Construction Of Hawthorne Court To Begin

Groundbreaking will be held Friday for a dramatically scaled-back version of Hawthorne Court.

Originally planned as three stories with 96 apartments, the project has been reduced to 21 courtyard homes.

The one-story homes with attached garages will be built in a U-shape around a landscaped courtyard.

“The previous plan called for a larger facility that didn’t fit in as nicely with the residential neighborhood around us,” said Judy Cameron, director of community relations.

“The neighborhood wasn’t very enthused about it,” she said. “This is more workable for the community.”

In addition, Cameron said there is more of a demand for single living than planned for in the original project.

Eight of the homes have already been reserved, even though new residents won’t move in until July.

Hawthorne Retirement Community was built on Hawthorne Road, east of Division Street in 1958 as the first Spokane facility offering continuous care.

Cameron calls it “aging in place.”

Residents move into independent homes. As their medical needs increase, they move to other levels of care on the same campus. Care ranges from independent living to full-skilled nursing.

The retirement center now includes 70 apartments, a full dining room and five duplexes.

The new units range in size from 760 to 1,460 square feet. The homes include attached garages, gas fireplaces, laundry rooms, maintenance, groomed driveways and walkways. Pets are allowed.

Units cost between $93,000 to $178,000. About 90 percent is returned to the family if the residents pass away or move out.

Hawthorne Retirement Community is a non-profit agency operated by Presbyterian Ministries, based in Seattle.

The area was logged and graded in early October. Footings for the project were expected to be poured this week.

, DataTimes MEMO: This sidebar appeared with the story: GROUNDBREAKING Hawthorne Court Groundbreaking is at 1:30 p.m., Friday at 101 E. Hawthorne Road. The program includes an overview of the project, information, entertainment and refreshments.