By Sue Berg
Independent Living, Inc.
Two stairwells and one elevator shaft are prominent visual cues of recent construction at 1936 Tennyson Lane. They are part of the development that will result in Tennyson Senior Living Community, slated to open in the summer of 2018.
The campus is slowly taking shape. The first buildings to be completed will be the community spaces and the assisted living/memory care residence. The four-story building will have assisted living apartments on the third and fourth floors. The first two floors will be secure memory care and frail elder studios. In all, 60 apartments and studios will be built. Each floor also will have its own dining area and serving kitchen, as well as activity and living room spaces.
Included in the community spaces will be a grand living room with fireplace, a bakery/café, dining area and outdoor terrace adjacent to the dining area. A significant feature will be the health and wellness center in the lower level of the building. Because of the slope of the hillside, the health and wellness center will have windows and its own private entry.
The developer for Tennyson Senior Living is Independent Living, Inc., a local nonprofit. “Donations are important,” said Rita Giovannoni, project development director. “We welcome all charitable gifts and are grateful to the foundations that have stepped up so far.” Giovannoni added, “There are naming opportunities for foundations and individuals interested in making that level of impact.”
There are also numerous opportunities for employment. Up to two dozen new roles need to be filled, including community director, leasing manager, chef, café manager, kitchen and dining room staff, maintenance and housekeeping staff and resident assistants; as well as staff for the health and wellness center, including manager, physical therapy assistants and yoga/tai chi instructors.
Lists of people interested in working or living at Tennyson Senior Living Community are being developed. The key contact is Rita Giovannoni. She can be reached by sending an email to Tennyson@independentlivinginc.org or calling 274-7900. Additional information can be found at IndependentLivingInc.org or by contacting Giovannoni.