The groundbreaking ceremonies for a $22 million memory care facility being built by Living Care Lifestyles, was held July 27.

Called Quail Park Memory Care Residences of West Seattle it will open in the fall of 2017. According to the company it will be the only free-standing community dedicated to the care of dementia and Alzheimer’s residents in an area encompassing 35 square miles.

“We are pleased to provide the first free-standing memory care community in West Seattle so that residents who suffer from dementia or Alzheimer’s have a place to call home and are provided with the highest quality of care possible,” said Denis Bryant, CEO and president of Living Care Lifestyles.

The 46,000-square-foot community will have 48 rooms – with capacity for 66 residents – located within the West Seattle Junction Hub Urban Village along California Ave SW and SW Alaska streets. The community will employ a staff of approximately 60.

With three self-sustaining floors on almost a half-acre site, Quail Park Memory Care Residences of West Seattle will have centrally located common areas on each floor. Amenities will include a dining area, sitting lounge, theater, activity space, outdoor patio, water features, putting green, and distinct and exclusive “neighborhoods” reflecting the West Seattle heritage with historic markers and items.

The staff at Quail Park also will be the first team in the state trained in cultural competency when it comes to caring for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender seniors. Training will be through Northwest LGBT Senior Care Providers Network and SAGE National Resource Center.

The community is being constructed and will operate with sustainability at the forefront. The facility will be LEED Silver certified, and benefit-eligible employees will receive ORCA Access cards to help lessen the transportation impact on the local area.

The Quail Park location is pedestrian friendly and close to local churches, schools, grocery and department stores and other businesses.

“According to our research there is significant unmet need for residential memory care for seniors in the city and surrounding areas,” said Bryant. “This state-of-the-art community will provide exceptional living and health services for these residents and offer peace of mind to their families.”