The old St. Anthony’s Hospital, once a cornerstone of Amarillo’s medical history, is poised to become a cornerstone of something equally important: affordable, dignified housing for local seniors. This week, the Potter County Commissioners Court voted unanimously to support a federal funding request for $8.3 million to help bring the Commons at St. Anthony’s across the finish line — and it’s a decision that just makes sense.
A Project Worth the Investment
The redevelopment of St. Anthony’s is more than a facelift. It’s a lifeline for the senior community in Amarillo and a smart reuse of a structure that had been decaying for decades. The hospital, which sat empty for more than 30 years, had long been a symbol of stagnation in the North Heights neighborhood. Now, it’s being transformed into a 124-unit affordable senior housing complex.
But that transformation hasn’t been easy.
Developers, led by Kent Hance of KRS Housing, LLC, have faced a host of unexpected challenges — skyrocketing construction costs, supply chain issues worsened by competition from other large-scale Amarillo projects like Buc-ee’s and Amazon, and extensive mold and asbestos problems. What began as a $21 million vision quickly ballooned in cost due to these unforeseen hurdles. The team even had to completely replace the building’s elevators, a hit of roughly $50,000 per floor.
Despite these setbacks, the developers stayed the course, meeting tough historic preservation standards to retain the building's 1929 charm. The result? A senior living facility that honors Amarillo’s past while meeting one of its most pressing present-day needs.
Why Federal Funding Matters
The $8.3 million request to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) isn’t just a bailout — it’s an essential investment. Congressman Ronny Jackson has already agreed to advocate for the funds through a Community Project Funding request. Now, with Potter County’s official support, the proposal has a stronger shot at federal approval.
This money will allow the team to complete the project without compromising quality or affordability — and, perhaps more importantly, make phase two of the development possible. That next phase could bring another 80 affordable units to the site, expanding the reach and impact of this already transformative project.
And just as crucial: Potter County won’t be on the hook for a dime. The commissioners’ vote is purely symbolic support — no county funds will be used. Yet their resolution gives Hance and his team the local backing they need to strengthen their case in Washington.
A Model for the Region
“This development will serve as a showpiece for the Texas Panhandle and a model for senior housing across the state,” said Hance. That’s not political spin — it’s the truth.
The Commons at St. Anthony’s represents what’s possible when private development, public officials, and community stakeholders work together to solve real problems. North Heights Advisory Association president Joseph Peterson called the project “a game-changer for the North Heights neighborhood.” He’s right.
Senior housing is often overlooked in development circles, yet the demand continues to grow. The U.S. population aged 65 and older is expected to nearly double by 2060. Projects like this one meet that demand head-on, offering seniors safe, modern, and affordable living spaces — without pushing them out of the communities they helped build.
What’s Next?
With applications expected to open in late summer and the ribbon cutting tentatively set for October, time is of the essence. The community — and its leaders — must continue to rally behind the project to ensure it crosses the finish line.
Hance is now seeking a memorandum of support from the Amarillo City Council. Given the city’s past support, that’s expected to be a formality. But the real work lies in Washington, where the funding request may be taken up before Congress breaks in August.
Judge Nancy Tanner summed it up best: “St. Anthony’s is going to be a godsend. It’s going to help so many underprivileged and older people.”
.png)
