Demand for Senior Housing to Bring New Apartment Building to Maple Grove
New Senior Housing Coming to Maple Grove
The Maple Grove City Council has approved an apartment project for a highly visible area of the city that’s expected to help meet a demand caused by growth in the senior population. Bloomington-based Doran Cos. is planning a 196-unit senior housing building at the southeast corner of Hemlock Lane and Arbor Lakes Parkway.
rendering by Doran Architecture
“We’re excited to start this project in the spring,” said Tony Kuechle, president of development for Doran Cos. “Hopefully COVID is gone by then.”
Kuechle says COVID-19 has resulted in the implementation of new design procedures. One example is building entrance points for workers separate from guests and visitors in an attempt to eliminate some cross contamination. During a recent planning commission meeting he was asked about ventilation systems. He added there will be individual airflow for each of the units.
“There’s some numerous outdoor amenity spaces as well, outdoor gathering and patio spaces,” said Kuechle.
Maple Grove Area Sees Growth in Senior Population
According to a market study by Doran Cos., all senior age groups above 60 are projected to grow in the Maple Grove area until 2024. The population ages 75 to 79 is expected to have the greatest growth. The first baby boomers begin turning 75 in 2021. The study shows the age group 75 and over is expected to grow by 32.3%, equal to 2,862 people, by 2024.
rendering by Doran Architecture
The project, currently called The Village Arbor Lakes Senior Housing, will allow for “aging in place” with 115 independent living, 57 assisted living and 24 memory care units. Amenities will include a chapel, club room, theater, beauty shop, fitness room, bistro and a memory care garden.
Maple Grove City Planner Peter Vickerman says the project has an overall density higher than what the current comprehensive plan calls for. As a result, the city will eventually have to approve an amendment to its comprehensive plan as required by Metropolitan Council development guidelines.
Vickerman says for the developer to get the extra density from the city, it made upgrades to its landscaping and architecture.
“Architecture is always subjective, but staff does feel this is a very nice looking building,” said Vickerman, who noted the project will also tie in nicely to the market-rate apartments built to the north of the site. “It feels like a unified development in that manner.”
