Cottage Grove Place in Cedar Rapids planning expansion

CEDAR RAPIDS — A Cedar Rapids retirement community will mark its 20th anniversary this year with a $24 million expansion.

Cottage Grove Place, 2115 First Ave. SE, plans to add 90 units to its existing 237 units with a three-story building addition.

John Wagor, a member of the Cottage Grove Place board of trustees, said in a news release that the expansion will address the need for additional senior housing in the Corridor. Wagor also said the addition will expand Cottage Grove Place's assisted living, independent living, rehabilitation and skilled nursing, and memory care services.

See also: Senior housing boom brings investment, jobs, beds to Cedar Rapids

Founded in 1996, Cottage Grove Place continuing care retirement community offers LifeCare. The plan provides unlimited access to a full continuum of on-site services, including assisted living, independent living, memory support, rehabilitation and skilled nursing care.

'Our core value is to create a safe quality of life — both physically and mentally — for all our residents,' Ralph Palmer, also a board member, said in the news release. 'Our LifeCare plan guarantees we take care of people during every stage of their life.

'This growth will balance the needs of an upcoming generation. The expansion will allow us flexibility in the future.'

Cottage Grove Place was created due to the efforts of several dedicated Scottish-Rite Masons.

Cottage Grove Place consists of two buildings containing 166 one- and two-bedroom apartments for independent living, with additional rooms dedicated to activities and entertainment. An underground concourse connects the buildings.

The retirement community also has 19 assisted living apartments and a 52-unit skilled nursing center. The latter includes 12 beds designated as low-stimulus for residents with Alzheimer's or other age-related dementia.