Deerfield Retirement Community Announces $9 Million Expansion, Renovation Project

URBANDALE, Iowa – Deerfield Retirement Community is set to break ground on a redevelopment project to best position the community for the growing and dynamic population of older adults. The $9 million project includes construction of a new performing arts center and large-scale renovations to one of its restaurants, the main entryway, living room and commons areas throughout the community. Deerfield will also add new levels of living options and health services, including social-model residential care and social-model residential memory care, pending state certifications. The project comes following a new financial backing commitment from its parent company, Lifespace Communities, Inc., based in Des Moines.

“This is exciting for the future of Deerfield, and residents and older adults in the area have a lot to look forward to,” said Sloan Bentley, president and CEO of Lifespace Communities. “There is good momentum behind this project, and we are fully committed to making Deerfield a community where residents find a sense of security, first-rate amenities and hospitality to be the cornerstone of their experience.”

Renovations to the entryway, living room, hallways and other commons areas will begin in the coming weeks. Remodeling and enhancements to the main restaurant will follow, and construction of the 100-seat performing arts center is scheduled to begin this fall.

“Today’s seniors want more lifestyle options and engaging activities, and we want to be out in front of these desires,” said Cindi McNair, executive director of Deerfield. “They also want more control of their health experience and a plan so they don’t burden their children or loved ones. That means we want to provide an even greater range of health and wellness services and living options.”

As part of the redevelopment plan, Deerfield is in the process of acquiring state and local certifications for the addition of social-model residential care and social-model residential memory care levels of living. Deerfield currently offers residential living apartment homes, as well as skilled nursing residences on its campus.

Available residential living apartments are also undergoing major remodeling and enhancements. New residents will select from a variety of models with features including granite countertops, stainless steel appliances and other high-end upgrade selections.

“We’re celebrating our 10-year anniversary and it’s extraordinary to pair it with this project,” said McNair. “It’ll pave the way for a bright future over the next decade and beyond.”

Expansion and renovation plans at the community allow Lifespace to more quickly address some outstanding refund obligations in a new format. If a refund is due, Lifespace will contact each resident or resident’s estate regarding a new option for refund timing.

Milwaukee-area based AG Architecture has been selected as the designer for the project, Minneapolis-based Weis Builders as the contractor and THW for interior design. Construction and all phases of the expansion and renovation project are scheduled to be complete by June 2016.

To kick off the project, Deerfield is making a large donation of appliances, cabinetry and other items from apartments being remodeled to the Greater Des Moines Habitat for Humanity.

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