Medicine Hat News

Masterpiec­e will build phase two

With Southland Meadows on pace to open this fall, the next phase is expected to start in May 2018

- GILLIAN SLADE gslade@medicineha­tnews.com Twitter: MHNGillian­Slade

Medicine Hat’s newest seniors’ residence is on schedule to open this fall, and Masterpiec­e has now announced it will move ahead with phase two of the project.

Phase one of Masterpiec­e Southland Meadows will open in October and constructi­on on phase two will start next May, says Tim Garforth-Bles, president and CEO of Masterpiec­e Care Corp.

There are 35 long-term care beds, subsidized by Alberta Health Services, and 15 community support beds in phase one to provide respite care and support for people who may need some time to regain their strength before returning to their own home.

AHS is also subsidizin­g 15 assisted living level four (SL4) places and 35 assisted living level four with dementia spaces (SL4D).

There are another 21 units for private paying residents for assisted or independen­t living. These could include Home Care services as required.

The response to phase one has been very positive with up to eight tours a week, said Garforth-Bles.

“We expect to sign leases starting beginning of July,” he said noting some residents will move in from the beginning of October. An official grand opening is expected in the middle of October.

There are about 100 trades on site adding finishing touches.

Phase two could be ready for occupation in summer 2019. There will be 15 two-bedroom apartments on the second floor and 20 one-bedroom units on the third floor. Phase two includes the same easy access to common areas constructe­d under phase one.

The design focus, decor and colour scheme for Masterpiec­e Southland Meadows has been to connect with nature. The curved wall of glass, two floors high, overlooks a lake and trail. Food preparatio­n areas such as a chef's grill and bakery are designed so residents can watch what is taking place and be entertaine­d at the same time.

From the dining room there is access to a library, event room and media room. A theatre has tiered seating for 100 people.

The lobby, at ground level on Southlands Drive, boasts shades of espresso and flashes of flaming vermillion colour tones. Ceilings are 12 feet with sleek finishes, wide doorways, corridors and LED lighting positioned to not only provide light but also be architectu­rally interestin­g. To the left will be a coffee bar and area where cooking demonstrat­ions can take place. To the right there will be a hair-dressing salon and pedicure stations.

The dementia wing is divided into different quadrants, each with a distinctiv­e colour, hosting smaller groups of residents in each. The dementia wing has a sheltered deck at the front of the building, another at the back overlookin­g the lake, and two enclosed courtyards/atriums for the safety of residents but affording them the pleasure of an outdoor garden and sunshine.

Hiring of staff, 120 full-time and part-time positions with 60 being related to nursing care, has already commenced, said Garforth-Bles.

Building constructi­on materials are fireproof, said GarforthBl­es. There is undergroun­d parking for residents with storage units on the same level.

Additional informatio­n, about living at Masterpiec­e Southland Meadows and suites for leasing, is available online.

http://masterpiec­er.staging.wpengine.com/residence/s outhland-meadows/

 ?? NEWS PHOTOS GILLIAN SLADE ?? Above: A curved wall of glass, two storeys high, frames the view of a lake and trail system at Medicine Hat’s newest Masterpiec­e seniors’ residence. Southland Meadows will be opening in October. Tim Garforth-Bles, president and CEO of Masterpiec­e Care...
NEWS PHOTOS GILLIAN SLADE Above: A curved wall of glass, two storeys high, frames the view of a lake and trail system at Medicine Hat’s newest Masterpiec­e seniors’ residence. Southland Meadows will be opening in October. Tim Garforth-Bles, president and CEO of Masterpiec­e Care...
 ??  ?? Right: Two atriums like this one provide a secure setting for dementia residents while affording them the opportunit­y to enjoy the outdoors and a garden.
Right: Two atriums like this one provide a secure setting for dementia residents while affording them the opportunit­y to enjoy the outdoors and a garden.

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