Portions of a foundation can be seen at the site of Windstone at Mill Creek, an independent senior living facility in Marquette. The first phase of the project, which will ultimately consist of 26 two-bedroom units built in a series of cottage-style duplexes, is expected to be completed and ready for occupancy in June, 2020. (Journal photo by Amy Grigas)

MARQUETTE — New and exciting things are happening near the Harlow Farms Conservation Community in Marquette.

The developers of a new independent senior living housing development expect the units included in the first phase of construction to be open for occupancy in June of 2020.

Windstone at Mill Creek, a senior living

Community Developer LR Swadley has begun construction on Windstone at Mill Creek consisting of 26 two-bedroom units built in a series of cottage-style duplexes on a 6-acre parcel which will be owned by Macaulay Marquette Properties, LLC.

The development, termed a “senior independent living neighborhood” will offer seniors a 2,100-square-foot community center which according to an Aug. 1 press release, will serve as a “lifestyle hub” to residents. The facility will include a large gathering room complete with a kitchen for parties, a pub-like area for meeting with friends and social activities as well as offices and other services.

A sign for at the future site of Windstone at Mill Creek is pictured. The first phase of the independent senior living project, which will ultimately consist of 26 two-bedroom units built in a series of cottage-style duplexes, is expected to be completed and ready for occupancy in June, 2020. (Journal photo by Amy Grigas)

The development will be bordered on two sides by a protected conservation areas including a scenic overlook. The location is situated in close proximity Harlow Farms popular nature trails as well as the Iron Ore Heritage Trail as well as the Noquemanon Trail.

“Windstone is designed to target independent living seniors who wish to lease a new, safe, home with its own attached garage, kitchen, an ADA bath, along with all the security and convenience this location provides,” the release states.

Mill Creek Senior Living Facility, which is right across the street from the new development, will be able to provide additional support services to residents living at Windstone, the release states.

Windstone is an example of the growing need for senior housing in response to population trends, which indicate that senior citizens make up an ever-growing segment of the U.S. population.

“The elderly, who comprised only 1 in every 25 Americans in 1900, made up 1 in 8 in 1994,” a May, 1995 U.S. Census statistical brief states.

In fact, by the year 2030, according to a Sept. 6, 2018 article at the census.gov website, one in every five U.S. residents will be retirement because all baby boomers will be older than 65.

Marquette County seems to be ahead of the trend, with

persons 65 and older making up over 19 percent of the population according to July 1, 2018 U.S. Census estimates, accounting for nearly one-fifth of the total population.

Macaulay Marquette Properties previously partnered with Swadley Development to build Mill Creek as well as the Teal Lake Assisted Living facility on the shore of Teal Lake in Negaunee.

The construction of Windstone will be completed in three phases, the release states. More information on the project can be obtained by contacting Windstone at Mill Creek Senior Living at (906)361-6600.

A groundbreaking ceremony was held at the site earlier this month.

Lisa Bowers can be reached at 906-228-2500, ext. 242.