Beacon Hill at Eastgate – Grand Rapids’ premier CCRC – announces $30 million expansion and remodeling plans

Beacon Hill at Eastgate adding 60 residences, new amenities and enhanced common areas, as demand increases for active senior living with the security of a health care plan

Groundbreaking Celebration Planned for Summer 2015

Beacon Hill at Eastgate, Grand Rapids’ premier continuing care retirement community, plans to break ground next summer on a $30 million expansion to meet growing needs for active senior living. The 150,000-square-foot expansion will include 60 independent living apartment homes, an auditorium-style Center of Arts and Worship, upgraded skilled nursing residences, an enlarged dining room and a new dining venue called the Garden Café.

Seniors interested in the new independent living apartments may choose from one-bedroom, one-bedroom-with-den, two-bedroom and deluxe two-bedroom floor plans. The expansion project also calls for converting all of the semi-private suites at the Mary and Martha Health Care Center into private residences as well as the addition of 15 new private suites for short-term therapy occupants.

“We receive regular inquiries from active seniors who want to enjoy the all-inclusive lifestyle that Beacon Hill offers, but we’re filled to capacity,” said Jeff Huegli, president and CEO of Beacon Hill at Eastgate. “With this exciting expansion, we’ll be able to accommodate more people and enhance the features that differentiate our community from others – especially the new dining and common areas, as well as the new rehabilitation facilities.”

Beacon Hill at Eastgate opened their independent living building in 2010 around a unique “garden-to-table” hospitality model and the premise that food and community are inseparable. An award-winning, executive chef and professional culinary team direct the preparation and presentation of healthy, delicious food, often made from fresh ingredients grown in the community’s half-acre garden. The result is fine dining in a comfortable, inviting, home-like atmosphere that fosters relationship building.

The Beacon Hill at Eastgate campus spans 22 beautiful acres that incorporate gardens and ample green space. Tree-lined streets seamlessly integrate with the surrounding area, creating a neighborhood setting. Beacon Hill is conveniently located in the Eastgate neighborhood near several major shopping centers, restaurants, houses of worship and downtown Grand Rapids.

Construction Slated for Summer 2015

Beacon Hill expects to pre-sell as much as 75 percent of the planned residences before breaking ground next summer. Upon completion of the expansion, residents will enjoy:

• New apartment homes ranging in size and amenities
• More common spaces, designed to encourage social interaction, including an enlarged dining room
• An 250-seat auditorium for arts, worship and entertainment programs
• The Garden Café, which will feature fresh, organic dishes from an award-winning Chef and professional culinary team
• An expanded Health Center with additional private suites for rehabilitation services and skilled nursing care

The architect on Beacon Hill’s expansion project is PRDG of Dallas.  PRDG is one of the leading architectural firms specializing in design and planning of senior living, healthcare, hospice and hospitality properties.  The developer is Greenbrier Development of Dallas, and Maryland-based Bridget Bohacz & Associates, Inc. will provide interior design services.

Beacon Hill at Eastgate Takes the Worry out of Continuing Care Needs

At Beacon Hill, residents can transition to and from independent living to assisted living or in-home care services, or even to skilled nursing, on a temporary basis – for example, after surgery – or for an indefinite, longer period of time.

Unlike other Continuing Care Retirement Communities, Beacon Hill offers residents an all-inclusive lifestyle. Beacon Hill at Eastgate residents write one check per month that covers dining, indoor parking, utilities, extra storage, transportation to medical appointments and community-sponsored events, housekeeping, linen service, snow removal and health and wellness programs. Their long-term contracts provide housing, health care, meals and other services in one location.

At Beacon Hill, resident agreements also include higher levels of care (assisted living and skilled nursing) with no increase in fees for a certain period of time. After that, Beacon Hill provides such care at a discount from market rates for as long as a resident requires it.

Golf Tournament to Raise Money for Benevolent Fund

Besides their physical and health requirements, Beacon Hill also nourishes its residents’ financial needs. The community’s Mary and Martha Benevolent Care Fund supports the financial needs of residents whose assets and income are depleted with quality Christian health care.

Every year, Beacon Hill holds a golf tournament to raise awareness and monies for the Fund. The Beacon Hill at Eastgate 11th Annual Golf Classic – scheduled for Monday, June 16, at Blythefield Country Club – will hold true to tradition with a four-person best ball scramble.

“The Golf Outing entry fees and sponsorships help Beacon Hill improve the quality of life for our residents and nurture family and friends for generations to come,” said Laurie Freshour, Beacon Hill marketing director.

To register or for more information, visit www.bhgolfclassic.org or call (616) 245-9179.

About Beacon Hill at Eastgate

Beacon Hill at Eastgate is Grand Rapids’ premier continuing care retirement community offering progressive, independent living and health care environments to active seniors since 1951 when it opened as Michigan Christian Home. Today it offers customizable apartment homes and provides on-site services to meet residents’ future housing, care, health and social needs. The independent living addition at 1919 Boston Street opened in November 2010 and is now filled to capacity. An expansion set to begin in summer 2015 will enable the community to serve more seniors, enhance community amenities and continue to enrich the lives of its residents.  For more information, visit:  http://www.beaconhillgr.org

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