Intelligencer Journal
Lancaster New Era

By Tim Mekeel, Staff Writer

Apr 14, 2010

A cloudy economy and rainy weather didn't stop Mount Joy Country Homes from breaking ground Tuesday on a major expansion.

The small retirement community started the project's first phase, which will add 10 cottages to the property by fall.

"We want to move slowly at first. We're starting the project at a difficult time," spokeswoman Kristen Heisey said.

Over three to five years, the retirement community will spend $12 million to $14 million to build 75 cottages, including the 10 in the first phase, and to make other additions.

It also will build a 20-person assisted-living center and a larger community center and add 14,000 square feet of commercial space, for uses such as medical or law offices.

The project is a long-awaited step for Country Homes, at Donegal Springs and Union School roads in the borough.

The retirement community began preparing for the development in 1998, when it bought the 26-acre expansion site, and it unveiled its plans in 2008.

But what pushed the venture into gear was last July's acquisition of Country Homes by Mechanicsburg-based Messiah Village, its longtime manager.

"That allowed this project to move forward, because now there are a lot more resources available to make this happen," Heisey said.

About 50 people, shielded from the rain by umbrellas, a tent and a nearby building's porch roof, gathered to watch the ceremonial start of construction.

Wagman Construction is the project's general contractor.

Country Homes, started in 1984, has 39 cottages and a small community center on eight acres.

It's intended to be a moderately priced living option for active adults ages 55 and older who don't want the full amenities of a traditional retirement community.

"That's a nice benefit for people who say they don't need all that or can't pay all that," Heisey said.

The new cottages, to be maintained inside and out by Country Homes, will be available for a partially refundable entrance fee and a monthly fee, scaled to the type of unit.

Entrance fees will begin at $171,000. Monthly fees will begin at $735, including water, sewer, trash, cable and high-speed Internet but excluding heat and electricity.

Heisey said Country Homes is drawing "good interest" in its new cottages, as the retirement community works to overcome a lack of awareness of the property and the project.

"A lot of people didn't even know we existed … ," she said. "We're needing to broaden our reach. That's been a big challenge for us."

http://articles.lancasteronline.com/local/4/251120

Cornerstone is proud to be the architect involved in this project.