This article was published in the Maumee Mirror in June of 2018 by Karen Gerhardinger, Maumee Reporter.
After living in the country outside of Delta, Marilyn Buehrer began searching Northwest Ohio for a senior living community that offered the same peaceful setting, yet provided a continuum of care for her ailing
husband, Philip.
In Spring 2016, the couple signed a contract to lease one of the first 14 Water’s Edge Villas at Browning Masonic Community, situated on 450 acres near the Maumee River in Waterville.
Unfortunately, Philip died just a few weeks before the condo was complete. But in February 2017, Marilyn moved into a three-bedroom villa with a sunroom overlooking the pond.
Walking through the home with her daughter Julie, Marilyn pointed out the zero-entry shower, the wide doorways and other features that make it comfortable and accessible. It also includes plenty of cabinets, built-in shelving for memorabilia, tall ceilings and
a full basement.
“It’s kind of like moving into a hotel. It’s all on one floor and it’s easy to keep up. And it’s like living in the country,” Marilyn said.
While Marilyn’s neighborhood is full, Browning is breaking ground on eight new villas within the next few months. Jason Aberegg, Director of Engineering, who is overseeing the construction by Ridge Stone Builders, said, “the homes will be on the east outer loop of the development.”
“While approved by the city of Waterville for 24 units, we are taking a conservative approach, planning to build future plats to meet demand,” said Executive
Director, Tara Lloyd.
Each of the new two-bedroom homes feature no step entrances, custom wood trim throughout, 10 foot ceilings in common spaces, a large sunroom, two-car plus attached garage, walk-in closets, and an open floor plan with customizable kitchen options along with many other add-on options.
“Residents have a huge opportunity to customize the home, with carpeting, flooring and tile,” Tara said. “It’s hard for them to realize they’re not building their own home because of the customized experience.”
This was a positive for Marilyn, who didn’t want to own another home.
“This was the most financially feasible,” Marilyn said of the community after her search. She also liked the idea of being able to work with the builder to select features for the home.
Tenants receive access to the fitness center, a free local golf membership to White Pines Golf Course, full-service dining, salon and spa, library, sitting rooms and social areas to use or to join the community in many of the monthly programs. Utilities, Wi-Fi, monthly housekeeping, snow removal, landscaping maintenance and other amenities are also included.
“Living here I can still go visit my friends. I can also go to the monthly concerts, trips to the casino, or out to eat,” said Marilyn. “They also have special events and a minister who comes monthly and plays the piano.”
“We get to help someone build and customize their dream home while adding them to our Browning Masonic Community family,” Tara said. “We’ve been part of the Waterville community for nearly 40 years and we are proud to offer personalized housing and tailored amenities within a vibrant community that celebrates independence and wellness for all individuals we serve.”
The community is open to those 55 and better, not just those who are affiliated with the Masonic Fraternity.
