Trends Winter 2016 | Page 3

“We have a really home-like setting here, very warm and inviting – and energetically fun,” she said. “Since we opened we’ve been ahead of our projected numbers, which has been great. The building is large but not too large – everyone is going to know your name. You’re not just a number.” Location, Location, Location So how did this all come together? Matt Frisbie, the project’s lead architect who was involved from the very beginning, said it took a lot of cooperation and teamwork. Frisbie, a vice president at Ayres Associates, began by contacting Ebenezer Management, the management company of Red Rock. “They had done a market study that showed there was a definite need in that area for a senior housing development in Woodbury, but the trouble was finding a good site,” Frisbie said. “That area’s real estate was very tight at the time, and an available site in a good location at a reasonable price was not going to fall into our laps.” But one day, while driving around the city, Frisbie noticed a patch of land right off the interstate that was open. There were no for-sale signs, but the idea took root, and he asked around to find its owner. It was a scrap left over from a rightof-way from the highway, forgotten and ignored. However, when combined with the purchase of three adjacent residential lots, it provided just enough space for Red Rock and its grounds. It was a win-win-win: Ebenezer had a new home for its community, the Ayres Associates team could begin design, and the City was pleased to have a formerly empty lot back on the tax rolls. The process of acquiring all the pieces, permits, and financing took nearly two years, but the team’s patience and persistence have been amply rewarded. Juan said the building is more than 80 percent filled. The site has played a large role in the success of Red Rock. Convenient to several medical facilities, grocery and retail stores, and churches, Red Rock’s residential location makes it a peaceful and pretty setting – and its location near the interstate makes it easy for visitors to find. TRENDS │3