POST FALLS - Silver Creek has been built to ease the demand for affordable senior housing.

The new 42-unit, $3.8 million apartment project at 3640 W. Chukar Loop north of Flying J off Idahline Road on the west side of the city is nearing completion and accepting applications.

Alison McArthur, director of the Post Falls Senior Center, said there is a big demand for such projects.

"I get 10 to 20 calls a day of people wanting to know about affordable senior housing options," McArthur said. "And, in just the past few weeks, I've responded to 22 e-mails from people out of town wanting to know about what's out there.

"Many are asking where they can get in that's the least expensive for me because they're having to weigh rent vs. prescriptions. One lady was on a waiting list two and a half years for the St. Vincent housing next door and is just now getting in."

Karen Brower, district manager for Somerset Pacific, which will manage Silver Creek for builder-owner Community Development Inc., said the apartments were built because of the demand. It is open to renting to grandparents who are raising their grandchildren.

"We're providing affordable housing with rent ranges to meet the needs of those with lower incomes," Brower said. "It's a gorgeous project that provides quality affordable housing. Once the word gets out, we believe there will be an influx of people trying to get in."

At least one person living in the unit must be at least 55. The number of people living in the apartment and amount of household income determines the rent.

For more information on the apartments or to see if you'd qualify, call 457-0727, e-mail northcreek@somersetpacific.com or stop by the adjacent North Creek office on Chukar Loop.

The project is almost complete, and ribbon-cutting ceremony is planned for mid-Decemeber when the first residents are expected to move in.

The apartments are in a three-story building that has an elevator. All units have washer-dryer hookups, plus there's a community laundry room on every floor.

The complex also includes a community center with a fireplace, carports, walking paths, green space and a small "tot lot" for children.

Rent for a one-bedroom apartment ranges from $278 to $547 per month, depending on income. Two-bedroom apartments range from $332 to $655. The three three-bedroom, two-bathroom units rent for $683.

Silver Creek was funded by federal stimulus money, a tax credit through the Idaho Housing and Finance Association, a construction loan and investors.