$30M in renovations completed at 2 Modesto affordable senior housing communities
Mae LeRoy remembers when Marple Manor was built 40 years ago. Today, she not only lives there, she just witnessed its first major renovation.
On Wednesday, the Retirement Housing Foundation gathered community leaders, development partners and residents to celebrate the grand reopening of Marple Manor and Ralston Tower. The two affordable senior housing communities recently underwent $30 million in renovations aimed at improving residents’ quality of life.
This marks the first comprehensive rehabilitation of the properties since their original construction more than four decades ago. The upgrades ensure both communities will remain affordable for at least another 55 years.
“I love it here,” LeRoy said. “If I won the lottery, I’d actually be sad because I’d have to leave.”
Marple Manor and Ralston Tower, which have 145 and 178 apartments respectively, provide studio and one-bedroom homes with on-site supportive services for seniors age 62 and older who earn between 30% and 60% of the area median income.
“Today, this building stands as a testament to what we can achieve when we come together with a shared purpose,” Modesto Mayor Sue Zwahlen said at the rededication celebration. Together, we will continue to create an inclusive environment where everyone, regardless of age, feels valued, supported and a part of a prosperous community.”
Modesto native Ann Veneman, former U.S. secretary of agriculture and former UNICEF executive director, also attended the event and highlighted the impact that strong partnerships can have when organizations unite toward a common goal.
At Marple Manor, the average resident is 75 years old and lives on a monthly income of $1,294. Rent is capped at 30% of each resident’s adjusted income, helping to keep housing affordable. Demand is high — the waitlist to move in typically stretches over two years.
California continues to face major challenges when it comes to senior housing. According to the 2024 America’s Health Rankings Senior Report, the state ranks last in the nation for housing cost burden among residents 65 and older.
Roughly 42% of California seniors spend more than 30% of their income on housing. The report warns that such cost burdens can make it difficult for older adults to afford essentials like food, health care and transportation — and they’re more likely to experience chronic illnesses and poor overall health as a result.
“This is why we also work to ensure Marple Manor remains a staple in this community, with quality, affordable apartments expanded on site amenities to improve health and a team of professionals who can provide guidance and care for the residents,” said Jorge Esquivel, director of United Health Group.
Renovations at both Marple Manor and Ralston Tower included complete upgrades to electrical, plumbing and heating-cooling systems throughout the buildings. In each apartment, residents now have modernized kitchens and bathrooms featuring new cabinetry, appliances, flooring, ceiling fans and window blinds.
Shared spaces got a significant makeover, too. Community rooms, laundry facilities, libraries, the computer room, fitness center and wellness center all received modern updates. Exterior improvements included building repairs, fresh paint, newly paved parking lots, an upgraded security system and redesigned outdoor areas — complete with picnic spots and garden spaces where residents can plant and gather.
“I can’t bring the secretary of agriculture and not have a garden,” said Kevin Herglotz, president and CEO of HPA Strategies. He works with RHF to do public relations and communications.
Each property is staffed with on-site managers who coordinate health and wellness programs tailored to residents’ needs.
During the renovation, residents were temporarily relocated — either to vacant units within the buildings or to nearby hotels.
The renovations were made possible through major investments from United Health Group, in partnership with the National Affordable Housing Trust, which contributed $17.2 million toward the improvements at Marple Manor. Wells Fargo provided $12.75 million for renovations at Ralston Tower.
Additional support came from the California Tax Credit Allocation Committee and Modesto’s Community and Economic Development Department.
RHF, which led the project, will continue to provide on-site services. Founded in 1961, RHF is a national nonprofit dedicated to offering affordable housing and services for older adults, low-income families and individuals with disabilities.
To mark the reopening, residents and guests enjoyed Mexican food, soft serve ice cream, and music from a live DJ. The celebration was led by Bob Fard, RHF’s vice president of development and acquisitions.
“Every resident who walks these halls carries with them a lifetime of stories, sacrifices and contributions that deserve our deepest gratitude,” Fard said. “Affordable housing is a promise — a promise that no one, regardless of age or income, should have to worry about having a safe, warm place to live. Today, with this rededication, we renew that promise.”
Stuart Hartman, president and CEO of RHF, added that the organization’s mission is to acquire the limited supply of affordable housing communities across the country and renovate them to ensure they remain accessible and affordable for the long term.
Jerry Xie of AC Martin, the architecture firm behind the project, said that throughout the renovation process, friendships formed between contractors and residents. One contractor even crafted a cane for a resident. He also noted that the buildings’ new blue exterior is a significant improvement over the previous orange.
After lunch, Zwahlen joined others for a tour of the newly renovated resident apartments, including LeRoy’s.
LeRoy has called Marple Manor home for nearly nine years. She said she feels safe and well cared for in the community. She’s especially fond of her updated apartment — particularly the soft blue lights her son-in-law strung around her bedroom.
She said the change from before to now is “like night and day.”
“It’s a great place to live on the income that we get,” LeRoy said. “It’s affordable, and it’s just great. I love it. I love the people that work here. They’re the best.”
