The Weitz Company, a design and construction firm, broke ground for Hacienda at the River, a $21 million Watermark Retirement Communities, Inc. and The Freshwater Group of Tucson project.

“The Weitz Company was honored to be selected to build this progressive retirement community that will provide the best possible care for its residents,” said Chris Harrison, executive vice president and general manager for the Weitz Company Phoenix office. “We look forward to working with Watermark Retirement Communities, The Freshwater Group and the many talented men and women who will apply their time and talents to complete this impressive facility.”

Once complete, the new community will feature a 74,000 square foot, two-story health care center offering short-term, long-term and hospice care.

Hacienda at the River will include a 50 bed rehab unit, 12 long-term nursing care beds and 12 hospice beds. Also included are 69 residences, offering assisted living and memory care, spread over a village of 43,000 square feet of the single story homes. The property will also house a 1,600 square foot stable building for equine therapy available to the residents.

In addition, the campus will feature a commons space for events and classes and an equestrian building. Full site development of the 6.5-acre site located on East River Road in Tucson began in October 2015.

The Weitz Company is recognized by Building Design + Construction (BD+C) as a top healthcare construction firm in the United States.