$88 Million Active Life Community Breaks Ground In West Des Moines
Des Moines, IA – Wesley Retirement Services, Inc. officially began construction on Edgewater, an $88 million Active Life Community to be built in West Des Moines near 88th St. and Mills Civic Pkwy.
Nearly 250 future residents, business partners, community leaders and Wesley board members celebrated the impending January construction at a reception at the Marriott West Des Moines on Wednesday, December 12, 2007.
The community, which has been in development for two years, was conceptualized in response to the popularity of Wesley’s 60-year history of providing reputable senior living communities and services. Fueled by news from the U.S. Census Bureau of Dallas County as the 10th fastest growing county in the nation, Wesley saw the opportunity to step outside the traditional thought of retirement living to provide new, quality living options for older adults in West Des Moines.
“There is so much excitement surrounding Edgewater because it will be the first community to offer those adults 55 and better an environment where they can create their own lifestyle,” said Rob Kretzinger, President and CEO of Wesley Retirement Services. “This is more than just real estate. We’re pushing the envelope to create a new Midwest prototype that expands the typical amenities and services offered today with a focus on hospitality and well-being– in mind, body and spirit. ”
Bringing the dream of this new model which Wesley calls an “Active Life Community” required a lot of collaboration with experts in hospitality, wellness, and lifestyle. “We’re not creating what most people think of in retirement living or ‘nursing homes.’” he said. “It’s something new. So it takes a bit of education.” That education and coordination with the city was essential. Kretzinger credits the city council of West Des Moines for their support and interest through the project.
“We’re thrilled to have an organization with the reputation of Wesley in West Des Moines,” commented Loretta Sieman, West Des Moines Councilwoman and Mayor Pro Tem. “In addition to the well-needed service they will provide will be many new jobs with benefits created for this area. With the plans we’ve seen from Wesley, we expect Edgewater to be a hub of learning, health and fun for the older adults in West Des Moines.”
The community, which is expected to be complete by early 2009, will have nearly 200 full and part-time employees and be home to 239 older adults. Site plans for Edgewater include 135 independent living apartments and 14 villas, 32 assisted living apartments, 18 memory support suites and 40 skilled nursing beds.
Situated on 50 areas of mixed-use land, the campus will feature terraced water features, walking/biking trails, a bistro and market, sports pub, state-of-the-art fitness center, business center, library, creative arts studio, day spa, and restaurant-style dining. In keeping with Wesley’s mission and tradition of care in Iowa, in addition to the full spectrum of health care, the Active Life Community will include fitness programs, performing art programs, and access to other lifelong learning opportunities.
With the planned community to be situated in the rolling hills of Michael’s Landing, the nearby shops, recreational amenities, and housing will allow residents easy access to a wide array of activities.
About Wesley Retirement Services
Wesley Retirement Services, Inc. (WRS), is a nonprofit organization with an emphasis on providing services to seniors in a Christian, caring way, while promoting optimum independence and an active lifestyle. WRS owns and operates five continuing care retirement communities (CCRC) throughout Iowa (Wesley Acres in Des Moines, Wesley Halcyon House in Washington, Wesley Heritage House in Atlantic, Wesley Park Centre in Newton, and Wesley The Village in Indianola). In addition, WRS serves older Iowans at home and throughout the community with Wesley Community Services (Adult day care in Des Moines and Newton, hospice, home care and health services through in Des Moines, Ames and Indianola and Meals On Wheels in Des Moines). For more information about WRS please visit the website at http://www.wesleyservices.org/.