These Seniors Will Be Unshakable
In Puerto Rico, hurricanes and construction costs have conspired to create a critical shortage of affordable housing. Ponce de Leon — a new 222‑unit affordable senior housing community in San Juan — aims to help meet this need. The project’s importance has been recognized publicly, including by Puerto Rico’s former Secretary of Housing, Ciary Pérez Peña, in remarks at a major housing conference in the summer of 2025.
Ponce de Leon is designed to withstand earthquakes and Category 5 hurricanes. It features balconies, a fitness center, a communal garden and dedicated activity and wellness spaces. Plus, its central location provides convenient access to a senior center, public transportation, healthcare and retail options. The building will also offer on‑site supportive services for residents, including staff that will help with personal needs, activities and collaborations with other organizations.
As critical as this project is for the citizens of San Juan, securing predevelopment funding proved challenging due to the project’s reliance on Disaster Recovery Funds — an unfamiliar and often perceived-as-risky source for many investors and lenders. BlueHub Loan Fund was able to step in and provide the essential early stage financing required for architectural work, permitting and other necessities before a project can break ground. This support strengthened the project’s financial position and allowed it to move forward.
