Adolfson & Peterson Construction (A&P) participated in a groundbreaking celebration for the new Merrill Gardens at Anthem senior living community on July 29th. Over 100 people, along with representatives from Merrill Gardens, Urbal Architecture, Anthem Chamber of Commerce and Anthem Community Council, were in attendance for the celebration.
Attendees of the event were treated with breakfast from staff chefs from Merrill Gardens and had the opportunity to see site plans and amenities information for the new community. Attendees also participated in the ceremonial dirt turning.
Bill Pettit, President of Merrill Gardens; Chad Lorentz, Principal, Urbal Architecture; Lew Rees, Anthem Area Chamber of Commerce; and Tim Fyke, Anthem Community Council President, all spoke at the groundbreaking.
“We don’t want seniors to have to change their lives when they move into a new community,” stated Petit. “We want them to enjoy an environment that is rich with daily activities.”
The new state-of-the-art 127-unit, two-story facility will include independent living, assisted living and memory care areas. Unique features of the community include a tech center, wine bar, bistro area, happy hour, open dining room, open kitchen area, theater, wellness center, and an activity room with a director. The building will be focused around a courtyard with a large pool and lounge areas with shade and misters. The outdoor area will also have a bocce court and walking paths.
Merrill Gardens will also employee over 60 people at the facility when completed next summer making this project a great addition to the local economy.
According to Pettit, the ceremony was one of the largest turn-outs that they have had for the groundbreaking of a new community. Pettit stated that the Anthem community is unique and he “recognized it as a jewel” when he first saw it.
“This community will allow seniors to stay in the area and allow adult children to bring mom and dad closer,” Architect Lorentz said. “This is very much going to be able to become home.”
Merrill Gardens at Anthem is anticipated to be completed in August 2016.
“We are excited to team with great partners on this state-of-the-art community,” states Jeff Keck, A&P Regional Vice President. “A&P has a long history of partnering with senior housing providers across the nation in the delivery of these unique facilities and we are pleased to leverage that expertise on this great addition to Anthem.”
