Communities

$45 Million Expansion to Bring Major Improvements to Clark Retirement and Surrounding Communities

May 30, 2018

GRAND RAPIDS, MI–Clark Retirement today announced plans for two major construction projects that will expand and redefine senior living at the organization’s West Michigan campuses. The estimated $45 million investment represents a significant, continued commitment to the Grand Rapids area for the more than 100-year-old organization, which provides housing, care and amenities to 500 residents.

The first construction project is slated for Clark’s signature Franklin Campus. The plans call for an $8.5 million expansion and reimagining of the space that will add new amenities—including larger social spaces and exercise facilities—as well as 22 new independent living apartments.

The second project—which would begin as early as next year—would see an entirely new community built at Clark’s Keller Lake campus. Together, the construction projects are intended to create new and unique living environments that further enhance energetic and vibrant retirement communities, while meeting the growing demand for independent senior living in Grand Rapids.

“An important aspect of creating and maintaining an exceptional community is providing the physical spaces where we live, work and play,” said Brian Pangle, CEO of Clark Retirement. “We believe these spaces will allow us to build on our promise of creating communities of dignity, compassion and respect, centered on the lives of older adults and those who care for them.”

Clark’s senior housing mission has long focused on the provision of long-term living environments—whether in independent living, assisted living or skilled nursing. Clark also provides services to residents through partnerships with community organizations, including Emmanuel Hospice, Atrio Home Care and Tandem365. In addition, Clark is a founding member of Rethinking Dementia: Accelerating Change (RDAC), an award-winning community group that provides resources and support for individuals, and the families of individuals, who suffer from dementia.

“We are part of the fabric of this community,” Pangle said. “Whether it’s our work with other partners, or our involvement with the local neighborhood association, we don’t exist on an island. Our reinvestment in the Franklin Campus is just one more example of how we are committed to this area, and to our friends and neighbors, for the long-term.”

As part of the Franklin repositioning project, Clark intends to build 22 new apartments with a combined 31,000 square feet. The Franklin Campus will shift their in-house short-term rehabilitation services to preferred providers in the area, to help meet the increasing and steady demand for independent living housing. All current Clark employees will have the opportunity to continue working in long-term/skilled nursing or transition to another similar role within the organization.

“As the needs of our residents continue to change, it’s important we change with them,” Pangle said. “We’re seeing increased demand for independent senior living, and more focus on services and amenities that support active lifestyles, socialization, wellness programs and community events. That’s why we’re expanding and adapting our flagship neighborhood location right here in Grand Rapids.”

At the Keller Lake campus, Clark is planning the development of an entirely new community, built around a town square model with open areas, walking paths, a restaurant, bistro, piazza and other amenities. The Keller Lake plan calls for 70 new independent living apartments. It will include the construction of four large, multi-story independent living buildings, the addition of common space and amenities throughout the site and major site development work. Construction of the $36 million Keller Lake project is set to begin in the Spring of 2019.

“At Clark, we believe in creating communities that our residents truly enjoy,” Pangle said. “We want them to feel comfortable and cared for, but most importantly, we want them to feel at home. We believe the proposed Keller Lake campus can do that in a way that’s entirely unique from anything available today in the Grand Rapids area.”

Together, the expansion and construction plans at the Franklin Campus and Keller Lake demonstrate a significant investment in senior living and the Grand Rapids community. The projects will complement the ongoing work of the Clark Foundation to raise funds to support benevolent care, and the programs and services that encourage residents to enjoy healthy and active lifestyles at both campuses.

“Clark has provided, and will continue to provide, excellent residential long-term living accommodations for older adults—including independent and assisted living, memory care and skilled nursing,” Pangle said. “We are thankful for the ongoing support of our residents, staff and community partners as we adapt to continue to meet the evolving needs of our community.

The sales process is underway for the new living accommodations at both Franklin and Keller Lake.

The Franklin Campus is located at 1551 Franklin St SE in Grand Rapids. Keller Lake is located at 2499 Forest Hills Avenue SE in Grand Rapids.

Clark Retirement Community was founded in 1906, and for more than 100 years has created a community of dignity, compassion and respect centered on the lives of older adults and those who care for them. Clark provides a full continuum of care to approximately 500 residents on two campuses in the Grand Rapids area, with more than 400 staff.

 

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