Simpson Home approves housing plans
by Lindsay Hoeppner · July 07, 2010 No responsibility.
Sounds good, right?
The Simpson Memorial Home Board of Directors thought so, which is why last Monday, June 28, the board approved design and construction plans for a cluster of independent living homes, which will soon relieve retired individuals of the unneeded stresses of maintaining their own home.
Simpson Memorial Home nursing home administrator Shelley Wicks said the idea for the independent living houses came about mainly as a way to expand the facility’s offerings.
“It will be just another part of our continuum of care,” she said. “Heath Manor is comprised of independent living apartments, but these will be independent living houses. Just like with Heath Manor, if anybody gets ill, they can come over here [Simpson Memorial Home], or if they have a surgery and need recovery time, they can come over here. They have preferential access over any outside resident that wants to come here.”
The construction timeline for the project, which will include three sets of two handicap-accessible houses and be located on the grassy knoll to the east of Heath Manor, is contingent on how soon the units sell.
Each house will cost $154,450 and will average 1,500 square feet. Each of the units being constructed will have two bedrooms with connected baths, a dining and living area and outdoor patio. Each unit will also come equipped with an attached two-vehicle elongated garage and all appliances, including a washer, dryer, refrigerator and stove.
“The home will be turn key, ready to move in to,” Wicks said.
Although the base price for each home is set at $154,450, Wicks said buyers can pay more to add more amenities or features, such as different flooring or cabinet style.
There will be a monthly maintenance fee, as well, that will cover lawn care, snow removal and garbage collection. Additionally, housekeeping services will be performed twice per month. Owners will also be responsible for paying for telephone and cable television services, as well as monthly utility costs for water, electricity and gas.
“Because these will be brand new homes, the utilities will be very minimal,” Wicks said.
Although the retired individuals will buy the use of a home, the Simpson Memorial Home will retain ownership of the land the units will reside on.
“When they’re ready to move out of that unit, Simpson Home will re-sell that unit to the next tenant,” Wicks said. “There is a limit on how much we will give back to them; they’re not going to get 100 percent back. After five years, we will not refund more than 80 percent of their original investment.”
Buyers must be single and at least 60 years old or 55 years old and married to someone who is at least 60 years old.
“These are not money makers for Simpson Memorial Home at all,” she said. “They’re just part of our continuing care to offer independent living at a different setting, i.e., an independent house instead of an apartment.”
Those interested in owning a unit are encouraged to contact Wicks at the Simpson Memorial Home.
“It’s going to be a lovely retirement facility,” she said. “They are going to be very, very nice homes.” |
