregate meals, educational programming, arts and cultural activities, urban gardening, music, and fitness opportunities such as yoga. The location further supports independence, with proximity to shopping, transportation, and essential services.
This project would not have been possible without the strong partnerships we have built along the way. We are grateful for the support from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, the North Carolina Housing Finance Agency, Federal Home Loan Bank of Atlanta, the City of Salisbury’s Community Development Block Grant program, SouthState Bank, and other key partners.
While this development represents growth beyond our geographic footprint, our commitment to Central Florida remains strong. Presently, OCOA owns, operates, and manages several senior housing communities in Kissimmee and St. Cloud. This summer we will open Buen Vecino in Buenaventura Lakes, a 60-unit HUD-supported development. The new complex will be situated on seven acres, featuring a clubhouse for congregate dining, exercise facilities, a computer lab, and an on-site service coordinator to support resident engagement and well-being.
We are deeply grateful to the many agencies and partners who supported this affordable housing vision on such a historic landmark within the Salisbury community. We are also proud that this opportunity was brought to OCOA as an investment that will generate financial resources to support those we serve in Osceola County. Most importantly, this work reflects our commitment to providing much-needed housing for seniors—beyond borders, county lines, or state.
