West Bloomfield school site could become senior housing
West Bloomfield could soon be getting a $25 million development in the form of an upscale assisted living and memory care facility at the site of a former elementary school.
Ealy Elementary School on West Maple Road has been closed since June 2013, after the school board decided the to consolidate the 47-year-old school to cut costs and deal with declining enrollment. Now, Provision Living, a St. Louis-based senior housing owner and operator, wants to develop the site as an assisted living facility.
Last week, the West Bloomfield School District Board of Education approved the sale and purchase agreement for $1.95 million, giving Provision Living the go-ahead to analyze the site. The company will now seek the approval of the township's planning commission and board.
"This project presents a great opportunity for the Township to work with a highly-reputable company with a proven track record for developing quality senior housing communities," Dr. Gerald Hill, superintendent of the West Bloomfield School District, said in a statement. "The proposed community not only would help the school district maximize the value of excess property that is no longer needed, but it will also provide the township with a valuable long-term asset to serve its senior residents and add to its tax base."
The proposed 117,000-square-foot single-story community will offer 130 assisted living and memory care apartments and a variety of unit options, including studio, one-bedroom and two bedroom units. Plans call for amenities like a beauty salon, exercise room, therapy space, movie theater, large common spaces and a dining room. Outside, the building would feature landscaped courtyards, patios and walkways for residents to enjoy.
If the township approves, development could begin before the end of the year. Provision said it anticipates hiring for about 70 jobs in healthcare, administration, management, kitchen and other maintenance staff.
"We believe there is a considerable need and desire for a senior housing community of this kind in West Bloomfield," said Dave Baylis, principal of Provision Living. "This community would offer seniors and their families convenience and accessibility to the best in assisted living and memory care services."
The company currently owns and operates 38 independent living, assisted living and memory care communities in the Midwest and Southeast, including University Living of Ann Arbor.
The Ealy Elementary School building is in the process of being dismantled and recycled, said district spokeswoman Pamela Zajac. The job should be completed in the next month, clearing the way for Provision Living to take over the site, if the company gets approval.
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