10 October, 2012
Seven new assisted living rooms, six studios and one 1-bedroom, are under construction at Golden Pond as part of their two-phased $20 million renovation and addition project. Work began at the beginning of October and Executive Director William Marr says they expect to have a Certificate of Occupancy by November 1.
The renovation of the existing 68,000 square foot, 135-bed facility is the first step in the assisted living facility's Phase 2 building plan which also includes the construction of a new, 3-story, 43-bed expansion attached to the current facilities. In the existing facility, renovations include new paint and cosmetic touch ups as well as significant mechanical and electrical system upgrades. The seven new assisted living units nearing completion are located in the space vacated by the Golden Goose Academy on the lower level and five of the seven units will have walk-out patios. Deposits have been submitted as well for five of the seven new units.
The construction management company handling the project is The Congress Companies, the same company responsible for the construction of he existing facility, and financing for the project is through the East Boston Savings Bank.
"We hope to be closing on [on the new building loan] before the end of October," said Marr, "and we are hoping for a groundbreaking in November."
According to Marr, the 43 new units will be bigger, more expensive and with more options, targeting clients with more disposable income. While most of the units in the existing facility are units with shared bathrooms, the new units will provide more space and private bathrooms, as well as four, larger 2-bedroom units.
"We're extremely excited," said Marr. "It's been a long road to get to this point and we're thrilled to have the work started, and ultimately, to be able to have that many more options to serve the community of Hopkinton and to help server elder care needs."
