Immanuel Lutheran Communities broke ground Aug. 12 on the Cottages at Buffalo Hill. The Cottages are the latest addition to the multiple-phase campus expansion that began in 2015. In late 2018, the Villas at Buffalo Hill —36 independent-living apartments designed for the Baby Boomer generation— were completed and rapidly filled up.
“We filled up so fast when we built out apartments,” said Jason Cronk, CEO of Immanuel Lutheran Communities. “We’ve had a strong waiting list for two years.”
The Cottages will consist of duplexes, each made up of two single-family patio home residences. The Cottages will share the same design as the Villa apartments, but as standalone structures they each have their own garage, covered porch and detached home front. Each residence will be a two-bedroom, two-bathroom design ranging from 1,300 to 1,500 square feet.
“We’re excited to add a new level of living for our independently living residents with these wonderful cottages,” Cronk said. “Offering single-family homes really completes Immanuel Lutheran’s housing offerings and will attract those who are downsizing from the family home.”
The initial work will start by removing an existing structure on the property before beginning construction on the first two Cottages. Cronk estimates each duplex will take between six and eight months to complete.
“We’ve been hearing from residents for some time about wanting a comfortable place to live with even more independence,” Cronk said.
Immanuel Lutheran’s Life Plan Community has several living options targeted toward Baby Boomers, who are “looking for new, more modern options.” The community guarantees future access to health care on campus and offers a progressive continuum of housing services as residents age.
In addition to the initial two duplexes, Cronk said Immanuel Lutheran Communities is looking to acquire land across the street from the existing property, with a proposed plan to construct two additional cottages, creating “a nice neighborhood.”
The expansion of Immanuel Lutheran Communities began in 2015 with the construction of 32 additional guest suites at the Retreat at Buffalo Hill, a new therapy gym, and the Lodge, an assisted-living memory-support neighborhood with 24 private residences.
“The need continues to grow,” said Cronk. “We’re looking for ways to serve residents who are getting older and want a place to stay where they have peace of mind to know they’ll be cared for if the need arises, even while they’re living in their independent homes.”