Senior Lifestyles Spring 2018

Senior Lifestyles 

Boom times 

ahead 

The Corridor’s senior 

housing boom continues 

Smoothing the 

transition 

A new service aims to 

take the stress out of 

moving 

Redefining senior 

dining 

As baby boomers move 

into senior communities, 

they’re bringing their 

eclectic dining tastes 

A SPECIAL ADVERTISING 

SUPPLEMENT OF THE

2 April 23 - 29, 2018 Senior Living ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT OF THE CBJ 

SENIOR LIFESTYLES 

FEATURES 

Boom times 

ahead 

The senior housing 

boom continues, 

with more than 

a dozen projects 

currently in progress 

PAGE 6 

Smoothing 

the transition 

A new service in the 

Corridor aims to 

take the stress out of 

moving into senior 

living 

ADVERTISERS 

3 

4 

7 

Cottage Grove Place 

Evergreen Estates III 

The Gardens 

2345 Landon Rd. Ste. 100 

North Liberty, IA 52317 

Phone: (319) 665-NEWS (6397) 

Fax: (319) 665-8888 

www.corridorbusiness.com 

www.facebook.com/ 

CorridorBusinessJournal 

@CBJournal 

John F. Lohman 

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER & 

PUBLISHER 

johnl@corridorbusiness.com 

Aspen N. Lohman 

VICE PRESIDENT 

Andrea Rhoades 

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER & 

ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER 

andrea@corridorbusiness.com 

Adam Moore 

EDITOR & CHIEF CONTENT OFFICER 

adam@corridorbusiness.com 

Angela Holmes 

MAGAZINE & SPECIAL PROJECTS 

EDITOR 

angela@corridorbusiness.com 

Dave DeWitte 

SENIOR BUSINESS REPORTER 

dave@corridorbusiness.com 

Katharine Carlon 

BUSINESS REPORTER 

katharine@corridorbusiness.com 

PAGE 12 

8 

Grand Living 

Becky Lyons 

GRAPHIC DESIGN MANAGER 

becky@corridorbusiness.com 

Julia Druckmiller 

GRAPHIC DESIGNER 

julia@corridorbusiness.com 

Redefining 

senior dining 

As baby boomers 

move into senior 

communities, 

they’re bringing 

their eclectic dining 

tastes with them 

10 

13 

16 

18 

Meth-Wick Community 

Oaknoll Retirement Residence 

Senior Housing Management 

The Views 

Kelly Meyer 

MEDIA CONSULTANT 

kelly@corridorbusiness.com 

Rhonda Roskos 

EVENT MEDIA CONSULTANT 

rhonda@corridorbusiness.com 

Judith Cobb 

MAGAZINE MEDIA CONSULTANT 

judith@corridorbusiness.com 

Jean Suckow 

MARKETING & DISTRIBUTION 

MANAGER 

jean@corridorbusiness.com 

Ashley Levitt 

EVENT MARKETING COORDINATOR 

ashley@corridorbusiness.com 

Haley Bean 

EVENT PLANNING INTERN 

Samantha Kollasch 

CHIEF DIGITAL OFFICER 

samantha@corridorbusiness.com 

PAGE 14 

19 

The Villages at Marion 

Alex Carlon 

NEWS INTERN

ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT OF THE CBJ 

Senior Living April 23 - 29, 2018 3 

Cottage Grove Place 

LIFECARE 

CONSULTANT 

VICKIE WEUVE 

DIRECTOR OF SALES 

& MARKETING 

BRIAN KRAMER 

OUR MISSION: 

Cottage Grove Place is a communitybased, 

nonprofit organization committed 

to serving seniors with a wide range 

of needs. As responsible stewards, our 

mission is to maintain the highest 

level of accommodations and care. 

We’re dedicated to continuous quality 

improvement to ensure residents have 

rich and rewarding opportunities. 

OUR PURPOSE: 

Cottage Grove Place is the only LifeCare 

retirement community in Cedar Rapids. 

What does this mean? LifeCare means 

we’ll take care of you during every stage 

of your life — from active retirement 

to assisted living to nursing care. Once 

you move to Cottage Grove Place, you’re 

guaranteed a lifetime of care. 

ACTIVITIES: 

Cards, Billiards, Exercise, Guest Speakers, 

Coe Forum, WoodShop, Painting, Movies, Music, 

Religious Services, Resident Council, And 

Much More… 

DINING: 

Use your flexible dining dollars in our restaurant style 

dining room or take advantage of the Cottage Grill. 

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT: 

Proud Sponsor of Two Freedom Festival Events, 

Member of the Economic Alliance, Member of 

the Elderly Consortium, Proud Sponsor of the 

Alzheimer’s Association, Main Sponsor of the 2018 

Health Expo, St. Patrick’s Day Parade 

LEVELS OF SERVICE: 

IL - You’ll enjoy the comforts of home without all 

the tasks needed to maintain one. At Cottage Grove 

Place, we take care of everything — inside and out. 

Our warm, professional staff and friendly residents 

will make you feel at home from the moment you 

arrive. At Cottage Grove Place, you’ll have more 

time to spend the way you choose and more leisure 

time to spend the way you want. 

ASSISTED LIVING: 

At Cottage Grove Place, our Assisted Living 

apartments offer an ideal balance of independence 

and support for you or your loved one. We know 

making the decision to move to assisted living 

www.cottagegroveplace.com 

2115 First Avenue S.E. 

Cedar Rapids, IA 52402 

(319) 298-5398 

is a big step. That’s why we work with you and 

your family to make the transition as smooth and 

seamless as possible. Our experienced caregivers 

and nurses will make you feel welcome and design 

a personal care program to meet your needs. 

SKILLED NURSING / 

MEMORY SUPPORT: 

If you require rehabilitative or skilled nursing 

services, you can receive them right here. Later, 

after you’ve healed, you can return to your own 

independent living residence. Cottage Grove Place 

is a fully equipped health center with state of 

the art equipment to ensure resident safety. We 

employ a high ratio of experienced professionals 

who devote time and attention to tailor therapy and 

personal care for you. 

REHAB: 

Whether you need intermittent therapy or longterm 

rehabilitation, Cottage Grove Place offers 

everything you need under one roof. 

• Physical therapy 

• Occupational therapy 

• Speech therapy 

When you’re in pain, you need comfort and help 

close to home. You shouldn’t have to venture out in 

bad weather and drive to find the service you need. 

Our Health Care Center is just one more way we 

simplify your life, save you time, and reduce your 

stress so you can recover and return to your home.


Evergreen Estates Residential Care Communities 

PRESIDENT & CEO 

PAT GIORGIO 

ADMINISTRATOR 

EVERGREEN I 

MATT GIORGIO 

ADMINISTRATOR 

EVERGREEN II 

KATHY ELY 

ADMINISTRATOR 

EVERGREEN III 

PAM GUILFORD 

MISSION & PURPOSE: 

At Evergreen Estates, we are very proud to 

have been in business for nearly 25 years 

and have worked hard to build a reputation 

in the Corridor for being a compassionate 

senior living community. We feel it is vitally 

important that we remain locally owned and 

are committed to having all our decisions 

related to policy, resident care and community 

building made right here in Cedar Rapids. 

At Evergreen Estates our mission is to build 

community with respect and hospitality. 

Evergreen Estates is and has been locally 

owned and managed by experienced and 

caring staff since opening in 1985. Decisions 

about our organization are made locally by 

owner Pat Giorgio and in the best interests of 

those whose care we have been entrusted. 

Our team at Evergreen Estates is a group of 

professionals who believe we have more than 

a job to care for seniors. We have a vocation to 

do so. We are proud of the fact that some of our 

staff members have worked with us for more 

than a decade. 

In the state of Iowa, Residential Care is one 

of several levels of senior care available. 

Residential Care offers greater supervision 

than assisted living, yet its primary focus is on 

socialization and an active lifestyle. 

www.EvergreenEstates.biz 


EvergreenEstatesCR 

Evergreen Estates has three Cedar Rapids locations, all offering private rooms and a whole host 

of amenities. While each building and its residents have their own personalities, all offer a 

genuine sense of community. 

Evergreen Estates I 

3410 12th Avenue SW 

(319) 396-3692 

Evergreen Estates II 

307 Edgewood Road SW 

(319) 365-4116 


2204 Johnson Avenue NW 

(319) 363-8116 

To live in one of our three care communities at Evergreen Estates there is just one set monthly 

fee that covers the cost of housing and care. We like to keep costs simple and upfront at all times. 

Residents at Evergreen Estates enjoy the following as part of their monthly payment… 

• A private room with a bathroom 

• Three delicious meals per day 

• Three snacks per day 

• Daily housekeeping, linen service and personal laundry service 

• 24/7 direct nursing care on site 

• Medication administration by our dedicated and professional nursing staff 

• Bathing and dressing assistance 

• A robust activity and social program 

• Exercise opportunities 

• Scheduled transportation 

• Water, gas and electric utility service



Evergreen 

Estates 

RESIDENTIAL CARE COMMUNITIES 

We care for 

your family 

like they are 

our family. 

At Evergreen Estates our mission is to build 

community with respect and hospitality. 

Call for a tour today! (319) 396-3692 

www.EvergreenEstates.biz 

www.facebook.com/EvergreenEstatesCR 

Three convenient 

locations on the west 

side of Cedar Rapids. 

Evergreen Estates I 

3410 12th Avenue SW 

Evergreen Estates II 

307 Edgewood Road SW 


2204 Johnson Avenue NW


BOOM TIMES AHEAD 

Oaknoll's Spring Street addition, shown in 2015. PHOTO OAKNOLL 

The Corridor’s senior housing 

boom continues, with more 

than a 14 projects currently in 

progress. A look at where we’re 

at and what to expect. 

By Dave DeWitte 

dave@corridorbusiness.com 

The retirement of the baby boomer generation is 

playing out in various ways in the Corridor, but 

none more visible and powerful than the continuing 

boom in senior living developments. 

More than a half-dozen senior living projects 

totaling more than $55 million in investment have 

been completed in the past two years, and at least 

14 more are in progress, bringing close to 1,500 

new living units to the market. When those additional 

projects are complete over the next two 

years, the total investment will be more than a 

quarter-billion dollars. 

“This is historic in nature – there’s never been 

anything close to this,” said Scott Olson of Skogman 

Commercial, who has served as a real estate 

advisor to about half of the new senior living 

projects under development in the Cedar Rapids 

metro. 

The reasons include a demographic shift with 

the retirement of the huge baby boom generation 

beginning to hit its stride, and the strong financial 

returns being generated by senior living facilities 

built in recent years. 

Iowa’s senior population is forecast to grow by 

26 percent, or 218,000 people, from 2010-2020, 

according to the 2012 Iowa Housing Study conducted 

for the Iowa Finance Authority, with se- 

BOOM PAGE 15



The Gardens of Cedar Rapids 

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR 

LISA ELWICK 

COMMUNITY 

RELATIONS DIRECTOR 

AMY KUBIK-HASLEY 

The Gardens of Cedar Rapids 

opened in August of 2017 as the 

first new skilled nursing facility to 

be built in Cedar Rapids since 1996. 

In addition to its 40-bed skilled care 

community, The Gardens has 30 

assisted living apartment homes, a 

quaint 12 apartment memory care, 

and outpatient therapy. 

Providing a number of services on 

one campus makes services easier 

to access not only for those living 

in SW Cedar Rapids but also the 

surrounding rural communities. 

www.thegardenscr.com 

5710 Dean Rd SW 

Cedar Rapids IA 52404 

(319) 632-1350 

In addition to providing support and nursing services, offering a full array of life 

enrichment activities and an enjoyable culinary experience are at the top of the list at 

The Gardens of Cedar Rapids. Whether it’s a painting class on campus, a shopping trip, or 

the simple pleasure of enjoying freshly baked bread and meals made from scratch, your 

experience will be one-of-a-kind. 

SERVICES: 

Assisted living, skilled rehabilitation, memory care, long-term care, and outpatient 

therapy all under one roof.


Grand Living at Bridgewater 


KIM EMRICH 

SALES COUNSELOR 

MICHELLE MILCOFF 

SALES COUNSELOR 

SCOTT MAIERS 


We are driven by our passion to provide 

remarkable, personalized experiences 

for the residents and their families 

and by our unparalleled commitment 

to exceptional service. Our vision is to 

be trusted leaders and innovators in 

senior living environments and services, 

recognized for embracing the uniqueness 

of each individual we serve. 

COMMUNITY: 

Offering 170 residences ranging from 

studios to two-bedroom apartment 

homes, Grand Living at Bridgewater 

provides a unique approach to enriching 

programs and upscale experiences – all 

at a remarkable value. State-of-the-art 

construction offers four elevators to 

serve the four-story, 200,000-square-foot 

building. Some residences offer balconies 

and fireplaces, and all have kitchens with 

stainless steel appliance packages and 

granite countertops. 


Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care 

www.grandliving.com 

3 Russell Slade Blvd. 

Coralville, IA 52241 

(319) 930-3000 

EXERCISE & WELLNESS OPTIONS: 

Grand Living at Bridgewater features an engaging wellness center and spa with a heated 

indoor pool, state-of-the-art exercise studio, offices for rotating medical providers, and a 

full-service salon. As a pet-friendly community, Grand Living at Bridgewater also offers a 

pet grooming center to keep your furry companion looking its best! 

ACTIVITIES & AMENITIES: 

If you enjoy the outdoors, you’ll love the gardens and outdoor fire pit. There’s also a 

woodworking shop; a 150-seat theater offering many special events, including theater, 

learning programs, piano and other musical performances; a library, grand lounge, 

chapel and meditation center; and many resident-driven programs to choose from. 

FOOD & DINING OPTIONS: 

Dining venues include formal, casual and bistro settings along with private dining 

and a club area, each serving chef-prepared meals with fresh, homemade selections.



ATBridgewater 

INDEPENDENT • ASSISTED • MEMORY CARE


Meth-Wick Community 

PRESIDENT 

ROBIN MIXDORF 

DIRECTOR OF 

OPERATIONS 

TERESA DUSIL 


Our mission is to provide a secure and caring 

living environment to those we serve, allowing 

them to maintain their dignity and to enrich 

the quality of their lives as they age. 

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT 

• Alzheimer’s Association – Walk to End 

Alzheimer’s Team 

• American Heart Association and Go Red for 

Women 

• Work with HACAP & Kids on Course to 

provide meals for Harrison students 

• Residents prepare and provide sandwiches 

for the Salvation Army 3x per month 

• Partner with Eastern Iowa Arts Academy for 

programming opportunities on campus 

• Work with the University of Iowa, Mount 

Mercy University and Kirkwood Community 

College for student interns and mentoring/ 

training relationships, as well as research 

projects 

• Partnership with Red Cedar Chamber Music 

to host concerts, open to the public and on 

our campus 


Meals include a wide variety of options for 

residents to choose from. Each day a Chef’s 

Special entrée gives residents the opportunity 

to try new items, and for those wanting a 

lighter or healthy option, a Mindful Special is 

available. Gluten Free and other special diet 

options are also available upon request. A 

Registered Dietitian provides clinical nutrition 

care for health care residents and is available 

campus-wide to provide both group and 

individual nutrition education and counseling. 


• Independent Living - For active seniors who 

want to maintain their interests, hobbies and 

independent lifestyle without the demands of 

maintaining a house. 

• Independence Plus - For those seniors who are 

independent but prefer assistance with some 

of their daily tasks, such as housekeeping and 

laundry, among other services. 

• Assisted Living Custom Care - Continuum of 

care offers Assisted Living for Physical Needs to 

residents who need additional assistance but are 

not in need of 24-hour nursing care. 

• Assisted Living Memory Needs -For those in the 

early to mid-stages of Alzheimer’s and forms of 

mild dementia. 

• Nursing Care for Physical & Memory Needs - 24- 

hour nursing care is available for those seniors 

who can no longer live independently or who have 

unique health needs. 

• Respite Care - For residents and non-residents 

on a temporary basis while they are recovering 

from surgery or their primary caregiver is 

unable to provide care. 

• Transportation Services - Keeping you connected 

to the community, allowing you the freedom and 

independence to do the things you want to do. 

methwick.org 

1224 13th Street NW 


(319) 365-9171 

• Rehabilitation with Skilled Nursing Care - 

Quality, cost-effective therapy at The Woodlands, 

our Medicare–certified skilled nursing facility. 

Short-term rehabilitation is available. Physical 

therapy solutions for post-surgery recovery as 

well as many conditions that cause physical 

limitations and lessen enjoyment of daily life. 

WELLNESS & EXERCISE: 

We promote the whole person wellness model in all 

levels of care, which emphasizes six dimensions of 

wellness: spiritual, physical, vocational, emotional, 

intellectual and social wellness. 

Educational programming, events, and classes 

serving all of the six dimensions of wellness are 

offered throughout the year to help each resident 

live their best life. 

Wellness and Recreation highlights: 

• Intellectual programs in collaboration with 

Mount Mercy University 

• Variety of fitness classes offered 5 days a week 

• Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialists 

• Bus trips to events, restaurants, and shopping 

• Three LifeTrail fitness kiosks on campus that 

residents can use during walks 

• State-of-the-art exercise equipment 

• Cedar Rapids’ only warm water therapy pools



UNSTOPPABLE. 

You’re on the move. You’re a pedal-pushing, seed-planting, grandkid-chasing machine. 

Who said retirement is a time to slow down? Not us. 

Wait till you see what we have in store for you. Learn more at methwick.org. 

1224 13th St NW, Cedar Rapids, IA | 319–365–9171 | methwick.org


Smoothing 

the 

transition 

A new service in the Corridor aims to take 

the stress out of moving into senior living 

By Steve Gravelle 

news@corridorbusiness.com 

Any group of 46 million – in this case, the number of 

Americans 65 and older – naturally includes a wide 

range of needs, health conditions and abilities. Although 

most seniors live independently in their own 

homes, the U.S. Department of Health and Human 

Services estimates 70 percent will need some form of 

long-term care at some point. 

“There’s a lot of buildings going up because of the 

influx of baby boomers, who are now transitioning into 

dependent or assisted living areas,” said Kathy Althoff. 

As manager of CarePro Senior Transitions, the 

newest division of CarePro Home Medical, Ms. Althoff 

helps people prepare for and make the move 

from home to facility living. CarePro, the Cedar 

Rapids-based health services and supply company 

founded in 1971, took over Senior Transitioning Services 

Jan. 1 from founder Mark Thomsen, who’d operated 

the business for about a decade. 

Perhaps appropriately, Mr. Thomsen was busy 

making his own transition. 

“He was ready to retire,” said Katie Dostal, a senior 

account specialist at the company. “We started 

talking about it at a health fair and he said the only 

company he would be interested in selling to was 

CarePro.” 

CarePro Senior Transitions currently operates in 

Cedar Rapids and Iowa City, with plans to expand to 

Davenport and Clinton in the future. 

“I don’t think we really quite knew how big of a 

thing this really was,” Ms. Althoff said. “We just got 

into it and people had no idea these services were 

even available.” 

Each transition begins with a visit to the client’s 

home. Staff conduct an inventory to develop a free 

estimate of the services a client needs to downsize 

while retaining their most-treasured belongings. 

Whatever a client doesn’t plan to take is first claimed 

by other family members. CarePro’s contractors organize 

and conduct estate and tag sales to distribute 

what’s left. 

To make the move to a facility as seamless as 

possible, Senior Transitions staff even photograph 

a client’s home furnishings to re-create familiar surroundings 

in the new setting. 

“We go in and we take pictures of exactly what 

their home or their apartment looks like now, and 

then we try to mimic that when they move,” said Ms. 

Althoff. “We come in [to the facility] and we hang 

the pictures, right down to where the remotes are 

placed and where the bedside tables are set up.” 

CarePro hires the movers who take the selected 

belongings to the client’s new home while a cleaning 

crew goes to work in the old house. A document-disposal 

service may be called in to shred and dispose of 

accumulated financial and medical records. The process 

can take as little as two days, although it typically 

takes a week or more. 

Some clients take a longer view, calling a year or 

more before a contemplated move. 

“We kind of let them know how they can start 

thinking about downsizing if they’re thinking of 

moving within a year,” said Ms. Althoff. “We usually 

can give them some guidelines on how you can start 

downsizing.” 

Transition costs aren’t covered by insurance or 

Medicare, although a tag or estate sale, and the sale 

of the home itself, can offset the expense. Ms. Althoff 

said the cost of CarePro’s service is often less than 

expected, and worth it for the easing of stress in what 

can be a difficult time. 

“We moved a gentleman 

and his wife into a 

memory care facility and 

he came and sat in his recliner,” 

Ms. Dostal recalled. 

“The first thing he said was, 

‘It doesn’t even look like we 

moved.’ That’s a huge compliment 

because that’s exactly how 

we wanted him to feel.” CBJ 

Considering 

a move? 

CarePro Senior Transitions offers this 

advice for a smooth and seamless 

transition to your next home: 

• Start small and concentrate on 

small successes. 

• Simplify your clothes closets. 

• Create a staging area to sort and 

store items during the downsizing 

process. 

• When sorting, focus on one room 

at a time. 

• Use colored sticky notes to indicate 

what is to happen to items. 

• If your pantry, refrigerator and 

freezer are well-stocked, eat what 

you have. 

• Sort through financial, medical and 

personal documents. Know what to 

shred or keep. 

• Sort through photos, slides or 

home movies, keeping only the 

most special. Consider having 

photos, slides and movies 

professionally scanned for digital 

storage.



Oaknoll - An Active LifeCare Community 


STEVE ROE 

OUR MISSION: 

Oaknoll provides exceptional retirement living 

and Health Services through LifeCare. 

SERVICES: 

You don’t have to worry about home repairs 

and other essential services such as… 

Maintenance 

You may choose carpet and paint colors for your 

new apartment and receive a window treatment 

allowance. We will handle all your repair needs 

from changing light bulbs to blocked drains. 

Lawn care and snow removal are courtesy of our 

Buildings and Grounds crew. 

Housekeeping and Laundry 

Apartments are cleaned by housekeepers 

every two weeks. Our team performs various 

duties including vacuuming, dusting, cleaning 

bathroom(s), kitchen floors and all surfaces. 

1 Oaknoll Court | Iowa City, IA 52246 | www.oaknoll.com | 319-351-1720 

Technology 

Computer support when you need it at no 

charge. Oaknoll offers free on-site technology 

classes for our residents: instructions and tips 

on using computers, mobile devices, surfing 

the internet, sending emails, and much more. 

Banking 

MidWestOne and Hills Bank come to Oaknoll 

twice a month. 

Transportation 

Oaknoll offers convenient transportation 

services to our residents at all levels of care. 


Independent Living, Assisted Living, Health Center, 

At Home with Oaknoll, Short Stay Unit, 24-Hour 

Nursing Care and The Loft (Opening October 2018). 

THE WELLNESS CENTER: 

In the Wellness Center, open 24 hours a day, you can 

use some of the latest exercise equipment to increase 

strength and endurance. Our exercise equipment is 

specifically designed for the more mature exerciser. 

Residents may schedule one-on-one time with our 

instructors who can help design a program that 

will meet your health and fitness needs. If you 

want an exercise routine that does not involve gym 

equipment we offer many wonderful programs. 

Light aerobic workouts of stretching and toning, yoga 

classes, Pilates, aquacize, Boot Camp and walking 

groups. Oaknoll also has a beautiful warm water lap/ 

swimming pool. Water aerobic classes are offered to 

reduce stress on muscles and joints. Our pool area 

also has a hot tub and bubble seat. 

ACTIVITIES & AMENITIES: 

At Oaknoll we offer our residents many places to 

relax and unwind—a 45 seat movie theatre with 

daily showings; salon with full hair care services, 

massages, pedicures and manicures, ping pong 

table, golf simulator, art room, lounges, meeting 

rooms, libraries, outdoor courtyard areas and decks 

with stunning views. 

Our programming reflects the diverse tastes, 

preferences, and experiences of our residents. 

Our residents enjoy live music concerts (indoor 

year round and an outdoor summer concert series 

June – Sept. featuring local musicians), stage 

performances by local acting groups, themed 

dinner parties, beer & wine pairings, dances, 

tailgate parties, Wii tennis and bowling leagues, 

and much more! 


Our dining areas provide menus with choice and our 

Chef Specials offer unique cuisine from around the 

world. We also feature an Internet Café and Coffee Shop 

The Oak Room - restaurant style dining with madefrom-scratch 

meals. 

Hope Dining Room and Café - offers a more casual 

atmosphere. 

Third on Third Bistro - contemporary dining in a 

relaxed atmosphere. 

Mixers on 5th Pub Lounge - a great place to meet 

friends, relax over a drink or light snack. 

Catering - We’re here to make your party a success.


Redefining senior dining 

As baby boomers move into senior communities, they’re bringing their 

eclectic dining tastes with them, pushing communities to adapt. 

Food is so 

important to all 

of us – not just 

for its nutritional 

content, but for 

socialization and 

celebration.” 

Steve Roe, Executive Director, 

Oaknoll Retirement Residence 

Residents enjoy the Third on Third Bistro at Oaknoll, a contemporary setting featuring a variety of daily specials. PHOTO OAKNOLL 

By Katherine House 

news@corridorbusiness.com 

Locally sourced meat and produce. Staff 

members who can answer detailed questions 

about how food is prepared. Community-building 

events such as wine tastings 

and themed dinners. 

Those may be the ingredients for creating 

a successful restaurant, but they’re also 

increasingly common at dining spots within 

senior communities. 

“Food is so important to all of us – not 

just for its nutritional content, but for the 

socialization, celebration and enjoyment 

that so often accompany a great meal,” 

said Steve Roe, executive director of Oaknoll 

Retirement Residence in Iowa City. “As 

our residents age, it becomes more difficult 

for them to prepare their own meals or go 

to their favorite restaurants. We must provide 

a satisfying alternative for them.” 

Gone are the days when senior communities 

offered limited choices at mealtimes; 

on-site facilities are now doing more 

short-order cooking for residents, noted 

Robin Mixdorf, president and CEO of 

Meth-Wick Community in Cedar Rapids. 

“If you want a burger and fries, you order 

a burger and fries,” she said. “We all 

want more choice.” 

That choice also extends to multiple dining 

venues/gathering spaces within communities, 

whether it’s a bistro at Oaknoll, a 

club room at the soon-to-open Grand Living 

at Bridgewater in Coralville or a coffee 

shop with free coffee and tea at Meth-Wick. 

Baby boomers’ arrival within senior living 

communities is credited with driving 

some of those changes. Administrators are 

seeing increased demand for locally sourced 

food and healthier options, including organic, 

vegan and vegetarian, Mr. Roe said. 

Ms. Mixdorf said Meth-Wick has also 

seen more demand for gluten-free options. 

A self-described “young member” of the 

boomer generation, she notes her own 

fondness for Thai food. 

“Maybe that’s the next thing [more ethnic 

foods] in senior dining,” she said. 

Michael Bokosky, national director of 

culinary operations for Grand Living, notes 

that several factors affect food preferences. 

“Who we are and how we eat is made 

up of so many things,” Mr. Bokosky said. 

“It’s generational, it’s ethnic, it’s based on 

regions of the country.” 

Corn chowder, he observed, was on the 

menu at several Coralville restaurants he 

visited recently. Walleye is the preferred fish 

at the Grand Living community in South 

Dakota, while it’s grouper in Florida. 

Some residents crave meat and potatoes, 

while others opt for a more varied diet. 

Some well-traveled residents might have 

a yen for more exotic foods, while others 

haven’t had the opportunity to travel, Mr. 

Bokosky noted. 

What else drives tastes in food? 

“Everyone is watching the Food Network,” 

he said. 

That means residents are well-versed in 

ingredients and preparation techniques. 

Wait staff at Grand Living communities 

carry tablets for placing orders. The devices 

store answers to residents’ common 

questions – “How is this cooked? Is the 

fish fresh?” – in addition to personal preferences 

and allergy data. 

To keep up with residents’ desire to 

know more about what they are eating, Oaknoll 

plans to roll out menus listing nutritional 

information; an OakSmart logo will 

denote heart-healthy choices. 

That’s entertainment 

“The number of social opportunities that 

go along with dining are just endless,” Ms. 

Mixdorf said, noting that baby boomers 

are an especially social generation. 

Last fall, Oaknoll hosted a Roaring 

‘20s-themed dinner party. Residents and 

staff were encouraged to dress like flappers 

and gangsters, while attendees were given a 

password for admission. 

Ms. Mixdorf says champagne brunches 

and “center stage” cooking demonstrations 

followed by a meal have proven popular at 

Meth-Wick. At Grand Living communities, 

prospective chefs are told they must be comfortable 

getting up in front of 30-50 people 

and talking about food, said Mr. Bokosky. 

Customization, along with customer 

feedback, are crucial, just as they are for 

any business. 

“The key is residents ordering what they 

want, not what we think they should eat,” 

said Ms. Mixdorf. CBJ



BOOM 

FROM PAGE 6 

niors between 65-75 comprising 88 percent 

of that growth. The report projects 

a need for an additional 27,000 housing 

units through 2020, with demand in the 

East Central region encompassing much 

of the Corridor expected to average 410 

units annually. 

One of the most telling signs regarding 

the momentum in the region’s senior 

housing market is that some of the area’s 

oldest and most established communities 

are still expanding. The Oaknoll Community, 

one of the largest in the Iowa City 

area, completed its huge Spring Street 

Addition in 2015, while Meth-Wick Community 

in Cedar Rapids, one of the state’s 

oldest and largest senior communities, 

added 18 large independent living units 

last fall. 

“This is a little unique for the whole 

Corridor,” said Meth-Wick CEO Robin 

Mixdorf. “There’s been a real uptick in 

new construction, which leads you to believe 

that these developers have identified 

a demand for senior housing. This is probably 

the largest uptick I’ve seen in my [18- 

year] time at Meth-Wick.” 

Two new projects appeared on the 

horizon in 2018. Plans for a 81-unit assisted 

living facility, to be built in conjunction 

with a 12,000-square-foot retail center, 

were disclosed as developer Steve Emerson 

sought rezoning for a property at 765 

Boyson Road NE in Cedar Rapids. Meanwhile, 

plans for a 51-unit Vintage Cooperative 

housing community were submitted 

as part of a 53-acre development plan for 

an area of Iowa City south of Interstate 80 

between Dubuque Street and Prairie Du 

Chien Road. 

Ground was broken in November 2017 

for Stoney Point Meadows, a 95-unit senior 

living facility with 67 assisted living 

units and 28 memory care units at 1900 

Stoney Point Road SW in Cedar Rapids. It 

is the six health care development in Cedar 

Rapids by veteran developer Robert 

Sample, and will employ 80-100 workers. 

Cedar Rapids got its first big taste of 

the current senior living surge in July 

2017, when The Gardens, a $15 million 

project undertaken by five local investors, 

opened its doors. With 40 skilled nursing 

beds, the facility represented the first new 

skilled nursing facility in Cedar Rapids 

in 21 years. It also has 30 assisted living 

units, 12 assisted living memory care units 

and physical therapy services, making it a 

continuum of care facility. 

Spokeswoman Angie McClure said The 

Gardens’ southwest location was chosen 

partly because that part of Cedar Rapids 

had no continuum of care facility, and 

partly because it’s easily accessible to 

smaller communities south and west of 

Cedar Rapids such as Fairfax, Walford, 

Newhall, Atkins and Norway, which don’t 

have such living options. 

Mr. Olson, who serves on the Cedar 

Rapids City Council and the Meth-Wick 

board of directors, said he’s not concerned 

about overbuilding. He cited data 

from Maxfield Research Inc. of Minneapolis, 

which the city uses to keep tabs on 

housing market demand. 

“Right now, there’s about 600 units of 

demand in our area, and though we’ve got 

a lot of construction, we’re not there yet,” 

Mr. Olson said. 

Many of the ripple effects from the senior 

housing surge have not hit the market, 

but could become more apparent in 

the next year or two, especially in regard 

to the region’s already-tight labor market. 

The new communities and expansion 

projects will employ well over 500, with 

four of the projects accounting for 310 positions. 

Grand Living will have over 100 employees 

each at the two continuum of care 

communities it is developing with Ryan 

Companies: Grand Living at Bridgeview 

in Coralville and Grand Living at Indian 

Creek in Cedar Rapids. Stoney Point 

Meadows has indicated it will employ at 

least 60 at its new facility in Cedar Rapids. 

The Views Development has said it 

will employ 50 with a $2.8 million annual 

payroll when its new 104-bed continuum 

of care community opens on the south 

side of Marion. CBJ 

This is 

probably 

the largest 

uptick I’ve 

seen. 

Robin Mixdorf, CEO, Meth-Wick 

It takes more than luck! 

Advertise with the CBJ and 

reach the decision-makers and 

business owners in the Corridor. 

Get the results you want! 

Transitioning to an 

Assisted Living? 

CarePro Senior Transitions can help: 

• Evaluate the present residence 

• Sort and organize 

• Manage the move 

• Set up the new residence 

We will help to ease the transitioning process 

for seniors and their families. 

Contact Andrea Rhoades 

andrea@corridorbusiness.com 

(319) 665-6397, ext. 304 

CarePro Senior Transitions 

319.981.5716 

www.careprohs.com


Senior Housing Communities in the Corridor 

Brown Deer Place - Coralville 

Emery Place - Robins 

PRESIDENT 

ALLEN PHILLIPS 

VICE PRESIDENT/ 

CHIEF OPERATING 

OFFICER 

ALLISON LAW 

Mission/Purpose: 

We’re rolling out the Red Carpet for You! 

Our commitment to you is to provide 

Red Carpet Treatment for everyone who 

lives, works and visits our communities. 

Red Carpet Treatment is more than a 

simple idea, it’s our way of life. Our 

“Residents First” approach ensures that 

we offer exceptional and compassionate 

retirement living. 

Local Communities: 

Brown Deer Place 

1500 1st Ave North, Coralville, IA 52241 

www.browndeerplace.com 

319-337-6320 

Emery Place 

901 S Mentzer Rd, Robins, IA 52328 

www.emeryplaceliving.com 

319-536-0045 

Garnett Place 

202 35th St Dr SE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52403 

www.garnettplace.net 

319-362-3630 

Prairie Hills 

219 S Cedar St, Tipton, IA 52772 

www.prairiehillsliving.com 

563-886-1584 

Levels of Service: 

• Townhomes 

• Independent Living Apartments 

• Assisted Living Apartments 

• Memory Care Apartments 

• Month-to-month rentals, no longterm 

leases, no ‘Level of Care’ 

charges! Just Individualized Service 

Plans to meet your unique needs! 

Garnett Place - Cedar Rapids 

www.seniorhousingcompanies.com 


seniorhousingcompanies 

208 35th St Dr SE, Suite 500 


1-800-366-6716 

Prairie Hills - Tipton 

Exercise and Wellness Options: 

Dare to Dream Program - Being a part of the Senior Housing family of communities means 

adhering to a very special set of values. One of these values is ensuring that our team members get 

to know each and every one of our residents not only in regards to health care, but also as a unique 

and vibrant person. Our goal is to make at least one resident dream come true each month in every 

one of our assisted living and memory care communities. These dreams can range from modest to 

elaborate based on the unique experiences and backstories of each individual resident. The stories 

shared below only offer a glimpse into the vast collection of dreams come true throughout Senior 

Housing’s history of fulfilling hundreds of resident dreams. 

Senior Exercise Program – Our communities in the Corridor offer free exercise classes three days per 

week through Live 2 B Healthy, the leading provider of trainer-led exercise instructors for seniors. Not 

only is this complimentary for all residents, but it is also open to the public to join in as well! 

Music Therapy – In our Memory Care Programs, we’ve partnered with Music Speaks Music 

Therapy to provide sessions two times per week. Music Therapy encourages physical movement, 

verbal participation, and memory recall through the emotional connections all people have made 

through music. Where words fail, music speaks! 

Dining – From our anytime dining, to our overflowing salad bars, we have endless options for 

our residents to enjoy. Breakfast is served all day long and is made to order. If you don’t prefer 

to order the special of the day, no problem! We also have a selection of grill and deli items on our 

“Always Available Menu!”



Red Carpet Philosophy 

Our commitment to you is to provide red carpet treatment for everyone 

who lives, works and visits a Senior Housing community. Red Carpet 

treatment is more than a simple idea; it is our way of life. Our “Residents 

First” approach to service ensures that we offer exceptional and 

compassionate retirement living in Iowa. 

Brown Deer Place 

1500 1st Ave N | Coralville 

www.browndeerplace.com | 319-337-6320 

Emery Place 

901 S Mentzer Rd | Robins 

www.emeryplaceliving.com | 319-536-0045 

Garnett Place 

202 35th St Dr SE | Cedar Rapids 

www.garnettplace.net | 319-362-3630 

Prairie Hills 

219 S Cedar St | Tipton 

www.prairiehillsliving.com | 563-886-1584 

Senior Housing communities offer 

peace of mind second to none. 

www.seniorhousingcompanies.com

18 April 23 - 29, 2018 Senior Living ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT OF THE CBJ



The Villages At Marion 


DIANA NIEMEIER, RN 

ADMISSIONS 

AND OUTREACH 

COORDINATOR 

JANET ANDREWS 

MISSION STATEMENT: 

Dignity in life 

Commitment to independence 

Assistance when needed 

Integrity above all 


Assisted Living 

Memory Care 

Senior Living Apartments 

ADMISSIONS 

AND OUTREACH 

COORDINATOR 

CHERYL WHEELER 

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT: 

Alzheimer’s Association 

Rotary 

Iowa Health Care Association 

Elderly Consortium 

Chamber of Commerce 

www.marionvillages.com 

365 Marion Blvd 

Marion, IA 52302 

(319) 377-9808 

The Villages at Marion is a warm and inviting community, alive with friends who bring 

their unique personalities and history to our community. Where our tenants come together 

from different walks of life and memories unfold to weave a colorful patchwork creating a 

community our tenants call home. 

For seniors in need of supportive services our Assisted Living offers medication 

management, assistance with personal care and more. Village Ridge memory care offers 

tenants with memory impairment an atmosphere where they can enjoy their independence 

through daily routines, and specialized programming. 

EXERCISE AND WELLNESS OPTIONS: 

Live 2B Healthy Exercise Classes 

Exercise and Wellness Rooms 

Walking Paths and located adjacent to Thomas Park 

ACTIVITIES: 

Variety of social, recreational, educational and spiritual activities offered daily 

Scheduled outings, lunch out and trips to area events 

Transportation to shopping and medical appointments 

Community spaces for resident use including pool table, puzzle area, 

community room, computer lounge, chapel and more


What? Not a member! 

CBJ VIP MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS 

n Weekly Print & Digital Edition 

n 5 Bonus Digital Editions to use as a premium for your 

own PR initiatives 

n 5 FREE Tickets to CBJ Events 

Contact Jean to join. 

Jean Suckow 

jean@corridorbusiness.com 

319.665.6397, ext. 302 

n VIP seating at all CBJ Events 

n 15 FREE PDFs of CBJ stories 

n 10 FREE Premium Movers & Shakers 

n Unlimited Access to CBJ Archives 

n All CBJ Magazines 

n 20 FREE CBJ Lists in Excel Format 

It’s more than a subscription. 

It’s a membership. 

2345 LANDON ROAD, SUITE 100 | NORTH LIBERTY, IA 52317 | WWW.CORRIDORBUSINESS.COM

Senior Lifestyles Spring 2018

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