Ground was broken on a new senior housing development named for a longtime Dallas community leader: Called The Culbreath, it's going up at 2770 Bethurum Ave., in South Dallas, where it will provide 364 affordable housing units for residents age 62 and older.

According to a release, it's anticipated to open in summer 2027.

Named for Betty Culbreath, Board Chair for DHA Housing Solutions for North Texas, the development is going into a space that was previously the Rhoads Terrace public housing apartments, but was most recently vacant land.

It'll be a mixed-income property with two buildings, comprising 270 one-bedroom and 94 two-bedroom units, specifically designed for seniors. More than half — 54 percent — of the units will provide subsidies for residents who earn below 50 percent of the area median income.

The development will include a clubhouse with fitness room, business center, multipurpose room, library, and game room. Additional amenities include two dog parks, swimming pool, pickle ball court, and bocce ball court.

The project supports the city of Dallas' Housing Action Plan for Equity Strategy by providing housing and redevelopment in an underdeveloped area.

Speakers during the groundbreaking included Culbreath, along with Volunteers of America president/CEO Mike King; Volunteers of America Texas president/CEO Angela King; Comerica Bank executive VP Brian Enzler; FHLB Dallas senior VP Greg Hettrick; Local Initiatives Support Corporation senior director Ben Glispie; Amegy Bank senior VP Ray Miller; and Spring Valley Construction Company president Stephen Bruszer.

The Culbreath represents a $96.7 million public/private partnership between Volunteers of America and the Dallas Housing Authority.

Volunteers of America subsidiary VOANS provides affordable housing and healthcare in more than 40 states and Puerto Rico. As one of the largest non-profit affordable housing owners/operators in the nation, the VOANS portfolio includes 240-plus properties and 15,000 affordable housing units. VOANS also operates senior healthcare programs, including independent living, assisted living, memory care, home health care, and adult day care.

DHA, Housing Solutions for North Texas, provides affordable housing to low-income families and individuals. The agency is governed by a Board of Commissioners and administers housing programs funded and regulated by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. DHA is an independent, local government entity not affiliated with the City of Dallas Housing/Community Services department, which is governed by the City of Dallas.

VOANS VP Deborah Welchel said in a statement that the project marks "a significant milestone in our commitment to addressing the critical need for quality, affordable housing for seniors in Dallas."

“We’re not just building apartments — we’re creating a vibrant community where seniors can age with dignity and independence while remaining connected to the neighborhood they love," Welchel said.