[Updated: August 1, 2018 | Published: March 3, 2015]
Friendship Village of Dublin (FVD) has announced it will add to its independent senior living options, as well as make extensive renovations to its Riverside Drive community, over the next four-to-five years. A recently adopted Master Plan calls for adding new independent living apartments, primarily ranging in size from 1,200 to 1,600 square feet. In addition, FVD’s skilled nursing Health Center and memory care, as well as its assisted living apartments, will undergo renovation.
Other components of the plan combine new construction with renovation to create a new Clubhouse area. This community space will include a new dining room and additional meeting and banquet space. Other features can include a new café, general store, library, bank, and salon and spa, plus a theater and an art studio and gallery. Additional surface parking and ground-level garage parking, as well as new outdoor dining and living areas, will also be added to the community.
“We view this plan as a continuation of our focus on maintaining our position as one of the most sought-after senior living communities in central Ohio,” said FVD Executive Director Jerry Kuyoth. “The improvements we are making will enhance the lifestyle of our current 400 residents, while providing an environment that will appeal to the next generation of older adults who are looking for a vibrant and engaging senior living community.”
FVD consistently reports an occupancy rate of more than 97% for its independent living apartments. It first opened its doors to seniors in 1981.
The implementation of the Master Plan requires an investment of $61 million. Funding will come from a combination of cash reserves, future entry fees and additional long-term debt. The first phase of construction, which will include parking improvements and the relocation and extension of the community’s main entrance driveway, is scheduled to begin in fall 2015.
The architect for the Master Plan is the Columbus-based firm, JMM Architects, which is led by Michael Milligan. Most recently, JMM was the architect for FVD’s 20 River Point Villas, which began being added to the campus in 2013. The construction manager has not yet been chosen. Overseeing the day-to-day implementation of the Master Plan (also known as an owner’s representative) is Terry McClellan of Miles•McClellan, also a Columbus-based firm.
Once completed, it is anticipated the FVD community will increase to 308 independent living apartments and villas from its current level of 264. The continuing care retirement community will also include 50 skilled nursing beds, including 38 private rooms; 27 private rooms in memory care; and 32 assisted living apartments, including several one- and two-bedroom units to accommodate couples. An expanded area for rehabilitation services will also be provided. Parking will increase to 600 spaces from 430 spaces.
