220-resident retirement community announced

The Mirror

A groundbreaking ceremony for Wesley Homes Lea Hill, a 220-resident retirement community, is scheduled for this Friday, launching 16 months of construction of village-style homes and two-story apartment buildings.

The 1 p.m. ceremony will be at the 19-acre site at the corner of S\outheast 320th Street and 108th Avenue South, near Green River Community College.

Wesley Homes was established in 1944 with a continuing-care retirement community in Des Moines. It has since added a home healthcare agency and an adult day health center.

“Many people have approached us to do something in Auburn,” said Kevin Anderson, executive director of Wesley Homes. “We are truly blessed to have this opportunity to serve the people in this community.”

Wesley Homes Lea Hill is designed in a northwest lodge theme with paths for walking.

The project will include Eby Lodge, named after the family that previously owned the property. It will consist of residential apartments, housing with services, a memory care wing and a town center with a delicatessen, a mini store, a movie theater, activity areas, a non-denominational chapel and a fitness center with a swimming pool and spa.

Twenty-two village homes over 1,800 square feet are planned along the southeast border of the campus.

A pair of two-story buildings will each have 12 apartments.

It’s anticipated that the community will serve up to 220 older adults, officials said.

“Interest in the project has been very positive,” said Christine Tremain, director of marketing. She said half of the residences have been reserved, giving Wesley Homes’ board of trustees “the confidence to move forward” with the project.

Wesley Homes Lea Hill’s marketing office is at 10805 SE. 320th St. and can be called at (253) 804-5644.

Wesley Homes is a not-for-profit organization. It is affiliated with the Pacific Northwest Conference of the United Methodist Church.