Conard & Hill Development LLC, a Spokane Valley development company, has started construction on a $4 million, 31-unit residential rental complex that will be marketed to active seniors, says John Conard Jr., a principal in the company.

The complex, to be named Whispering Pines, will be located at 19106 E. Sprague, near the east edge of Spokane Valley.

The 5-acre project site formerly was a Christmas tree farm, Conard says. “There are a lot of very tall Christmas trees on the property,” he says.

Conard, Dan Hill, and Len Roll are partners in Whispering Pines LLC, which will own the apartment complex, he says.

The gated community will be marketed toward independent, over-55 renters who want multiple-bedroom accommodations, Conard says.

The living spaces will be constructed in three-unit and four-unit buildings, and the first units are expected to be ready for residents in May.

The single-story buildings will have attached garages with two stalls for each unit, he says.

The living units will have two or three bedrooms, and they will range in size from 1,200 to 1,300 square feet of living space, Conard says, adding that monthly rental rates will range from $1,325 to $1,500.

Conard designed the units, which he says are nearly identical to those in the recently completed 42-unit Broadway Villas gated rental community at 13420 E. Broadway.

Conard & Hill Development also developed Broadway Villas.

“That’s now full,” Conard says, adding that Conard & Hill Development likely will look to develop a third senior housing project in Spokane Valley, Post Falls, or Coeur d’Alene in the near future.