New senior housing open in Harrison, Arkansas

The Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas (FHLB Dallas) and Arvest Bank gathered last month with city officials, Chamber of Commerce leaders and Arvest Bank employees from Harrison, Arkansas, to celebrate the grand opening of Harrison Estates Senior Housing. The celebration included a ribbon cutting and tours of the new units, followed by refreshments and fellowship. 

Thanks to a $1.5 million Affordable Housing Program grant from FHLB, provided through Arvest Bank, senior residents of Harrison and surrounding communities can take advantage of 60 new, attractive units of HUD-approved, income-based housing, the area’s first affordable senior housing development in more than a decade. 

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TOP, LEFT: Developer Matt Darst with Upward Housing cuts the ribbon as city and financial leaders look on; TOP, RIGHT: Virgil Miller with Arvest, Matt Darst with Upward and Steven Matkovich with FHLB; BOTTOM, LEFT: Street view of the new units; BOTTOM, RIGHT: Office lobby greeting. (Photos by Cynthia J. Thomas)

Following welcome remarks by Amy Peluso with the City of Harrison, Virgil Miller of Arvest Bank and developer Matt Darst of Upward Housing thanked those in attendance for their valuable support of the project. In addition to thanking FHLB for their coordination of funding, Miller gave a shout-out to the city officials for all the behind-the-scenes work such as permits and planning/zoning. “Thanks to all of you, we have a great option for safe, decent, affordable housing,” he said. 

Steven Matkovich of FHLB Dallas, in turn, thanked Arvest for the local coordination, calling Arvest a great example of quality local and regional representation. Mayor Jerry Jackson also complimented the “great spirit of cooperation” evidenced by the project. 

The 60 units, of which half are one-bedroom and half are two-bedroom, are roomy and handily laid out for accessibility, and include kitchen appliances. Lois, a resident who found the units to be just what she needed after the passing of her husband, said she loves that her home is quiet while still being accessible to main roads. She also enjoys being in a community atmosphere, which was evident from the camaraderie among residents attending the ceremony, and appreciates having a small patio area to enjoy her plants and the morning sunlight. The units are one-level, with spacious bathrooms and plenty of room for maneuverability. Another resident said she was pleasantly surprised by the pet policy, which allows her to have not only her official service dog but her cat as well, since both provide valuable companionship. 

Harrison Estates Senior Living is located at 851 St. Hwy. 123 in Harrison, near the North Arkansas Community College campus. Several units are still available; learn more by calling 870-577-1113 or visiting https://web.harrison-chamber.com/Apartments-Mobile-Homes-Parks/Harrison-Estates-Senior-Living-3067.