The NOHO Senior Arts Colony, a new, 127-unit senior apartment community in North Hollywood kicked off its Grand Opening on Wednesday with a real flair for drama.

More than 100 people gathered to celebrate the new, $42 million arts-focused senior housing community, which offers a creative haven to its residents and is the first in the U.S. to build a professional, state-of-the-art live theatre on-site.

And in true artistic fashion, the crowd enjoyed quite a show.

“This beautiful community is the result of hard work on the part of many people.  You know, it just makes me feel good,” exclaimed Tim Carpenter, President of NoHo Senior Arts Colony’s nonprofit partner, EngAGE.

At that moment, James Brown’s “I Feel Good” crooned through the room’s loud speakers, and a surprise senior flash mob sprang into action.

Talk about making an entrance.

The event marked the official opening of the brand new community, and city officials, developers, community members and current residents of the community were all in attendance.

“Zoning laws weren’t written to foster creative developments like these.  For that reason, we are so fortunate that we had the support of so many organizations,” explained John Huskey, President of Meta Housing Corporation, the developer of the NOHO Senior Arts Colony.

Huskey noted that the Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) was integral in providing not only financial support, but also in assisting with zoning requirements to accommodate building a theatre within a senior housing community.

“We wanted to create a place that will enhance the lives of those who live here, while also enhancing the NoHo community as a whole,” noted Huskey.

Huskey also commended the two artistic organizations responsible for the community’s art-focused initiatives, including EngAGE, a non-profit organization which manages all of the arts programming for residents, and the Road Theatre, which will be the resident theatre group at the NOHO Senior Arts Colony.

“The exciting part is going to be watching how this community blossoms.  The merger of great work from EngAGE and the Road Theatre company will truly enrich the lives of those who live here,” he said.

The creative aspects of the Grand Opening event were evident throughout the entire community. In addition to the surprise flash mob, guests were treated to a theatre demonstration in the 76-seat theatre, painting demonstrations in the community’s art studio, as well as a dance demonstration by the NOHO Senior Arts Colony’s zumba class.

Apartments in the NOHO Senior Arts Colony are now available for lease.  The community features one- and two-bedroom apartments ranging in rent from $1,750 to $2,300 per month, and all arts activities are available free of charge to residents.  For more information visit www.nohoseniorartscolony.com or call (855) 399-5381.

The NoHo Senior Arts Colony is located at 10747 Magnolia Boulevard in North Hollywood, California.

“Photo Courtesy of EventFlicks.Com”