Now Open: Mosaic Apartments, An LGBTQ+ Friendly Affordable Senior Housing Community in Oakland
PITTSBURGH, Pa. — Presbyterian SeniorCare Network, Affirmative Investments, and their project partners celebrated the grand opening of Mosaic Apartments, a new affordable senior housing community in Oakland designed to be welcoming to LGBTQ+ older adults and their allies.
Located along Forbes Avenue, the vibrant five-story building offers 48 one- and two-bedroom apartments, community gathering spaces, and amenities such as a pet spa, covered parking, and easy access to public transit. Mosaic is the first LGBTQ+-friendly affordable senior housing community in western Pennsylvania and only the second in Pennsylvania. It is open to all income-eligible seniors.
“This day represents a first step forward in addressing the housing needs of an underserved population,” said Jim Pieffer, President and CEO of Presbyterian SeniorCare Network. “There is an urgent need for safe, welcoming spaces where LGBTQ+ seniors and their allies can thrive without fear of discrimination or exclusion.”
The $28.5 million development was made possible through strong public and private collaboration. Key funding partners included the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency, the Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh, Huntington National Bank, U.S. Bank, National Equity Fund, and the Urban Redevelopment Authority of Pittsburgh, along with more than 20 foundations, corporations, and individuals.
Lending and equity were crucial contributions from financial partners. “Huntington Bank is committed to strengthening the communities we serve, and Mosaic Apartments will be an important asset to our region,” said Susie Shipley, Regional President with Huntington Bank. “Our Welcome philosophy also truly means ‘Welcome to All,’ and we are eager to look out for all people as part of our mission.”
A partnership with the Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh provided both capital and housing vouchers, making 35 of the apartments even more affordable. “The development represents so much of what is great about the City of Pittsburgh and our collaborative approach to solving the affordable housing crisis while furthering inclusivity,” said Caster D. Binion, Executive Director of the Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh.
UPMC, the University of Pittsburgh, and the nearby Dialysis Clinic, Inc., donated adjacent parcels of land, making the site possible.
Presbyterian SeniorCare Network partnered with Affirmative Investments, Inc., a nationally known developer of affordable housing and a longtime collaborator. “I love what Mosaic represents,” said David Ennis, President of Affirmative Investments. “It’s another successful collaboration and, most importantly, the realization of an organic vision that came directly from the LGBTQ+ community’s need for safe, affordable housing.”
Design firm Rothschild Doyno Collaborative incorporated input from LGBTQ+ senior groups to ensure the building reflected community values. To symbolize diversity and inclusion, the building’s multi-colored exterior appears to change color as visitors move along Forbes Avenue — an effect created with triangular bump-outs painted in different hues. Art throughout the building includes murals by local artists Rosabel Rosalind and the father-son team at Pinaka Art, celebrating creativity and connection. Social lounges near the elevators on each floor were also designed to encourage residents to connect and share their stories.
“Although affordable housing is a modest building type, we wanted Mosaic Apartments to be meaningful and expressive,” said Daniel Rothschild, Principal Architect.
Project partners praised Mistick Construction for doing outstanding work to complete this complex development on schedule and on budget.
Presbyterian SeniorCare Network also partnered with Persad Center, a Pittsburgh nonprofit that provides mental health and supportive services to the LGBTQ+ community. “So many older adults face loneliness and isolation,” said Marty Healey, CEO of Persad Center. “Mosaic Apartments offer a meaningful way to foster connection and support positive mental health.”
New resident Dennis Downey spoke about how excited he is to be moving in. “This move will be a huge win for me,” Mr. Downey said. “The impact this will have on my physical health, mental health and safety are obvious wins. However, the sense of community that I’ve struggled connecting with over the years will be the biggest win for me.”
The building’s name, Mosaic, was chosen through a community contest that drew nearly 140 suggestions from members of the LGBTQ+ community.