Representative say plans are to open in 12 to 18 months
The Resort Lifestyle Communities senior living facility that has become known as the “cruise ship on land” recently held its official groundbreaking ceremony and has begun taking deposits for charter residents for the planned opening in 12 to 18 months.
Resort Lifestyle Communities is a national company that builds and maintains all-inclusive senior living apartment facilities, which they describe as “luxurious independent senior living.” The Manlius location, Towne Center Retirement Resort, will be their first community to open in New York state, and includes an 18,000-square-foot, three-floor senior living facility that includes 128 units of one-, two- and three- bedroom apartments located on the corner of Medical Center Drive and North Burdick Street. The minimum age for residents is 55.
Kelly Jo Hinrichs, Marketing Director for Resort Lifestyle Communities, said the company found Manlius to be a desirable location for their project because there is a high number of residents in this age range that want to continue to live near family and maintain their independence as they begin to downsize their homes.
“When we search for communities where we want to bring our business, we look for places where there’s a large population of active senior who are looking to downsize while still choosing to live close to family and be active in their communities,” said Hinrichs at the groundbreaking reception held on June 7 at the Bonefish Grill in Fayetteville’s Towne Center.
Monthly rent prices range from $2,900 for a studio apartment to $4,750 for a three-bedroom, and includes utilities, wifi, cable, dining, garbage disposal and transportation as well as opportunities to become involved in the clubs and organizations that a lifestyle director for the apartments will organize.
Resort Lifestyle Communities gained approval for a special use permit from the Manlius Town Board in April 2015. During the public hearing process, neighbors of the Starview subdivision next to the project voiced concerns regarding increased traffic in that area. Hinrichs said the company plans to have their employees shift changes at time to not interfere with high peak traffic on Burdick Street.
The company estimates they will fill 30 to 40 full- and part-time jobs, and will focus on hiring local residents in those positions. They are also looking to work with local businesses, including a bank, hair salon, pharmacy and home health care companies, to fill retail space in the building so residents will have easy access to those services, said Hinrichs.
Currently, the company is accepting deposits for “charter residents,” which includes special perks such as the ability to choose a room before the complex opens, up to $1,000 to pack and move from their previous home, a washer and dryer unit for their apartment, 20 complimentary guest meals, two guest suite certificates and garage use for up to six months. So far, there are a total of 10 charter residents for the Towne Center Retirement Resort, said Hinrichs.
To learn more about the project, go to rlcommunities.com/locations/towne-center/ or call 329-6464.
