Frequently Asked Questions

Raven Landing Senior Community is owned and operated by Retirement Community of Fairbanks, a local non-profit corporation. Five buildings are planned, to replace Fairview Manor Building 4, on Cowles Street across from the Noel Wien Library.

The first apartment building opened in November 2010 and is fully occupied. The second one will be under construction this summer, as soon as the Fairview building is razed. A Community Center and two more residential structures will be added.

Condos, to be purchased by individuals, were originally planned, but under current market conditions are not feasible. It seems unlikely at present that that situation will change.

The Raven Landing Community Center will serve the entire Fairbanks community as well as Raven Landing residents. It will include a large kitchen and dining area, doubling as space for drama and music presentations. There will also be meeting and conference rooms, medical/dental space, meditation room, library, recreational space, and RCF offices. All Fairbanks seniors will be welcome to take advantage of activities at the Community Center.

Why do we need new housing for seniors?

The population of people over 60 is growing significantly in Fairbanks. More and more seniors would like to stay here to be near family and friends, contributing to our community in dollars, energy and volunteering. However, the availability of housing with supportive services for seniors isn't keeping pace with our growth in numbers.

How much will the Raven Landing apartments and condos cost?

It is expected that the cost to live at Raven Landing will be similar to the cost of maintaining and living in a private home. Units will be leased at market rates, and services will be provided at cost.

What services will be included?

• 24-hour call system
• Various meal plans
• Weekly housekeeping
• All utilities and maintenance
• Variety of activities
• Van transportation
• Building security
• Covered parking (heated parking area at extra charge)
• Personal assistance (medications, bathing, dressing, laundry) at extra charge

What size are the units?

• All buildings will have one- and two-bedroom units with kitchens. The size of the units will range from about 720 to 910 square feet.

Other concerns

• All residents must be 55 or older, to meet federal guidelines.
• Entire complex will be handicapped accessible.
• Raven Landing buildings will be smoke free. Smoking will only be allowed outside.
• All Raven Landing housing will be connected to the Community Center by protected walkways.
• Pets will be allowed with some restrictions.
• Assisted living (full-time care) is not a part of Raven Landing. We expect, however, that an assisted living facility will be built close by.

What other buildings are being built at the Fairview Manor site?

The Weeks Field Development Group is developing the entire site. At the western end of the property, there will be 126 subsidized, affordable family housing units. The Raven Landing complex will be located at the eastern end of the property, across from Noel Wien Library.

What will happen to the current residents of Fairview Manor? Won't they need a place to live?

The managers of Fairview Manor and the new apartment complex are working to find new housing for current residents. Many of them will move into the affordable housing being built there.

Who is behind the Raven Landing project?

Over five years ago, several forward-looking Fairbanksans realized there should be more housing options for retirees and they formed RCF as a nonprofit. These dedicated people have been volunteering their time since then to make this dream a reality. More and more volunteers have signed on to help. There is no paid staff at the Retirement Community of Fairbanks.

Who pays for the myriad of RCF expenses: office space, utilities, equipment and supplies, legal advice, printing, fundraising events?

• Donations to RCF have support most of these expenses. The donations of money, equipment and supplies have come from very generous individuals and businesses in the Fairbanks area. The architect has donated much of his time.
• Grants and loans have been received from the Fairbanks North Star Borough, Bettisworth North, Usibelli Foundation, TOTE, GCI, and individuals.

What about paying for the land and the buildings?

• A grant and a loan have been received from AHFC to start our first apartment building this spring.
• Pre-sales of condos will cover the expense of building the condominiums.
• A capital campaign has been started to raise the $1.8 million for the Community Center at Raven Landing. AHFC funds cannot be used for non-housing buildings, so funding for the Community Center must be raised privately. Funds raised in this capital campaign may be matched by private and government grants.

How can I help?

• Donate to the RCF operating fund to help pay for everyday expenses to keep the project going. We will continue to have to rent office space until the Community Center is built, and we will continue to have general office expenses. We also have ongoing obligations to pay off loans.
• Donate to the capital campaign fund to build the Raven Landing Community Center.
• Volunteer to staff the office, help with fundraisers, and serve on committees to plan policy, services, and fundraising for Raven Landing. Volunteers can commit to a regular schedule per week or month, or can join in to help only for special events. Give us a call!
• Sign up as a future resident. Although over 100 singles and couples have already sent in their deposit, not all will want to move in right away when the first buildings are finished next fall.

Please join us in this exciting venture! If you believe Fairbanks needs more options for housing with services in town for seniors, or if you and your family members would enjoy being in a secure environment with opportunities for social interactions on a daily basis, join us in making Raven Landing a reality!

Senior housing is available at Raven Landing without regard to race, color, national origin, sex, religion, familial status, or disability.