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The site of a former Cadillac dealership is being cleared to make way for a housing project for seniors on limited incomes.

Casitas on Broadway, 2121 E. Broadway, where the Don Mackey car dealership once stood, will include close to 60 apartments subsidized by the federal Department of Housing and Urban Development.

Apartments should be ready for move-in in about two years.

Seniors 62 and older who qualify financially will pay rents equal to one-third of their monthly incomes. Seniors may qualify if their incomes are no more than $18,350 for an individual or $20,950 for a couple, said Jim Murphy, Tucson Housing Foundation president and corporate-relations director for the Pima Council on Aging.

"This is a real exciting project because it's right in the heart of town, it's right near a Safeway that now has a pharmacy, and it borders a neighborhood that's very supportive of the project," Murphy said.

The project is a collaboration of the foundation, Catholic Social Services, the city of Tucson and the Sam Hughes Neighborhood Association.

The housing project will be a welcome alternative to the vacant lot on the northwest corner of Broadway and Plumer Avenue that has attracted vandals in recent months, said Janet Carbajal of the neighborhood association.

"Senior housing is very advantageous to our area," Carbajal said. "It will minimize the traffic in our area and contribute to our sense of community."

Seniors are the fastest-growing segment of Tucson's population, accounting for 12 percent of all residents in 2000 and expected to increase to 16 percent by 2010, said Emily Nottingham, the city's community services director.

About 12,000 seniors may qualify for subsidized housing, Nottingham said.

"But if you look at what's available, it's no more than about a third of that," she said.

Last year, only about 80 subsidized senior housing units were added to those already available, said Peg Harmon, CEO of Catholic Community Services.

Four of the senior subsidized-housing complexes in town — Barrio Viejo, Council House, B'nai Brith Covenant House and NBA Estes Park — have waiting lists ranging from five to almost 50 people, Murphy said.

Casitas on Broadway will include 56 apartments for seniors, a manager's apartment and a "commons" facility where seniors can socialize. A part-time coordinator will help tenants obtain services such as free or low-cost transportation, Harmon said.

"Those kinds of supportive services help people remain in their own homes" instead of having to move into assisted living centers or nursing homes, Harmon said.

Marjorie Munn, 62, has lived in Casa del Pueblo, 4975 S. Liberty Ave., since October 2000. She initially qualified for the housing because she is handicapped, but since last year the complex has required residents to be at least 62.

"It's nice and quiet here," Munn said. "And you can't beat the rent. It's one-third of your income." She also likes being close to a bus stop and El Pueblo Neighborhood Center, with its library and senior center.

Casitas on Broadway will be built with a $4.7 million HUD grant. A second HUD grant for $519,900 will subsidize tenants' rent for three years, said Joy Taylor of the nonprofit Tucson Housing Foundation.

Tom McQuillen, architect with Lizard Rock Designs, said the Casitas will consist of one- and two-story buildings that will be designed to match the historic look and feel of the Sam Hughes Neighborhood.

Other housing projects for seniors of low to moderate incomes are in the works. The Tucson Urban League and the Metropolitan Housing Commission are building a 69-unit HUD-funded complex next to the Quincie Douglas Neighborhood Center, 1575 E. 36th St..