The NoHo Arts District, with the assistance of developer Meta Housing, John Cotton Architects and general contractor Optimus Construction, broke ground last month on a combination NoHo Senior Artists Colony independent senior housing community and Road Theatre Co. theater.

Located at 10747 Magnolia Boulevard in North Hollywood, the $42-million age-restricted independent living apartment community will offer 126 one-and two-bedroom units for renters 62 and older. Eighty percent of the independent senior housing units will be market rate, while the remaining 20% will be affordable. The 76-seat Road on Riverton theater, located within the community, will provide a new and important arts and cultural asset along Magnolia Boulevard serving the public and NoHo Senior Arts Colony residents.

ROR and Senior Artists Colony are located near the City of Burbank/North Hollywood gateway to the NoHo Arts District, which is within the Community Redevelopment Agency of the city of Los Angeles (CRA/LA�s) North Hollywood Project Area. Meta Housing, which sponsored the project in collaboration with CRA/LA, has a proven track record in pioneering developments that combine life-long learning programs with housing for seniors.

To further its mission, Meta Housing has collaborated with EngAGE on programming its arts-related programming at other communities, including Burbank Senior Artists Colony, and is anticipated to continue an active role in operating this particular development. EngAGE provides resident programs onsite that emphasize creative and healthy aging with arts, wellness, lifelong learning, community building and intergenerational programs for seniors. Complementing the housing community�s amenities, which include a pool, spa and clubroom, are unique artistic venues such as art studios, classrooms, gallery/exhibit space, computer media and digital video/film labs, and a radio recording studio and editing room.

Senior Artists Colony at NoHo is anticipated to open in 2012 and will be managed by Legacy Partners Residential.