Wexner Heritage Village Builds Creekside at the Village

May 28, 2004

Creekside at the Village, an exciting new project, is now under construction. This latest addition to the Wexner Heritage Village (WHV) family of services is an 82-unit independent living apartment complex that will bring a new concept in gracious retirement living to Columbus. Its projected completion is August 2005. Creekside at the Village will be located on the main WHV campus with its own private drive off of College Avenue called Welcome Place.

Richard S. Lamden, president/CEO of Wexner Heritage Village, recently announced the August 2005 completion date and noted that WHV has begun assembling a team of professionals to staff the project. Carolyn Brausch, leasing coordinator, and Meredith Douglas, executive director, have been hired to implement Creekside at the Village. They work closely with Wexner Heritage Village’s administrative team to ensure that Creekside will maintain the quality the community has come to expect from the organization.

Wexner Heritage Village created plans for Creekside at the Village utilizing suggestions and data collected from residents of Bexley, Berwick and Columbus’ eastside, as well as newer communities such as Gahanna and New Albany. Gerontological Services, Inc., a Santa Monica, Calif. firm, was contracted to survey the community. A gap was found in local senior services in that older adults wanted an independent living facility that met the highest standards of living. A need for approximately 80 independent living units was defined.

To complement and expand on this study, local older adults and their children were asked to voice their desires in a series of focus groups. As a result of their suggestions, some of the amenities planned for Creekside include two meals served daily, housekeeping, valet parking, concierge services and more all included in monthly rental fees. The building will offer a library, deli, parlors on each floor, a spa with hair and beauty services, and a putting green.

“ Our research found that today’s seniors want much more than security and one-floor living. They want a vibrant community with gracious amenities in addition to convenience and assistance. To meet those desires, we are promising an exceptional lifestyle for exceptional living,” said Brausch.

The project will offer seniors independence as well as safety with a cutting-edge concept called “assistance in living.” Not to be confused with assisted living, Creekside will ease many of the burdens of daily life, while not intruding on one’s privacy or independence. In addition to the amenities included in rent, additional services will also be available to be contracted. Community members may choose to arrange for laundry services, health management and errand services if needed.
“ The goal is for community members to move in to a community that values their independence while offering as much assistance as they may need immediately or at some future date,” said Brausch.

The surveys conducted also found that Wexner Heritage Village’s main campus was the overwhelmingly desired location for a new independent living facility. The area offers immediate access to the Jewish Community Center, Jewish Family Services, synagogues and other features of Bexley and Berwick. Another draw is that those living at Creekside will be under the umbrella of Wexner Heritage Village with access to the skilled nursing home, rehabilitation services department and outreach services as needed.

Creekside at the Village was designed by JMM Architects, Inc. The firm estimates that 95% of their projects are in the field of eldercare design. JMM Architects is a local company with offices in Columbus and Grand Rapids, Mi., but are nationally recognized for their expertise in designing for older adults. They have won numerous industry awards.

The construction of Creekside is under management of Continental Building Systems. This company has a portfolio of local commercial and health organization projects including Giant Eagle stores, a portion of the Easton Town Center called Easton Market, and medical facilities for St. Ann’s Hospitals and Mt. Carmel Health Systems.

Apartments at Creekside will range in size from 664-1554 square feet, each with full kitchens and washer/dryers. Units are one- or two-bedroom, some having dens, fireplaces and porches. JMM Architects designed specific details to enhance the safety and comfort of seniors that will reside at Creekside including emergency call buttons, walk-in showers with molded seats, levers as doorknobs for easy gripping (especially important for those with arthritis), and bathrooms with pre-installed heat lamps and grab bars.

With a year until completion, Creekside at the Village is already 60% pre-leased. Those who deposit on apartments are named to the Creekside Charter Club. The group receives a regular newsletter and has been meeting at gatherings to get to know future neighbors. Many Charter Club members attended the groundbreaking to see the first marks made to create their future home. At “Taste of Creekside” parties, they have also been able to sample the meals that will be served at Creekside.

“ Gracious independent living such as Creekside was clearly lacking in the senior living options available in Columbus,” said David Rosen, WHV vice president – operations.

“ The fact that the project is 60% pre-leased this early is unprecedented in my experience in the field of senior services. It speaks to the desires of the community and the reputation of Wexner Heritage Village,” Rosen added.

By building from the ground up, Wexner Heritage Village is in a unique position to create exactly what is needed and desired by those who will occupy Creekside at the Village. Charter Club members have made requests that Creekside staff work diligently to fulfill. Charter Club members have been also able to choose carpeting, paint and other décor for their individual apartments.

According to Brausch, those pre-leasing at Creekside are active older adults who want to lead vibrant lives, but also have the foresight to anticipate that they may need assistance as time goes on. Rather than wait for a crisis such as a stroke or accident to make the decision for them, they are proactively choosing to move to a residence that can best accommodate them.

“ Some of our members are very excited about the prospect of never having to cook or perform yard work again. They are looking forward to taking day trips, playing golf and gathering for card parties with their new neighbors. Those who have attended our ‘Taste of Creekside’ parties are looking forward to world-class dining as well,” said Brausch.

Those interested in learning more about Creekside at the Village can make an appointment to meet with Brausch by calling 559-0303. The leasing office, located at Wexner Heritage House, was designed to give visitors a glimpse of the gracious style to be found at the Creekside building. Maps, floor plans, cost comparison worksheets and décor samples are available to see and feel. More information can also be accessed online at www.creeksideatthevillage.org.

Wexner Heritage Village is a not-for-profit provider of health, housing, social and spiritual services in the central Ohio community, primarily serving older adults and persons with disabilities. Its mission, guided by Jewish values and traditions, is to assist those it serves in pursuing their fullest human potential. The campus serves the entire community and includes: Wexner Heritage House, a 200-bed nursing facility, Heritage Tower and Bexley Heritage Apartments, HUD-sponsored independent living, Creekside at the Village, premier independent apartments, Victor Weinstein Shalom House and Shalom House South, two MRDD group homes, Village Shalom Apartments, Heritage at Home and Jewish Community Hospice.