A smattering of local citizens and officials gathered last week for the groundbreaking of Seagrass Village of Gulf Shores Villas, Independent Living and Assisted Living.
Located at 21298 Cotton Creek Drive adjacent to Sweetwater Apartments, Seagrass Village aims to be open by summer of 2020.
The new development will be managed by SRI, a company which specializes in retirement communities.
Don Bishop of SRI spoke at the groundbreaking about the economic impact the development will have on the city.
“We’re going to help grow that (market) by adding jobs,” Bishop said. “This will be a community that is rich with many amenities. We’ll have a swimming pool. We’ll have other outdoor activities. During the construction process we estimate approximately 125 jobs will come through here as the building is coming on.”
According to the community’s website, seagrassvillagegs.com, “Seagrass Village of Gulf Shores offers the finest senior living experiences for those seeking residential villas, independent living or assisted living services.”
The residential villa homes are specifically designed for seniors who want to continue living residentially, but want all the benefits associated with resort-style living. The community will also offer assisted living options.
“Once we get open and we fill up—and we believe that will happen pretty quickly in this market—Seagrass Village of Gulf Shores will add approximately 70 jobs to this area,” Bishop said. “Total salary and wages will be $1.8 million. We hire locally, and we’re going to utilize the local chambers and local people to help us find the right people to be part of the culture we’re trying to have here.”
Seagrass Village is set to provide artful dining, zestful activities and heartful care. Bishop said the commitment to excellence is rooted deep in respect for his elders.
“We love the excitement of a new building, but the reason that we’re here and the reason I’ve been in senior housing for over 20 years is because I do truly believe that it is our responsibility to provide services and opportunities for our seniors who have created so much value and so much importance to this great country we are in. I think it is our responsibility to provide the very best we can for them and give them what they deserve.”