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Milwaukee's Metcalfe Park neighborhood is seeing a rise in affordable housing with 80 new units for seniors unveiled during a grand opening Friday and 54 new homes planned for the future.

"This symbolizes hope, progress and change," said Ralph Hollmon, president and CEO of the Milwaukee Urban League, at the grand opening of the long-anticipated Dr. Wesley L. Scott Senior Living Community, 2800 W. Wright St.

"If Dr. Scott was here today, he would be proud," Hollmon said, as he stood in front of the building that was once the agency's historic headquarters.

Scott, a leader in the Milwaukee civil rights movement, served as executive director of the Milwaukee Urban League from 1959 to 1981. He died two years ago at the age of 88.

The $10 million development is a partnership between the Urban League and Gorman & Co.

"We drew on the talents of many people to make this happen. We don't build buildings, we try to build communities," said Chris Laurent, Wisconsin market president for the Madison-based company, who during the event presented a $5,000 check to pay for an interim director for the Metcalfe Park Residents Association.

"Dr. Scott was a key leader and visionary in Milwaukee during the tumultuous civil rights movements of the 1960s. He helped to open doors of opportunity for African-Americans," said Antonio Riley, executive director of Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority, which provide $8.3 million in low-income housing tax credits to the project.

Like Scott, Riley said, "we, too, have opened the doors of opportunity," adding that the project used 53% minority business participation and hired 24 people from the neighborhood to work on the facility."

So far, 30 apartments in the building are rented, and 50 remain. Out of the 80 units, 74 are set aside for low- to moderate-income seniors. The facility includes a community club room, business and computer center, fitness center, nurses' station, salon, chapel, on-site management, storage lockers, underground parking, and a community lounge and balcony on each floor.

During the event, a bust created in the likeness of the Scott was unveiled by a number of his relatives. "My dad would be very honored by the dedication. Dad would also be a little embarrassed," Gloria Scott-Tibbs, Scott's daughter. She said her father contributed to the community because it needed to be done, "not for awards or accolades. My dad improved the lives of all the underserved in this community. This building will be a continuation of his life's work."

To tour the senior living facility or to check on apartment availability, call (414) 265-5890.