SOUTH WHITEHALL TOWNSHIP, Pa. — A senior living complex is expanding in Lehigh County.
A $50 million additional building will provide housing for about 100 new residents at Luther Crest, a Diakon Senior Living Community in South Whitehall Township.
"Forty of the 69 apartments will probably be filled in the first 45 days of opening," Diakon Chief Executive Officer Scott Habecker said. "That's an exciting thing.
"So that tells you the excitement that's out there and others will just have to wait on selling their homes before they move in.”
Luther Crest cut the ribbon on the expansion project Thursday.
“It's not about the build, per se. It's about the people that are coming here to continue to make this the community that it is."Nicole Rohrbach, executive director, Luther Crest
“It's not about the build, per se," Luther Crest Executive Director Nicole Rohrbach said. "It's about the people that are coming here to continue to make this the community that it is, the family that it is. And so staff is excited.”
The complex has a full continuum of care, including personal care and skilled nursing. The newest section is for independent living.
'Still be part of the community'
Linda Moyer, who was the first resident to sign up for one of the apartments at Luther Crest, was at the ribbon-cutting.
"I'm anxious. I want to go. I'm ready,” Moyer said. "I liked it! I knew everybody. It's wonderful. I have lots of people from my church who belong here. It's comfortable.”
"We don't lose our most valuable citizens, we keep them here. There's a shortage of senior housing, there's a shortage of housing for everybody. So anytime we can do anything for any kind of housing, it's a plus.”Lehigh County Executive Phil Armstrong
During the three-year project, some of the other amenities on the property also were updated — including the library and wellness center.
Moyer said she is most looking forward to some of the food services on hand.
"Somebody else cooking my meals,” she said with a laugh.
State and county officials, including Lehigh County Executive Phil Armstrong, were at the ribbon-cutting for the Greenwood Building.
“It's a place where our experienced adults can stay here, enjoy the wonderful surroundings, still be part of the community, and still volunteer," Armstrong said.
"We don't lose our most valuable citizens, we keep them here. There's a shortage of senior housing, there's a shortage of housing for everybody. So anytime we can do anything for any kind of housing, it's a plus.”
Those with Luther Crest said the first residents should be able to move in by the middle of June.
