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Tag: redevelopment

New Beginnings

Fri, February 4, 2022 Published by

We are now well into 2022 and settling into what we are certainly anticipating will be a better year than 2021! For many, the start of a new year is a time to look forward, consider the possibilities that lie ahead, and make a resolution about things you would like to change. Sometimes these New Year’s resolutions are small tweaks you’d like to make to improve some aspect of your life. Other times, they are monumental shifts that you want or need to implement. There are a few key areas that might be worth adding to your list.

Share your time, talents, and treasure

We all have unique ways we can contribute to the betterment of the world around us, and the new year is the perfect time to start. Plus, several studies have found both physical and mental health benefits for seniors who volunteer with causes they care about.

There are near-countless ways to give of yourself to worthy groups and many of them are available through CareCorps here on campus. As we begin to restart many of our community outreach programs, tutoring at our local elementary and high schools, animal shelters, food pantries, blood drives, and community centers — just to name a few — are always looking for committed volunteers.

Not sure where you’d like to offer your time, talents, and treasure? Didi Cruz, CareCorps Volunteer Coordinator (x18526) is a great resource start your search.

Try something new

Want to learn to play the guitar? Take dance lessons? Start watercolor painting? Go hang gliding? Learn Italian? This is your year to resolve to try something new! And many of those opportunities are available through our LifeLong Learning program.

Focus on wellness

No matter your age, this is a perennial favorite when it comes to New Year’s resolutions. But the truth is: it’s always a good time to refocus on healthier lifestyle choices.

Maybe you could stand to lose a few pounds, exercise more often, or eat more healthfully. Perhaps you’ve been putting off that trip to the doctor or a preventative healthcare screening. Or it could be that you need to work on lowering your stress level or confronting your anxiety. Whatever wellness area you’ve been neglecting, commit to making a healthy improvement in 2022. It could improve your quality of life or even lengthen your life!

When was the last time you reviewed your personal legal documents including your power of attorney/healthcare proxy, advance directives, and will? For some, it may have been decades since these important documents were created, and a lot may have changed in that time.

Advance directives, sometimes called a living will, are documents that can help guide healthcare decisions made by doctors and loved ones should you no longer be able to voice your wishes for yourself.

If you need to change or update anything on your advance directives, it is best to complete a whole new document and give an updated version to your healthcare providers, attorney-in-fact (from your power of attorney), and other loved ones.

A will allows you to pass along your assets (tangible or monetary) to specific people or organizations after your death. Depending on your particular situation, wills can be very simple or very complex, but regardless, it is wise to review your will periodically to ensure it still reflects your wishes. Always work with an attorney should changes need to be made to a will.

Speaking of monumental shifts, this will also be a year of significant change for me. After six of the best and most meaningful years of my life serving the senior living community at Beatitudes Campus, as well as much prayer and deliberation, I am honored to have accepted the CEO position of another organization. Although I will be physically leaving next month my regard and admiration for this tremendous campus of residents and staff will never leave me. I hold the time spent here and the mission, vision and values that I have been able to enjoy, help refine and live as very dear. I am so happy to see all the progress that has been made and look forward to the completion of the redevelopment program.

I thank the board of directors, Michelle Just, President & CEO and all my colleagues for the opportunity to work with them as well as my cherished teams in Marketing, Sales, Outreach and Assisted Living. And my sincere thanks for all the many kindnesses that you have extended to me and for the many lifelong friendships that I will always treasure!

Redevelopment Update: It’s Both Sites Now!

Tue, June 18, 2019 Published by

We are planning to have a second concrete contractor begin working on the 17th Drive site next week. You should see the sitework contractor moving dirt for the building pads this week. The framing will continue on Myrtle with the footings for Bldg #4 being poured on the 14th. The HVAC (Heating, Ventilating, Air Conditioning), will begin installation the week of the 24th on building #5 which was the first pad poured and the building that is framed. The project remains within budget.

Dust control is in effect at all times on all sites.

We appreciate your enthusiasm, participation and support. If you have any additional questions and information, please contact Scott Mardian,
smardian@beatitudescampus.org

Redevelopment Update

Sun, May 26, 2019 Published by

Please contact me if you have any questions about the construction of the new patio homes.  We have made several improvements based upon suggestions on landscaping, layout, lighting and appliances.

We expect the second pour for ready-mix/concrete for the footings and foundations Tuesday the 28th for the second building. The pours will begin at about 3:30AM.

The underground utility work is wrapping up.

We are working in the east drive/Boutique Blvd near the dumpsters just north of the community garden.  There are driving restrictions while we tap into the water lines in the roadway.

Dust control is in effect at all times on all sites.

Redevelopment Update: Sandpainting

Mon, May 20, 2019 Published by

We expect the second pour for ready-mix/concrete for the footings and foundations this week or early next week for the second building. The pours will begin at about 3:30AM. Additional notifications will follow when the work schedule is set.

The underground utility work is wrapping up.  The blue piping is for domestic water, the black piping is for fire lines, the green piping is for sewer, the gray piping is for electrical and the white piping is for sewer lines inside of the buildings.

We will be working on the east drive/Boutique Blvd. near the dumpsters just north of the community garden next week. There will be driving restrictions while we tap into the water lines in the roadway.

This week between the hours of 6AM and 3PM from Monday, May 20th—Friday, May 24th the northeast corner of the campus will be CLOSED to DRIVING TRAFFIC due to construction from 6AM to 3PM. PLEASE USE 17TH DRIVE ENTRANCE TO ACCESS THE WEST END OF CAMPUS as you will not be able to drive around.

RESIDENTS, PLEASE NOTE: YOU WILL STILL BE ABLE TO PARK ON THE EAST SIDE OF CAMPUS IN YOUR NORMAL PARKING SPOTS AS ASSIGNED during these times. Security will be directing and notifying those who enter off of Glendale Avenue of these restrictions.

Dust control is in effect at all times on all sites. We appreciate your cooperation and patience during times of construction traffic restrictions. For questions—please contact Scott Mardian, Sr. VP of Redevelopment, [email protected].

Life Plan Communities Seen as Gift to Adult Children

Mon, May 13, 2019 Published by

One of the favorite moments in our presentations to those considering residency at Beatitudes Campus is when Jim and Marlene Plaster talk about the letter they wrote to their children alleviating them of the responsibility to make decisions for them as they progressed toward their “third act” in life.  You can usually hear a “pin drop” as they tell of the series of decisions that led them to the campus.  (By the way, I can’t tell you how much we appreciate the Plaster’s willingness to help us along the way…..Jim is our Residents Council President Emeritus, but they have also selflessly allowed their patio home to be the “model” for the future project over 220 times!)

“It’s the best gift my parents could have possibly given us at this stage of life.”  Comments like this are common among adult children whose parents live in continuing care retirement communities (CCRCs), sometimes referred to as life plan communities.

Research reveals that family members who care for an aging loved one often experience clinically significant signs of depression, have less time available to spend with friends and other family members, and sacrifice financially by taking time away from their careers or retiring early.

It’s no wonder then that those whose parents are happily living in a continuing care retirement community consider it a gift. A study of 3,700 family members of CCRC residents revealed that 93% feel that the CCRC is providing good services to their loved ones and 77% would be likely or very likely to consider a CCRC for themselves in the future.

Cited as the most important features of the community were transportation services, availability of a fitness center, housekeeping services, walking paths, emergency call systems, and the availability of assisted living and healthcare services.

Of course, we always tell our prospects that whether you are considering a CCRC for yourself or a loved one, finding the right fit requires doing proper research and due diligence. Generally, that includes speaking with our Resident Ambassadors who have been through the very same evaluation process.  Contract details and pricing can vary dramatically from one provider to another. It is important to be sure that the community you are considering is a good match for your lifestyle, finances, and cultural preferences, and that it is well-managed, both operationally and financially.

One of the very best parts of my job is making sure we connect folks about these considerations.  With over 30 years in senior living services, I have had wonderful options to provide, but none as comprehensive and “resident-centric” as this campus.  How proud I am to let our standards speak for themselves through the authenticity provided by our Ambassadors and so many more.

Thank you for always giving a warm welcome to those visiting campus and letting them know why living here is restorative, powerful, fulfilling, purposeful and exciting (some of your “B” words on your badges)!  By the way, we will be working with your building reps to get everyone’s name badges updated with the new logo and your “B” word in the next few months—stay tuned for the updates coming in the next few weeks.

What an exciting time it is for the campus!  Our new patio homes are under construction with twenty-nine committed, our Promenade Residences priority B V.I.P. membership program has over 75 members and the campus redevelopment program is comprehensive and a testament to listening and planning for the best in senior living.  I am so proud to be a part of this process!

Redevelopment Update

Sun, March 31, 2019 Published by

Thank you again for you excellent support to the Alhambra Village Planning Committee meetings.  Your assistance helped us to receive a unanimous favorable vote.  We now go to the April 4th hearing before the City Planning Commission presentation and vote.

We have completed just over 12% of the construction on the patio homes.  We are still performing underground utility work.  Once we are out of the ground around the end of April, there will be a burst of visible activity. Demolition work has been completed on the garden apartments.

Dust control is in effect at all times on all sites. Again, our team, Orcutt/Winslow, their consultants, The Weitz Company and SRP appreciate your enthusiasm, participation and support in the project approvals. Additional questions and information?  Contact Scott Mardian, [email protected].

Clear Site—a Redevelopment Update

Sun, March 3, 2019 Published by

Thank you for the excellent turnout to the groundbreaking ceremony.  Your enthusiasm for the project only serves to fuel the contractor’s momentum.  We have completed just over 10% of the construction on the patio homes.  We are still performing underground utility work.  Once we are out of the ground, there will be a burst of visible activity.

Work has resumed on the Garden apartment demolition without the rain, and will wrap up this week or next.  Dust control is in effect at all times.

Again our team, Orcutt/Winslow and The Weitz Company, appreciate your enthusiasm and participation in the groundbreaking and beyond. Questions and information?  Contact Scott Mardian, [email protected]

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Excavation, a Redevelopment Update

Sun, February 17, 2019 Published by

The underground utility work on 17th Drive has halted to avoid a 4” Century Link fiber optic cable.  The 17th Drive northbound traffic has been re-opened during this delay. The underground utility work will shift over to the Myrtle site while the fiber cable is worked around.  The demolition of the Garden Apts. is progressing quickly and will wrap up this week or next.  Dust control is in effect at all times. Some very good news—SRP believes they can provide a transfer switch that will mitigate our risk during a severe power outage. We are hoping that this switch would be provided at little or no cost to the campus. SRP, Orcutt Winslow and Weitz are continually proving to be outstanding partners.

Courage and Joy

Sun, February 17, 2019 Published by

Fifty-five years ago, the visionaries and pioneers of Beatitudes Campus held a historic groundbreaking on undeveloped farm land, bought for $25,000 an acre, with a vision to change the face of nursing homes of the 1960s—to build  a place where older adults could live, learn and play for the rest of their lives. They created a vision so big and so bright that it lives on from generation to generation.

From the first apartment built after that groundbreaking (Plaza South), so much has been built, and 16,000 seniors have lived vibrant and fulfilled lives at Beatitudes Campus.

Ten years ago, another historic groundbreaking occurred—the building of the Central Park Apartments and creation of our Town Plaza. At that groundbreaking ceremony, our founder, Rev. Dr. Bill Nelson, offered an invocation:
“…Never let the mystery keep us from plunging into the future with courage and with joy…may we turn the sod over and rearrange the world in more human ways…”

I have never forgotten those words, and they seem especially pertinent as we prepare for another chapter in the life of the campus—an eight-year master plan of redevelopment. We are rearranging the world—in ways that allow our residents to live empowered and purposeful lives, in ways that nourish and strengthen our neighborhood and community, in ways that allow our staff the privilege of servant leadership. I am honored, and humbled, to follow in the footsteps of my predecessors—Dr. Nelson, Rev. Everett Luther, Rev. Ken Buckwald and Peggy Mullan—to build on the firm foundation they have laid and embark on the biggest redevelopment the campus has seen. And, I am so privileged to serve our residents and our future residents and learn from you the lessons of hard work, of survival amidst momentous change, of sacrifice and of honor.

Our master plan is not just an investment in Beatitudes Campus. It is an investment in our community-in the lives of residents and future residents and in the staff who answered the call of service to others. We have grown from a dozen staff members to our 450 dedicated staff who have a sacred responsibility of service to 650 residents. The growth of the campus to become one of the largest employers in North Central Phoenix and in the Top 100 in Phoenix, is a testament to our vision to be a leader in aging services and serve the broad middle class. Our focus is not only confined to our campus – the campus is also a major contributor to our community’s economy. More than half of our expenditures to vendors is  returned to our local community businesses that are headquartered in Arizona, most of whom are located in Maricopa County or are small businesses.

As Dr. Nelson so clearly stated ten years ago, we must plunge into the future with courage and joy. It takes courage to redefine senior living as we are doing each and every day, but the joy I feel when you thrive and contribute to our community is life affirming. Our redevelopment and expansion speak to the heart of our campus mission.

We will celebrate this new chapter in the life of the campus with a Groundbreaking Ceremony on Thursday, February 21 at 10AM. Residents and staff can watch the ceremony live from the Luther Life Center, followed by a reception and refreshments from 10:00—1:00PM with our special guests and future residents. The Beatitudes Campus Board of Directors and I invite you to share with us, and each other, this important milestone in the evolution of the campus and feel the joy along with us.

The Most Exciting Times

Sun, February 3, 2019 Published by

Beatitudes Campus is truly entering one of the most exciting times in its 54-year history as we celebrate the beginning of construction of our new 34 patio homes. I thought you might be interested in a little of the planning background for this new addition on the north and west perimeters of campus and we are so excited to welcome this new group of residents.

Research has shown and our history supports that this is one of the most often requested accommodations in a continuing care retirement community or life plan community, as we are now known. Many coming to see our presentations looked at a condo setting as they considered selling their larger homes and have reported five significant differences between patio homes and condos.

  1. Patio homes found in a senior living community, such as ours at Beatitudes Campus, are built specifically for post-career adults. Our patio home residents must be age 62+. At a condo, who will be your neighbor now and into the future? You have no control over that.
  2. Patio homes often include additional services and amenities. While you may pay a fee that you don’t have with a condo, you typically gain home maintenance, housekeeping, dining, daily activities, an aquatic center, etc., that are included within the senior living community. Home responsibility, maintenance and repair costs remain yours with a condo.
  3. Patio home floor plans typically do not include a basement nor stairways. They are designed for low maintenance with easily accessible garages, walkways and safety/security features.
  4. By being part of a community living neighborhood, a patio home comes with built-in security. For example, our patio homes are located within a gated community with security features throughout the campus and in the homes. You also gain a sense of neighborhood protection when you are part of a community. It can be hard to find this in a condominium unit or any stand-alone neighborhood.
  5. Patio homes often include services and amenities on site. We are a life plan community and our new homes have the continuing care benefit that so many find important. Within our campus, we offer services and accommodations for rehabilitation, therapy, assisted living, memory support and skilled nursing.

Most of our residents move into an independent living patio home while they are younger, healthy and active. If or when assistance or care is needed, they can stay within the community but move into an assisted living apartment or other care arrangement.

Being a life plan community allows our residents to always remain living in the community where they have built friendships, know the staff and feel at home.

At Beatitudes Campus, we have 3 different floor plans for one- or two-bedroom designs. Our patio homes feature attractive finishes, fully equipped kitchens, attached garages, and plenty of outdoor space both in the front and rear of each. We are excited to formally celebrate “spades in the ground” on February 21st at 10 A.M. as Michelle Just, CEO, the board, executive staff, the construction company, architects and our twenty -seven depositors all meet for a brief ceremony at the Myrtle Avenue sight that we are going to live-stream to the rest of the campus in the Life Center.

Please join us in the Luther Life Center anytime from 10:00AM—1:00PM for a come and go celebration complete with a light brunch menu. We will have numerous displays of information and our consultants and staff will be on hand to join in the festivities and answer questions. There will be more information posted on the community channel as we get closer to the date. In the meantime, please RSVP to Ali Shreeve, marketing assistant at 18467 so that we can plan appropriately. It’s going to be a great day!

 

Excavation, a Redevelopment Update

Sun, February 3, 2019 Published by

Earthwork on 17th Drive continues.  During work hours, 17th Drive northbound traffic will be closed for about 12 days as the underground utility excavation continues.   The permits for the patio homes were issued.  The demolition of the Garden Apts is progressing quickly.  Dust control is in effect at all times.  The rubble is being hauled off instead of being utilized as fill.  The change in plan is because the noise created during the crushing process was feared to be too loud for Central Park residents.  The contractor will still provide the expected credit for the savings for haul off costs, and the contractor will provide the fill at no cost to the Campus.  Additional questions and information?  Contact Scott Mardian, [email protected]

 

Permitted, a Redevelopment Update

Sun, January 13, 2019 Published by

Earthwork will begin this week on the 17th Drive site.   You will see earthmovers scraping up 18”-24” of existing soil trenches and then lay it back down with proper compaction. The permits for the patio homes may be issued this week.

The abatement of the Garden Apts will finish up this week.  The demolition of the Garden Apts will be scheduled for the end of this month.  For every tree we remove, at least one replaces them.  On a separate note: An Eagle Scout Project will install a Bocce Ball Court in the grassy quad west of Plaza View and north of the Administration Conference Room.  Additional questions and information? Contact Scott Mardian, [email protected].*

TOWN HALL Recap for December 5, 2018

Sun, December 16, 2018 Published by

Rev. David Ragan, Sr. VP of Resident Services, called the meeting to order at 2:15PM, wishing all a very Merry Christmas, a Happy Hanukkah, and a Joyous Holiday Season. David also asked residents to be sensitive to those who may have lost a loved one recently or have other reasons to be sad over the holidays. A kind word or deed can make a big difference. He shared the spirit of the holidays by showing some pictures of staff, both now and in previous years. Staff Christmas photo cards from years past of Michelle Just, Joe Kane, Mike Smallwood, Peggy Roberts, Jon Schilling, Barbara Wood and many others brought gales of laughter from residents. How we do change over the years!! David called attention to the Welcome Coffee held the fourth Wednesday of each month, but taking a break in December, with the next Coffee on Wednesday, January 23rd.

Michelle Just, President and CEO, also wished residents happy holidays and provided updates on several items. She thanked residents for their participation in the Holleran Survey and said the findings will be used by Senior Staff, the Board of Directors and others in planning for the future. Michelle also thanked residents for their generosity in raising over $165,000 for the Employee Appreciation Fund. The staff party with be on Friday, December 7th, and employees are very grateful for the money they receive from the Fund. It will definitely make a difference for Christmas. As for the redevelopment, residents have no doubt noticed that the homes along 17th Drive and Myrtle Avenue have been demolished. Abatement will be started tomorrow in regard to the old patio homes. They will not be demolished until sometime in January and residents will be duly notified of the date so that they may party on their balconies. A new name has been given to the Courtyard buildings. It is to be called the Promenade Residences. In response to letters received and rumors, Michelle assured residents that the Mall would not be closing down for this phase of the redevelopment. That will not occur until the Promenade Residences are built 2 ½ years down the road. She has also received word that residents are very happy with the Holiday decorations and she assured us that the Poinsettia tree in the Life Center will remain lovely without watering as the flowers are silk! Michelle asked a favor of residents—that some residents (in their Beatitudes T-shirts) would attend the Alhambra Village Planning meeting on December 18th at the Washington Adult Center. More information will be available in the Roadrunner.

As Barbara Carpenter came forward to report on the Residents Council, David noted that there had been a Barbara Luncheon. Barbara said that 18 Barbaras attended and had a lovely time.

Barbara reported on the November Residents Council Meeting, noting that David Ragan welcomed the Representatives, Committee Chairs, Staff and Residents. He had updates on the demolishing of the new patio home and garden apartment sites, the Community Channel and a new loop system for the Life Center. Bylaws and Elections Chairman, Herb Komnick, reported that the elections went smoothly, each building has elected representatives, and over 60% of independent living residents voted. Dining Services Chair, Pat Dellisanti, shared the mostly positive comments that the committee had received on our dining venues. Bette Henriques, Employee Appreciation Chair, announced that the 2018 fund had broken the previous record and she, too, thanked all who participated so generously. Enviroment Chairmen, Gerald Roseberry, said that servers in Buckwald’s and Elaine’s will be offering water on request as part of our conservation effort. It was approved for the Recycling Sub-Committee to move to the Facilities Committee. Facilities Committee Chairman, Roger Benson, and his committee are working with our Director of Plant Operations on the serviceability and appearance of the campus facilities. Committees reporting in December include Communications, Community Relations, Health and Wellness, Life Enrichment, Spiritual Life and Welcome. Representative, Nils Larson, of Plaza View welcomed new representative, Dick Tucker and reported on happenings there. Kathleen Hall of Plaza South and Hollister Newlin of Central Park South each reported about good things in their buildings and all independent living areas will be celebrating the season with holiday events starting next week. Donna Ellis reported for the newly formed Diversity and Inclusion Action Council, which will be working to promote these values, a part of the Beatitudes Promise. The Residents Council will be appreciating all our 2018 volunteers, electing new officers and seating our new representatives next week so join us for an exciting glimpse into 2019 on Wednesday, December 12th at 2:00PM. Cake and coffee will be served. THANK YOU ALL FOR YOUR SUPPORT IN 2018!

Jessica Meyer, Director of Success Matters, announced a Courtney Cookie Send-off to be held on Thursday, December 20th from 10 to 11AM. Courtney Ramos has completed her internship at the Beatitudes and we thank her for her work on Campus and wish her well in her upcoming career as an occupational therapist. Courtney, who has now completed her Master’s Degree, thanked the residents for being so welcoming and expressed her feeling that this is a wonderful community.

Didi Cruz and Monica De La Rosa, Life Enrichment Specialists, combined forces to remind residents of several upcoming opportunities such as the Holiday Light Tour Off Campus on Monday, December 17th and Wednesday, December 19th at 6PM. Call x12905 to reserve your seat. There will be a trip to Organ Stop Pizza on Tuesday, December 18th at 3PM. Organ Stop Pizza accepts CASH ONLY and to join this trip, call 12905 by Friday, December 14th. If you plan on decorating your balcony, and don’t mind having folks stop by around 6PM on weekdays, call Didi at 18473 by Thursday, December 13th. Those who participate will be entered in a raffle to win a $25 gift card. Free gift wrapping is available on Saturday, December 15th from 9AM to 5PM. Volunteers will be available to help wrap your gifts. All supplies are provided and please schedule a time by calling Monica at x18526. If you would like to be a Town Crier, and be available from 8 to 8:20AM to announce the events/classes going on for the day and the following day, and answer questions regarding the events/classes, contact Korry Nelson, Communications and Media Design Specialist at x18493 or talk with a Communications Committee member. You can volunteer for one day a week, or two days a week or whatever you might be able to do.

Michael Smallwood, Fitness Specialist, provided riddles and jokes along with good news about keeping fit. It seems that as Americans continue to live longer, we also are aging better and thriving more in later life. Seniors are more satisfied with their standard of living, worry less about finances, have a significantly higher sense of well-being and have reduced amounts of stress in their lives than their younger counterparts. Hawaii ranks as the #1 state for older Americans well-being, followed by ARIZONA, New Hampshire, North Dakota and Colorado. The least happy states were Indiana, Ohio, Oklahoma, Kentucky and West Virginia. So stay here at the Beatitudes and join a workout and wellness class! The B-Fit winner for December is Norma Dieffenbach.

Tena Alonzo, Comfort Matters Director of Education and Research, introduced John Czaplewski, a Doctoral student, whose dissertation project involves the cognitive examination of people at least 90 years old. John said that participating in the project will require 20 to 30 minutes of activities such as puzzles, identifying pictures, remembering a short list of words, drawing pictures and connecting the dots. If residents participate, they will be a part of something that will benefit the care of others, create something new, represent individuals 90 years-old and over and impact the field of Neuropsychology. There is no other research like this in the country. If you are interested in participating in this important study, contact Tena at x16182.

David said that the DirecTV installation is complete and Cox is terminated throughout the campus. If Cox is trying to bill you for the white boxes that were in your apartment, tell them to cease doing so as they are part of the bulk account between Beatitudes Campus and Cox and this does not involve you. Always put in a work order should you have any issues involving your television or internet from now on.

The Arizona Republic is for sale in the Bistro for $2.00 a copy, including Sunday. Remember the Hootenanny takes place each and every Wednesday night in the Life Center. Bring your friends and enjoy the music. Wednesday Sundaes with Dave will take place on December 19th from 2 to 4PM in the Bistro. Enjoy a free yogurt sundae and share your thoughts with David. A big Thank You to Gregory’s Fresh Market for the bags of fruits and vegetables given to residents as they came to Town Hall on Wednesday.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS TO ALL. The next Town Hall will be at 2:00PM in the Life Center on January 2nd, 2019.

Redevelopment Update

Sun, December 16, 2018 Published by

As Many of you know:

Several trees from the demolition of the residences on Myrtle have been boxed and moved to the west end of the Nelson Property.

The trees are on an automatic watering system.  There is one large specimen Elm that has been boxed and remains in place.  It will be moved to the nursery on the Nelson property using a crane in a few weeks.

Those trees that survive the boxing and move, will be replanted according to our landscape plan.

The geotechnical testing of the properties along 17 Drive and Myrtle has begun.  You can see the drill rig there now.

The testing has been completed, and abatement of the Asbestos Containing Materials (ACM) of the existing Garden Apartments has begun.

More information on the Patio Home project and the Garden Apartment demolition will appear here every two weeks. *

A Redevelopment Update

Sun, December 2, 2018 Published by

As many of you know:

The five homes along 17th Drive that served Dosia Carlson and many families so well since the 1970s, will give way to eight new Patio Homes.

The three homes on Myrtle that served the Elliot, Grundy, and Bill Nelson families so well, will give way to twenty-six new Patio Homes.

The testing and abatement of the Asbestos Containing Materials (ACM) were completed and the demolition of the structures is underway.

The demolition of the foundations and underground will continue next week.

The testing of the ACM in the Garden Apartments was completed.  The abatement will begin in mid-December.

More information on the Patio Home project and the Garden Apartment demolition will appear here every two weeks.

Additional questions and information? Contact Scott Mardian, [email protected].

 

A New Day is Dawning!

Sun, September 2, 2018 Published by

I hope the excitement swept you up if you were able to attend the Special Joint Town Hall of staff and residents where I was able to share how a new day is dawning for our Campus Community. It was standing room only in our Everett Luther Life Center and, for good reason, as we are assuring that our mission and purpose is firmly secure for the next 50 years as we break ground in November of this year on the first phase of our redevelopment plan. Dr. Nelson, and the Church of the Beatitudes, UCC had the courage to establish  Beatitudes Campus 50 years ago, and 50 years later, we are talking about the next 50 years.

Let me start with the news that got the greatest ovation. A little before the coming New Year, the beloved old Garden Apartments are coming down. You have made it clear that this is one of your number one hopes for our community and I am pleased to finally be able to make this happen as part of our redevelopment plan. The Board and the Administration showed a lot of courage, as well as blood, sweat and tears in putting together this plan. Every process has been thought through, causing at least twelve variations of the plan over the last three years. The ultimate goal of the redevelopment is the renovating our vintage buildings—Plaza North and South, Plaza View and the Health Care Center as we expand to new living areas as well. The plan was taken and approved by the Board of Directors on June 18, 2018.

This master plan allows for five separate financings and decision points which will each involve Tax Exempt Financing. This assures there will be no financial burden to you, our residents. Changes in the market, economic outlook, etc., can be considered and changes made at each of the decision points. The plan will call for welcoming approximately 250 new residents and 70 new staff team members. It also allows for the renovation of Plaza North and South without the buildings being occupied—another aspect I was committed to figuring out so as to minimize any disruption to your lifestyles.

What you really want to know, though, what’s the timeline? Please keep in mind all of this is still subject to potentially significant changes.

Phase #1 includes the building of 34 new Patio Homes along Myrtle Avenue and 17th Drive, and the demolition of the Garden Apartments. This work will take 12 months, beginning in November of 2018 and being completed in October of 2019. To date, we have pre-leased 25 of the 34 homes to be built. That’s more than we needed to trigger our first financing.

Phase #2 consists of building 90 Courtyard Apartments where the Garden Apartments currently reside. The timeline runs from June of 2020 to December of 2021, a period of 19 months. Also, 132 new rental units will be built on the East side of the campus. This timeline runs from June of 2020 to November of 2021, a period of 18 months. Both buildings will have ground level parking space beneath them with apartments beginning on the second floor. In addition, the Plaza View and Plaza Bistro kitchens will be combined. This will take place from February of 2021 to December of 2021, a period of 11 months. This will be the main kitchen and the Town Plaza will host Buckwald’s Arizona Grille, Plaza Bistro, Elaine’s Fine Dining and a Coffee & Bar all as a one-stop experience of variety. Some of the other amenities currently in Town Plaza will move to other spaces, including the Nelson Administration Building and the new Courtyard Apartment homes.

Phase #3 includes the building of 54 more Courtyard Apartments from January of 2022 to March of 2023, a period of 15 months. In addition, the Plaza North Apartment Building will be completely renovated between December of 2021 and November of 2022, a period of 12months. Plaza North residents will be moved into the brand new East side rental units. I know you are wondering, but your monthly service fee will remain at the same rates you would expect if you had stayed in your old apartment.

Phase #4 consists of renovating the Plaza South Building into an Assisted Living Building. This will be accomplished between December of 2022 and November of 2023. This will greatly enlarge our Assisted Living space from 92 studio rooms to 130 assisted living apartments Plaza South residents will be moved into the newly renovated Plaza North Building. Again, your monthly service fee will remain at the same rates you would expect if you had stayed in your old apartment.

Phase #5 includes renovation of Plaza View to become the Health and Memory Center. This work will be done from January of 2024 to November of 2024, a period of 11 months. We will be expanding our early memory support program from 29 to 48 rooms. Once complete, residents living in the Health Care Center will be relocated to the significantly renovated Health and Memory Center. Also, the renovation of the 3rd and 4th floors of the Health Care Center into Administration Space will be accomplished between November of 2024 and May of 2025, a period of 7 months. The first two floors of the Health Care Center will be utilized for resident amenities if needed.

This is a historic time in the life of Beatitudes Campus. Over 50 years ago, Dr. Culver Nelson and the Church of the Beatitudes, United Church of Christ, had a vision that called for courage, risk, faith and commitment to see that vision become a reality that would one day make life better for the people it served. Today that same spirit of courage, risk, faith and commitment to a this vision will assure that the next 50 years will continue to be everything that Beatitudes Campus’ long held mission, values and purpose has been about since day one. If there was a time when that was in question (and there was), I am proud to say that such a time is no more. A new day is dawning for Beatitudes Campus.*

Perseverance (A Redevelopment Update)

Sun, August 12, 2018 Published by

Great works are performed not by strength but by perseverance”

—Samuel Johnson.

This is how I can best describe the campus master planning process. Over the last three years and approximately 17 versions of a potential plan, the Beatitudes Executive Team, Board of Directors along with financial, architectural and marketing experts have all worked diligently to create a plan that carries our mission of non-profit service to you and other older adults well into the future. It will expand and beautify our community, while also adding new amenities and renovating our vintage buildings. The plan is too complex to share here so, I invite you to a special Town Hall/All Staff meeting to be held on August 29th at 2:00PM in the Everett Luther Life Center.

I, along with the Board of Directors, want to thank you for your patience as we completed the process. I am excited to share the plan with you.*