A 121-bed senior living complex on Windsong Drive near the Yavapai Regional Medical Center is scheduled to open in July, a spokesman for Affinity Living Group (ALG) told Quad Cities Business News.
In an exclusive interview, James Harvey, ALG vice president for public relations-communications said The Landings in Prescott Valley is the first senior living development for ALG in Arizona.
The company has senior care facilities in eight states, most of which in the East. It now operates more than 100 assisted living communities in the nation, with headquarters in Hickory, North Carolina.
Harvey noted that ALG is the nation’s seventh largest provider of assisted living care, and the fourth largest for Alzheimer’s and memory care.
Estimated construction cost for the Prescott Valley project is $18 million. When completed, it will offer assisted living, memory care and independent living, allowing residents to age in place, said another ALG spokesman, Hunter Trefzger.
“We will have 41 assisting living units, 43 memory care units and 37 independent living units,” he explained. “Our community sits on six acres and has a combination of one and two-story buildings. In all, we’ll have about 50,000 square feet, with all the necessary space we need for convalescent care. In addition, we’ll have dedicated activity areas and multiple dining facilities.” Among amenities planned are a bistro, theater room, gardening spots, fountains, a putting green, and an outdoor cooking and dining area.”
Trefzger said typically those aged 55 and up occupy the independent living units, while usually those 75 and older enter the assisted living portion of the community. Occupancy rates for residents are expected to range from $2,700 to $4,000 a month, depending on the level of care needed.
Trefzger said ALG would accept both private pay and Medicare and Medicaid. He noted that for residents who want it, a “…spend down option is available for those who move in as private pay residents but who needed to transition to Medicaid later down the road, in accordance with Medicaid requirements and guidelines.”
When completed, the various facilities will be staffed by about 60 full-time employees. Trefzger said job announcements and application forms are coming soon to the Quad Cities area.
Construction Project Has Been Boon to Community
The multi-million project is using local sub-contractors, businesses and suppliers as much as possible, Trefzger said. “On this project, Whitestone General Contractors is the general contractor. It is committed to using local personnel as much as possible. AFG is committed to connecting ourselves and creating community ties from day one of our project.”
Scott H. Ryan, owner of Whitestone Construction, has been in Prescott Valley overseeing the final phases of construction. His home office is in Longwood, Florida. “At any given time, we have from 50 to 70 full-time people employed. We want to be a part of the greater community. We hire local employees and use local materials as much as we possibly can.”
Ryan praised the Prescott Valley Town Council and staff. “I find these people to be as responsive and professional as anywhere I’ve worked in the country. Our company has done jobs all over the U.S. I mean it when I say this is one of the best places in the nation to be.”
Ryan’s comments were echoed by Randall Gibson, project manager for Whitestone Construction. “I’ve been here for well over a year. I mean it – this is a great place to work and live. I really like the local people. And the weather – wow! I won’t want to leave.”
AFG plans to have a sales team in Prescott Valley soon for those interested in becoming members of the Prescott Valley community.
Trefzger said, “ALG is excited to be bringing quality care and exceptional senior living to the Prescott Valley region. We look forward to becoming part of the greater community and building relationships with citizens, leaders and organizations in the Quad Cities area. Our mission is simple: creating the best life for all we serve.” QCBN
By Ray Newton, QCBN
For more information about ALG, call 855-561-8076 or visit affinitylivinggroup.com.