For
more information
contact Erica Cline at 706/828-2225.
Brandon Wilde Life Care Community to begin $26 million expansion project
AUGUSTA – Aug. 19, 2008 – Brandon Wilde, Augusta’s premier life care retirement
community and a part of University Health Care System, announced today its plan to begin Phase I of a five-phase expansion project.
The
construction project, the first of its kind at the facility since 1996,
will increase the
number of housing units at Brandon Wilde, as well as give residents an
expanded wellness
center, which research has shown makes a significant impact in seniors’
quality of life.
“We
are very excited to begin this process with the help of University Health
Care
System,”
said Richard Kisner, president and CEO of Brandon Wilde. “Brandon
Wilde has
always been ahead of curve when it comes to senior health and wellness,
and we believe
that this expansion will only help cement our position as the premier
retirement community
in the Southeast.”
Mr.
Kisner said Brandon Wilde’s Board of Directors began the strategic
planning process
for this construction project in 2005, and it was adopted by the board
in 2008. The nearly
$26 million expansion will be financed through equity from Brandon Wilde
as well as more
than $22 million in loans from University Health Care System.
Phase I includes the following:
- 30 additional independent living apartments
- 10 additional duplex cottages
- An
expanded Wellness Center, which will include an additional 22,000 square
feet of
space that includes a new pool, new aerobics and fitness space, an indoor walking track
and a new healthy eating dining center. - A new pet park
Brandon
Wilde is expected to break ground on construction in mid-2009 after the
expansion project’s approval. Housing is expected to be ready for
new residents in 2010.