First & Main Officially Welcomed to Auburn Hills

Posted by – Stephanie Carroll, Manager of Business Development and Community Relations

Last night, we celebrated the grand opening of First & Main.  This assisted living and memory care facility is the perfect complement to our community.  In addition to being beautifully designed, First & Main gives residents the care and respect they need and deserve.

The grand opening celebration was held in First & Main’s “City Hall” meeting room

About six years ago, Auburn Hills began engaging in Age-Friendly planning initiatives.  As part of the age-friendly planning process, one of the areas of focus was housing. We worked with developers and builders to ensure that as people age, finding suitable housing in Auburn Hills would not be a difficult task.

Left to right – First & Main Chairman & CEO, Gary Granger with Executive Director, Deborah Skotak and Cheryl Verbeke, Auburn Hills City Council member

First and Main fulfills this area of focus in our community.  The facility is designed to bridge the gap between independent living and nursing homes.  First & Main’s unique design captures the energy and convenience of a town center, with places to eat, shop, and enjoy life with friends.

Raising the Flag at the Grand Opening celebration

We toured the facility and met some of the residents who already call First & Main home.  We wish First & Main much success in the years to come!

First & Main Construction In The Home Stretch

Posted by – Elizabeth Brennan, Community Development Executive Assistant

Yesterday, staff from the City of Auburn Hills were invited to learn more about the first phase of the First & Main project, the new $28 million independent living, assisted living, and memory care facility at 3051 E. Walton Boulevard.   My co-worker, Shawn Keenan, and I quickly toured the first floor in search of the meeting room.  It turns out the presentation we planned to attend was being held at another building since construction at the new facility is not yet complete.  However, our accidental detour gave us the opportunity to see the interior finishes, welcoming spaces and amenities that future residents will begin to enjoy in a few months.

The building design incorporates a centrally located open-air courtyard allowing sunlight to flood into residents’ rooms, no matter the location.  When all phases are complete, the facility will house up to 156 residents.

Technology is utilized in each apartment to assist in monitoring residents’ needs and provide conveniences like automatically unlocking the resident’s door.  It opens only their door, not their neighbors’ doors – an important distinction.  Movement and room temperature are also monitored to assist care providers in learning residents’ routines, which determines the level of care required.

A calendar full of activities will be available to residents and will incorporate a little something for everyone.  Just to list a few, residents will enjoy spa/manicures, movies (complete with fresh movie theater popcorn), Tai Chi, Red Wings games, bingo, art, woodshop, trivia, trips to local restaurants, and trips to cultural and community events.

We enjoyed meeting the talented and dedicated staff of First & Main.  They’re excited to be a part of our community, and we couldn’t be more pleased that they’re here.

The Big Green Monster On Walton Blvd.

Posted by – Elizabeth Brennan, Community Development Executive Assistant

Construction on the First & Main senior living community is going gangbusters.  What we now affectionately call “The Big Green Monster” at 3051 E. Walton (photo says it all) is ahead of schedule and the plan is to keep it that way.

Construction of the roof is progressing and should wrap up by the end of next week along with the installation of many exterior windows.  Mechanical, electrical and plumbing is already set on the first floor and 90% complete on the second.  Drywall installation begins the last week of February.

Exterior brick work will commence in early March and the “green” will be gone.  Check back to see this attractive development continue to take shape.

First & Main Senior Living Under Construction

Posted by – Elizabeth Brennan, Executive Assistant

Construction is progressing on First & Main, the new three-story senior living community at 3051 E. Walton Road, just west of Squirrel Rd.

Two stair towers are up on site with two more planned soon.  The contractor hopes to have first floor studs and concrete in place by the end of the year.  By February, it is expected that the building will be roughed-in.

A sales office is planned to open in the spring with anticipated occupancy in late fall 2017.

This senior living community is intended to bridge the gap between independent living and nursing homes.  Check back for construction progress updates.

Construction Begins On New $28 Million Senior Living Community

Posted by – Shawn Keenan, Assistant City Planner

Construction began this week on First & Main, a new three-story senior living community located on the 8-acre parcel on the north side of Walton Road, between North Squirrel and Patrick Henry.

The first stage of the development includes the construction of the east wing which encompasses the 102-unit assisted living wing, including 42 memory care units.   Once the east wing is completed, the west wing with 61 independent living units, will be built.

This senior living community will feature a variety of amenities including a shop, salon, library, healing garden, and chapel and is intended to bridge the gap between independent living and nursing homes.  Check back for progress updates.

$28 Million Project Proposed on Five Points Community Church Property

Posted by – Steve Cohen, Director of Community Development

The best way to describe this project is that it will feel like “a cruise ship on land” for its residents.

An application has been submitted to the City of Auburn Hills to develop 8.06 acres of vacant land currently owned by the Five Points Community Church located on north side of Walton Road between N. Squirrel Road and Patrick Henry.  The property is located directly across the street from the YMCA and KinderCare.

Site Plan for First & Main

Wyoming, Michigan-based developer Granger Group wishes to construct a three-story 169,460 sq. ft. senior community composed of independent living, assisted living, and memory care at the site.  This community is intended to bridge the gap between independent living and nursing homes.  The typical age of their residents will range between 85 and 87 years old.

Granger’s unique “First & Main” design integrates healthcare, senior living, hospitality, and retail into a healing environment that’s natural and welcoming.  Their town center concept gives the development’s residents the look and feel of a downtown boulevard inside the building, which includes a variety of amenities such as a bistro, shops, spa, salon, art studio, healing garden, and chapel.

Rendering of the proposed building facade

Upon receiving City Council approval, this attractive $28 million development is expected to break ground in November.  Construction of the first phase consisting of a 102-unit assisted living/memory care facility (east wing) is anticipated to be completed in Summer 2015.  The 61-unit independent living residences (west wing) is planned to begin six to 18 months after the first phase is up and running.

Those interested in learning more about First & Main are encouraged to attend the public hearing at the Planning Commission’s meeting on Thursday, October 30th at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chamber at City Hall.