May 31, 2017
Set on a high-profile site just south of Walt Disney World along I-4 – the only parcel in Celebration designated for senior housing — Windsor at Celebration is on track to open in spring, 2018, according to Richard Ackerman, Big Rock Partners senior managing principal. “We’re creating a community that reflects Celebration’s unique appeal, combining the five-star hospitality of a grand hotel like The Breakers or The Biltmore, with a Disney-inspired spirit of ageless fun and discovery,” Ackerman explained.
Windsor at Celebration’s resort-style amenities will reflect that mix of elegance and adventure. Residents, for example, will be able to meet friends at the six-story building’s rooftop sky bar to enjoy views of Disney fireworks nightly, or see first-run movies in the community’s state-of-the-art, stadium-style Screening Room.
As a rental alternative to traditional continuing care retirement communities (CCRCs), Windsor at Celebration does not require an up-front entrance fee. Beautifully designed accommodations comprise 151 independent living one-bedroom, one-bedroom with den and two-bedroom floor plan styles, along with 55 one- and two-bedroom assisted living and 33 one-bedroom memory care residences, all private.
Life Care Services®, an LCS® Company, is manager of the new community. Angie Layfield, Executive Director of Windsor at Celebration, said, “We really couldn’t ask for a better time or place to bring Windsor at Celebration to life. We have always believed there was a special opportunity to extend the innovative, inspiring vision that was Celebration’s impetus to an equally special community where active-aging adults continue to thrive, with lifelong adventure, wellbeing and security. The support from Celebration’s residents, and its many civic, social and philanthropic organizations shows their dedication to fulfilling the ‘magic’ for generations to come.”
Designed by global architectural firm Gensler, the community’s plan promotes an engaged lifestyle and offers an array of choices for dining and entertainment, while maximizing independence and wellness. Construction manager Balfour Beatty Construction recently topped off the project. Balfour Beatty Construction’s hospitality experience includes over 30,000 hotel rooms in the Central Florida market for clients including Disney and Marriott International.
Every aspect of Windsor at Celebration’s lifestyle promotes wellbeing and inspires life-enhancing wellness. Residents will be able to enjoy an indoor pool and on-site fitness center, and choose from highly entertaining and dynamic events, activities and classes on site. Windsor at Celebration’s relationships with Florida Hospital Celebration Health and Adventist Care Center, the new skilled nursing center under construction next to the site, ensure that the full range of preventative, proactive and professional care is close at hand.
Windsor at Celebration will create a sense of connectivity that’s too often missing from senior living communities, according to Ackerman. “Celebration is widely known for its residents’ involvement and sense of community,” he said. “Our residents who’ve established close ties here – and those new to the area – will find it easy to stay connected to their friends, to life, learning and purpose within and beyond Windsor at Celebration. For families, it’s a welcome opportunity to meet loved ones’ changing needs, keeping them close in a vibrant and caring setting.”
Windsor at Celebration’s cutting edge technology also reflects connectivity and a dedicated focus on security. Hardwired Wi-Fi and 180-channel HD DIRECTV throughout the community means residents will enjoy high-tech access for streaming video, the Internet and cable service. And, the comforts of a private community with fenced perimeter and advanced locking system with keyless entry bring a sense of safety.
Ackerman said that as Big Rock Partners introduces new $50 million and up senior living rental communities, the Windsor at Celebration site is an example of the choice locations seniors and their families are seeking. The Community of Celebration was developed by The Walt Disney Company in the 1990s, and has gained worldwide recognition as a successful example of New Urbanism principles.
About Big Rock Partners
Big Rock Partners, based in Beverly Hills, California and Delray Beach, Florida, is a private real estate investment management firm with a diversified portfolio including more than $200 million in premier, institutional quality assets currently under development in the senior housing market. Senior Managing Principal Richard Ackerman has acquired, developed, financed and operated commercial real estate and senior housing assets valued in excess of $3 billion over 30 years. Big Rock Partners’ principals’ experience includes roles as senior executives of public REITS, investment management firms and private real estate firms.
About Life Care Services
Life Care Services, An LCS Company, established in 1971 and based in Des Moines, Iowa, is the third largest manager of full-service senior living communities. Life Care Services currently provides operations, and marketing and sales management services for not-for-profit and for-profit Life Plan Communities, formerly known as Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRC), and rental independent living, assisted living, and memory care communities nationwide. For more information, visit lifecareservicesLCS.com.
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