EastView celebrated its opening with a ribbon-cutting ceremony August 14th. The ceremony marked completion of construction of Vermont’s newest not-for-profit retirement community, begun in December 2010. Guests included residents, staff, EastView’s locally-based Board of Directors, lenders, and the Addison County Chamber of Commerce. EastView became fully operational in June, opening with more than seventy percent (70%) of its independent living cottages and apartments occupied or reserved. Twenty-five percent (25%) of EastView’s residential care apartments were reserved during the first month of operation. More than seventy residents have already moved to EastView; fifty-five of these residents moved from a home within Vermont, while another fifteen have joined the community from out-of-state.
Rob Alberts (holding scissors), President and Founder of EastView, is joined by residents, staff and community partners, in a ribbon cutting ceremony celebrating the opening of EastView’s Retirement Community.
The project is not only a boon to seniors looking for an active community within the vibrant town of Middlebury, but it is also bringing jobs to Addison County. Craig Johnsen, Executive Director, observed, “We are glad the project is providing job opportunities—and we are looking forward to becoming one of Middlebury’s larger employers once EastView is fully occupied.” EastView is creating over forty-five new jobs for the region.
The community is a $22 million project designed by GawronTurgeon Architects of Scarborough, Maine under construction management by D.E.W. Construction of Williston, Vermont. In its start-up phase EastView is managed by Wake Robin of Shelburne. EastView’s financing partners include Northfield Savings Bank, National Bank of Middlebury, Vermont Housing Finance Agency, and Greenwich Investment Management.
With construction complete, Executive Director, Craig Johnsen, is already looking ahead. “The buildings are state-of-the-art and the views are magnificent. And the fun is just beginning as the residents, with the support of our staff, create the real sense of a community.”
A public grand opening celebration is slated for the fall.