The oldest seniors’ lodge in Alberta will eventually be demolished to make way for more seniors housing.
Geoff Olson, executive director of Bridges Community Living, said Red Deer’s Piper Creek Lodge was suppose to be demolished this summer, but funding from the province was delayed, and a future date has not been provided.
In May, about thirty-five lodge residents moved to Crimson Villas, the non-profit’s new 90-unit facility at 4736-30 St., just down the street from Bower Place mall. The province funded the $28.3-million project.
Olsen said residents from nearby Twilight Cottages also moved into Crimson and Twilight will also be demolished.
The last Twilight residents moved out about 10 days ago.
Both empty buildings will be maintained with security for insurance and safety purposes.
He said the province owns Twilight site and Bridges Community Living (formerly Piper Creek Foundation) owns the lodge site. Bridges Community Living is planning to develop another seniors housing project there, but details are not ready to be released to the public.
Related:
Red Deer senior housing facility opens its doors
Crimson Villas has reached about 80 per cent occupancy. The three-storey building has 65 lodge suites and 25-self contained apartment suites, for low-income seniors 65 and over.
The original wings of Piper Creek lodge were built in 1956 with tiny suites compared to today’s standards.
Olson said residents have gone from having only enough room for a single easy chair to having enough space for a small couch and dining room table.
“It’s really very heart warming to see the positive impact it’s had on them.”
Related:
Red Deer’s old Piper Creek Lodge to be replaced with $28-million senior’s housing project
Crimson residents are also closer to Bower Place shopping mall and many other services in south end of the city.
“It’s a real nicely located building to access services and entertainment,” Olson said.
Crimson Villas was built on the site of the former Red Deer Nursing Home.
szielinski@reddeeradvocate.com
Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter