In September 2021, Western Reserve Masonic Community (WRMC) held a groundbreaking ceremony to begin a $49 million expansion. The project would allow the community to strategically reposition how care is provided in the Healthcare Center, expand the independent living offerings available, improve residents’ quality of life through the amenities available, and invest in innovative technologies that are good for residents and employees.
Now, after more than a year and a half of nonstop construction, Phase I is complete! This phase of the expansion included the Community Center that opened in spring 2022, Healthcare Center which residents moved into in February 2023, and finally the independent living building which opened in April 2023.
April 11, 2023, after 19 months of anxiously watching construction progress, WRMC independent living residents and their families finally got to see their new community spaces as they attended their own open house. For some, they even got to see their new apartments. There was so much excitement, there were lines of people at the door just waiting to get a glimpse of the new space.
The independent living building includes 56 apartments that range from one bedroom/one bathroom to three bedrooms/two bathrooms. All of the apartments include walk-in closets and a patio or balcony, and some have a fireplace and den. Plus, with the primary bedroom, the washer and dryer are in the walk-in closet. Talk about luxury living! The first residents started moving into their apartments in mid-April.
Beyond the apartments themselves, the cornerstone of this building is the community spaces. The first floor includes a new fitness center, 20,000 square foot common area, dining room, café, and bar. It was the talk of the night at the open house. WRMC independent living residents couldn’t wait until the spaces were open for them to have meals and events. Words don’t do the magnificence of the new building justice – you just have to see it for yourself!
Now, it’s on to Phase II. In March, demolition of the old healthcare building began. When demolition is done, another new Healthcare Center will be built in its place. Much like the one that opened in February, this one will feature 18 private suites.
