Fort Worth Needs More Senior Housing, and Wilks Development is Leading the Way
Fort Worth is facing a critical issue: a rapidly expanding senior population and a mounting shortage of senior housing. At Wilks Development, we recognize the urgency of this housing gap and the importance of the community rallying around this issue. The time to act is now, and we're leading the way.
Seniors currently comprise about 10% of the city's residents, and many struggle to find suitable housing. The shortage is even more evident when considering that an even smaller fraction of new housing permits goes toward senior housing. This means long waits for available units in convenient locations or seniors having to move away from central parts of the city, losing their community and family connections.
Developing senior living is not just a compassionate move; it's also an innovative, forward-thinking one for developers and investors. The elderly population is steadily growing, and with it, the number of seniors preferring to rent rather than own homes in their golden years. This creates a consistently high demand for senior housing, making it a reliable and beneficial investment. By focusing on this market, developers can ensure steady occupancy rates while contributing positively to the community and its families. Currently, there are very few age-restricted senior apartments in central Fort Worth, but with high urban density, the question is, where do you build?
Our inaugural venture into senior housing is The Harden, a 199-unit 55+ senior living community. Nestled directly behind the historic Fort Worth Public Market, an iconic building undergoing significant renovations, this unique project preserves Fort Worth's history and the surrounding land. It also solves the problem of how we can provide much-needed senior housing near the heart of Fort Worth. The significance of this project lies in its prime I-30 location—close to downtown and the Medical District, where seniors can access vital services and remain in the city's mix.
Resourceful solutions like The Harden at the Public Market will be essential as Fort Worth continues improving its senior housing options. Let our project serve as an example and call to action for developers to address this need and make a positive impact. Together, we can create a supportive and inclusive city where everyone, including seniors, can thrive.