New senior living apartment project to offer ‘abundant opportunities’ for hobbies, socializing

Oct. 28, 2021

A 133-unit senior living apartment that’s just starting construction in south Sioux Falls will be filled with amenities such as a workshop, creative studio, library and theater.

Omaha-based Essex Corp. brought its initial plans to the city in early 2019, hoping to open The Parkwood for residents 55 and older on the southeast corner of 85th Street and Western Avenue in the spring of this year.

“Unfortunately, the global pandemic led to a variety of direct and indirect factors that caused a significant delay in our starting construction on The Parkwood,” Essex’s director of marketing Lindsay Wiese said. “Thankfully, the sellers of the property and our partners were all understanding and worked with us through the delays.”

Initially, Essex planned to have a three-story building with approximately 80 units and a second building of 40 units that would have been constructed later.

Now, the 133 units will be in one three-story building with underground parking. The Parkwood will offer one- and two-bedroom floor plans, and some will have the option of a den.

Essex has developed, marketed and managed independent senior living communities across the U.S. since 1976, so it’s familiar with the features residents are looking for, Wiese said.

“Every potential resident is unique, but there is the common desire of wanting maintenance-free living so they’re able to spend more time enjoying the things they love to do,” she said. “Most also want full kitchens in their apartments, spacious bedrooms, walk-in closets, comfortable living spaces and ample storage areas.

“They are looking forward to the opportunity of increased socialization and have abundant opportunities for participating in events and activities at the community. The Parkwood will also have many community rooms and areas, including a coffee bistro, theater, wellness center, library, salon, fireside lounge and dining room, workshop, creative studio, underbuilding parking, indoor mailroom, guest room, car wash and a dog wash bay.”

Leasing is expected to begin late next year, with residents moving in the following spring.

The project is Essex’s first in South Dakota. It owns and operates 10 communities in Nebraska, Iowa, Kansas, Colorado and Illinois. Another project will start in the next few months, and four additional developments are in the early stages of design, Wiese said.

“Sioux Falls has been on Essex’s radar for quite some time as CEO Mike McGillick is originally from South Dakota, so we have some familiarity with Sioux Falls,” she said. “A local real estate broker reached out through a mutual friend to Essex president and COO Frankie Pane, presented he and Mike the site, and now we have the site under construction today. We’re very much looking forward to becoming a part of the community there.”

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New senior living apartment project to offer ‘abundant opportunities’ for hobbies, socializing

A new apartment building for residents 55 and older that’s just starting construction in south Sioux Falls will be filled with amenities such as a workshop, creative studio, library and theater.

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