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Behind this group will be three–maybe four–residential units built as assisted-living residences to promote "aging in place" for Dayton's elderly population. This group celebrated with a ground-breaking ceremony Thursday, October 21. From left: John McLean, Stephanie Carpenter, Tammy Brown, Gary Warden, Jim Kime, Ron Asmus, Taylor Lambert, Cloydene Swentik, Shane McGuire, Carey Honeycutt, Delores Sutton, and Scotty Stevens.
DAYTON–The dream for Dayton residents wishing to "age in place" looks to be coming true.
That concept took a step toward realization last week when ground was broken for a cluster of assisted-living residences next door to the entrance to Dayton General Hospital.
Local residents in the geriatric set will be able to reside in residential units specially designed to accommodate their need for extra attention a step below the level that might be seen in a skilled-nursing facility like Booker Rest Home.
On the site a few yards north of the hospital, there's room for as many as five units, and word of the construction of the units has spread like wildfire through the community. "Three are being planned to be built," said Hospital District CEO Shane McGuire, "possibly a fourth. Reservations are full and we will discuss the possibility of more construction at the next Commission meeting.
"With three units on the drawing board, we're already at 116% occupancy," McGuire said. Completion for occupancy is anticipated by June 1, 2022.
As earth-moving equipment rumbled in the background under a warm October sun, McGuire, Hospital Commissioner Jim Kime, construction personnel, staff and two Booker Rest Home residents gathered for a ground-breaking ceremony, complete with gold shovel.
Plans for assisted living residences have been under consideration for about five years and movement on the concept didn't get traction until Tri-Cities developer Ron Asmus and his company, REA Commercial, LLC, became involved.
"We had to look for a partner and Ron and REA were willing to invest in the community, and willing to invest in this project, and 'aging in place' in Dayton," McGuire said.
"I think that's the story behind this–to keep our local people local so they don't have to go find housing somewhere else," McGuire said.
McGuire underscored the support from the Hospital Commissioners as well.
"It's awesome to see it coming to fruition," said Stephanie Carpenter, Chief Operating Officer.
The project is a cooperative arrangement between the Hospital District and Asmus's REA Commercial, LLC. REA Commercial purchased the property with collaboration with the Hospital District in mind, and with Blue Room Architect John McLean, AIA, NCARB, the units will be built to accommodate assisted-living residents.
