JACKSON, Miss. (WJTV) – A new, affordable apartment complex for seniors opened its doors in West Jackson.

The Pearl Apartments and Jackson-Hinds Comprehensive Health Center opened on Wednesday, August 28 off of Highway 80. The facility was previously the Holiday Inn and Jackson Southwest Hotel.

The structures were transformed into 76 affordable homes for those who are 55 and older. The health center is attached to the apartments.

“It means, first of all, it’s a place that people can live and feel comfortable. It’s their home, and that’s the first thing that comes to mind. We’re eliminating blight so the rest of the community can see it doesn’t have to be this way,” said Kathy Labor, president and CEO of Gulf Coast Housing Partnership (GCHP).

The project has been 10 years in the making.