Agenda - Council - 02/24/1998 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Ramsey Senior Housing Market Study January 1998 Demand Conclusion The three methods for determining demand all identify a market for senior housing in Ramsey. The two methods for calculating need based on the number of senior households and income of senior households identified a need ranging from 50 to 65 units and the market need based on Community Parmers Research. Inc. analysis has identified a need for 46 to 50 units. Recommendation Housing Concept A 46 to 50 unit three-story elevator building is recommended. The site should be large enough to accommodate further expansion in the future as the number of senior households in the study area is expected to increase rapidly through the year 2002. Because the majority of all income-qualified households are in the 55 to 74 age group, we believe the target market for a senior rental development in Ramsey will be seniors between the ages of 55 and 74 years. This high proportion of younger seniors indicates demand for a senior rental project with few services. One major service that has been identified, however, is transportation. Transportation service for the tenants must be addressed. Younger seniors will not require as much common space as is typical of congregate projects geared to older seniors, however, we do support a large community room with a serving kitchen that could be utilized for meal service as residents age and desire some type of meal program. In addition, we recommend a small "all-purpose" room that could be utilized for hobbies/crates, fitness, cards, or as a library depending on what the residents desire once the building is occupied. A small lounge area should be provided near the elevator lobby and entrance to encourage relatives or friends. Also, a terrace or deck accessible from the community room or common hall is recommended to extend lounge areas out of doors in warmer months to further encourage socialization among residents. Because this project will be geared toward younger seniors who are more apt to own their own transportation, we recommend protected, underground parking at a ratio of one space per unit. In addition, ample surface parking should also be provided for guests and for seniors who desire to maintain their cars, but do not want to pay for parking. A car wash should be provided in the underground parking garage. Unit features should include ample closet space since prospective tenants will have numerous belongings they will be moving from single family homes. At a minimum, a walk-in closet should be included with each unit. If possible, a separate storage room should also be incorporated into each unit or included in a separate area on the same floor as the unit. Washers and dryers should be provided in each unit. Other standard design features for senior buildings should be included such as raised outlets, lever door handles and lowered kitchen cabinets. Expansive window area is an asset for senior units since many seniors spend a significant portion of their time in their units and enjoy ample daylight and views to the outdoors. Balconies are also strongly recommended. Few, if any, services are recommended for this project. However, the building should be designed so that services could be added in the future as residents age in place. The ability of the community room to double as a dining room at some point in the future is an example of this type of flexibility. The manager of the building should act as an advocate for residents and be a source of information about the area and for community services. The manager should also be responsible for organizing social events and activities or coordinate a resident committee in charge of events and activities. Community Partners Research, Inc. 39