Feature in Multi-Housing News

Del-Sano Contracting Breaks Ground on Two Phases of N.J. Continuing Care Community
By Erika Schnitzer, Associate Editor

West Caldwell, N.J.--Del-Sano Contracting Corp., a Union, N.J.-based construction management firm, has been selected to serve as the general contractor of Phases two and three for a continuing care retirement community in West Caldwell, N.J. The development, Crane’s Mill, will be the second project that Del-Sano has built for the owner, Lutheran Social Ministries of New Jersey (LSM/NJ), a faith-based, non-profit ministry that provides social services and affordable housing to seniors and families.The first phase of the project was completed in 1998. "The building has been fully occupied for two to three years, and we’ve had a consistent waiting list of people wanting to come into the facilities. There are not a lot of CCRCs (continuing care retirement communities) in the area, so seniors are looking for this type of housing," Susan Arnold, vice president of fund development and marketing of LSM/NJ, tells MHN. "CCRC living is a friendly, warm and welcoming environment."Crane’s Mill offers three levels of care--independent living, assisted living and skilled nursing and rehabilitation services--under the same roof. Once completed, Crane’s Mill will offer 286 independent living units, 48 assisted living units, 18 dementia units and 66 units for skilled nursing and rehabilitation services.Phase two will include 70 independent units with sub-grade parking, as well as five two-unit cottages, explains Angelo DelRusso, CEO of Del-Sano. "The independent unit living building is the largest portion of the project that links up to the existing building," allowing residents access to the community amenities, which includes a fitness center, pool and dining facilities.The independent living units offer one- and two-bedrooms, in addition to the cottages, and is currently 65 percent pre-sold. Prices range from $200,000 to $700,000 and may differ depending on the contract the resident chooses. The type A contract offers life care services, while the type B contract charges additional fees for services as needed. Phase three of the project is a renovation of the already existing assisted living and skilled nursing units. Del-Sano will build a new wing that will house a memory support area, a dementia courtyard and assisted living common areas. Once completed, phase three will convert 60 existing units into 48 assisted living units and 17 dementia units.The property, which recently began construction on the new phases, is located on 35 acres on the former site of a lumber mill. The project is expected to be complete in January 2010. Commerce Bank provided bond financing for the $27 million project.
www.delsano.com