Northern Lakes Living offers more senior housing choices

BAXTER - Wayne and Yvonne Larson were getting a first look at their new apartment in the recently opened Northern Lakes Senior Living.

The multi-story facility hugs the land next to the Paul Bunyan State Trail by Arbor Glenn and Autumn Glen apartments. The section of Baxter, now a dominating part of Excelsior Road, is designed as a senior living community. The latest additions offer 29 assisted living and 39 memory care apartments.

The Larsons were getting a look at their new home along with Larry and Donna Theis. Both couples have been married for decades.

Larry Theis noted the block of mailboxes next to the dining room as a plus for ease of getting the mail without going out in the elements.

"We've had a very good life in Brainerd, a wonderful community," Wayne Larson said. "This place is really timely for the community."

That sentiment was echoed by Gwen Eggert, newly hired health services director.

"We are calling this a community and this is why," Eggert said, noting the two couples - and some of the first residents - gathered at the dining table getting to know one another. "Because this is home."

Mike Swenson, who owns the facility, built Arbor Glenn 12 years ago. Swenson said he was building apartment buildings before he came to know Ebenezer Home Care and was impressed by the way they ran their facilities and connected with the residents.

"I think it's a great addition to the community," Swenson said.

Baxter Mayor Darrel Olson noted the city had been working with Swenson since the first application in February of 2013 on what was a large and complex multi-phase project.

"We also feel it's a perfect location for this it's kind of tucked into an area that is kind of a heart of a city, so many activities and amenities are available right in this area," Olson said, noting nearby retail, grocery, entertainment and trails. "Most importantly it offers many more new senior home choices not only for our Baxter residents but also for future Baxter residents."

Olson also noted the complete reconstruction of Excelsior Road in front of the new housing with safety improvements of turn lanes, street lights, paved shoulders and a crosswalk in front of the development with push-button flashers pedestrians can use to alert traffic when they are seeking to cross the street.

"It's a great new addition to the city," Olson said.

"The campus offers a variety of housing solutions for older adults, ranging from options for those who choose to live independently to those who want to take advantage of the care and services that are available 24/7," Northern Lakes Senior Living reported.

The facility incorporated lakes area names from the Brainerd Dining Room to the Paul Bunyan Patio, as well as the Baxter Bistro and Cafe and Crow Wing Theater with its large screen TV. It was recently showing "Casablanca" during tours of the facility designed by Kaas Wilson architects.

"Other amenities include the Maple Library, Willows Salon, spa, and Northland Fitness Center with exercise classes, senior-friendly equipment and wellness. Northern Lakes also offers an onsite clinic, Crow Wing Theater and Red Pine Community Room for musical programs and parties.

Fees vary on what services residents will need from assistance with bathing and dressing to meal escorts or specialized diets and medications. Memory care level costs range from about $2,185 to $4,160 per month with other costs such as a walking program or oxygen management coming with additional costs. Prices for assisted living for 2015 included a studio apartment with a monthly rent of $2,450 to $2,500, with meals included along with scheduled activities, weekly housekeeping, utilities, basic TV and wireless Internet. There are larger units available. In the memory care, the monthly rents start at $3,200 for a studio apartment, which includes the same amenities as the assisted living and has a secure outdoor patio.

"The campus also includes 60 independent living apartments, which opened earlier this summer as well as two other independent living buildings. The new independent living, assisted living and memory care apartments will round out the continuum of care offered at Northern Lakes Senior Living, which was originally developed in 2005.

The senior community is owned by Michael Development Group and managed by Ebenezer Management Services, which provides daily operational and management services. Stonebridge Construction built the new assisted living and memory care addition.

"The Memory Care Neighborhood has controlled access studio apartments surrounded by a garden courtyard, specially designed for those with Alzheimer's disease and other forms of memory loss," Northern Lakes Senior Living reported. "All apartments feature wireless, remote monitoring systems; and the independent living, assisted living building and memory care cottages are all connected via enclosed breezeways."

Northern Lakes Senior Living is hosting a grand opening from 12:30-3:30 p.m., Nov. 15, 8186 Excelsior Road, in Baxter. Those attending the Nov. 15 grand opening are asked to RSVP by calling 218-454-2121.

The grand opening will include food, entertainment - including a swing band - and balloon artists.

RENEE RICHARDSON, associate editor, may be reached at 218-855-5852 or renee.richardson@brainerddispatch.com . Follow on Twitter at www.twitter.com/Dispatchbizbuzz .

1/3: A living room in the Northern Lakes Senior Living facility. Renee Richardson/Brainerd Dispatch

2/3: Mike Swenson, Northern Lakes Senior Living owner and developer, talks to a gathering at the facility's recent grand opening. An open house is planned Nov. 15, 2015. Renee Richardson/Brainerd Dispatch

3/3: New Northern Lakes Senior Living residents Wayne Larson (left), Larry Theis, look on in the facility's dining room as Gwen Eggert, health services director, talks with Donna Theis. The couples were among the first residents of the newly opened senior living apartments with assisted and memory care units. Renee Richardson/Brainerd Dispatch