“This is the sound of progress,” said Brookridge Heights Executive Director Neal Crothers, who addressed a large crowd during the Tuesday celebration of its new addition.

Brookridge Heights opened its doors Tuesday to a new $4.5 million addition to its facility located at 1901 Division St. The expansion had been announced about a year ago.

The expansion features 29 new private apartments in both the Assisted Living and Memory Care communities as well as expanded kitchen and dining rooms, living space, secured outdoor courtyards and multiple common areas. Twenty-two apartments will be in the Memory Care section while seven will focus on Assisted Living.

With the addition of the 29 rooms to the current 66-room facility, Brookridge Heights now can accommodate over 100 seniors.

Visitors stroll through the new expansion at Brookridge Heights Living & Memory Care during Tuesday’s celebration noting the opening of the $4.5 million addition. The expansion includes 29 new private apartments. (Journal photo by Christie Bleck)

The facility provides services the community sorely needs, Crothers said.

When the original 26 Memory Care units were built, many “naysayers” said they’d never be filled, he said.

“We filled them in pretty short order and we are very confident that we will do the same with the additional 22 units that we have in Memory Care because of the great need that’s out there,” Crothers said. “Us Baby Boomers are getting a little bit older, and as we are looking to our futures, we recognize that great need that’s here.”

Brookridge Heights has also developed a transitional wing that allows new residents to safety adjust from assisted living into memory care, which requires more supervision.

A new philosophy called “In The Moment” allows staff and residents to embrace a daily flow, increasing engagement and improving each resident’s overall well-being.

A crowd gathers to hear remarks made at Tuesday’s celebration noting the opening of the new $4.5 million expansion at Brookridge Heights Living & Memory Care. The addition includes 29 new private apartments. (Journal photo by Christie Bleck)

This program helps people who are unable to take their medications on their own, require constant reminders on personal hygiene, lose weight because they don’t eat well and become easily lost or disoriented.

Crothers gave a nod to Brookridge Heights employees as well as the project’s numerous partners. Those partners included Oberstar Inc., O’Boyle & Company, Carpet Specialists Carpet One Floor and Home, Swailes Plumbing and Heating Inc., JP Electric Professionals Inc., IDA Design, Integrated Designs Inc., Leadbetter Electric Company, Lammi Fire Protection, Excel Fire Protection Company Inc., UP Home Health and Hospice, Lake Superior Hospice and UP Health System.

“It’s so important to have individuals that work in this community that understand our needs in the building and construction of this, and they were able to work through most of the winter — very few down days — and make it happen,” Crothers said.

Ken Assiran, a managing partner with the project, said of the facility: “We hope that it’s become part of the community, and the residents that are here today, we hope you enjoy it, and it’s really been built for you to use.”

He also didn’t discount the possibility of further expansion.

“Hopefully, we’ll be back here soon and we’ll have a vision to do some new things,” Assiran said.

Marquette Mayor Dave Campana also spoke about the expansion.

“We as a city are happy to have this facility within our boundaries, and we’re also happy that most of the construction work that was done here was done mostly by local labor,” Campana said.

He also acknowledged the growing need for senior care in the community and, in fact, every community.

“Staff here, I’ve been told, works well and coordinates well with all the area hospitals, hospice organizations, social agencies,” Campana said. “They work to make sure that all our seniors that are in need of proper care get it here.”

Campana said he has visited friends and acquaintances who live in Brookridge Heights.

“When I leave this place, I’m just totally impressed how well kept it is, how clean, how organized, and the care and compassion that the staff gives to the residents here,” Campana said.

Brookridge Heights is accepting reservations for its wait list.

Interested individuals should contact Brookridge Heights at 906-225-4488.

For more information, visit www.brookridge-heights. com.

Christie Bleck can be reached at 906-228-2500, ext. 250. Her email address is cbleck@miningjournal.net.