Guardian Angel Plans 7-Building Complex

Construction of a new assisted-living facility at Liberty Lake could start by the end of January.

Marty Frantz, president of Human Resources Investment of Post Falls, is partnering with Guardian Angel Homes, also of Post Falls, to build the campus-style facility at 23102 E. Mission. The project could be finished by June or July.

Instead of everything being under one roof, the new Guardian Angel Home at Liberty Lake will consist of seven 10,000-square-foot buildings, giving the complex a neighborhood feel, said Valeri Zaharie, executive director of Guardian Angel.

“Our product is much different than the usual care facility, Zaharie said. “It’s not like a hotel. When you walk in it feels like home.”

Each two-story building can house between 12 and 15 residents in 12 rooms. On the second level are quarters for an in-house caregiver and a house manager.

The first-floor rooms will be situated around a larger common area. The common area will have a wet bar that wraps around the kitchen so residents can watch the cook in action.

The open design also makes it easier for the caregiver and manager to keep an eye on the residents, Zaharie said.

Guardian Angel accepts people over 50 years of age and evaluates each person to determine the level of care needed. The cost of care starts at $500 per month and can exceed $900. The cost depends on the level of care a person requires. Rents are also monthly and range between $1,400 and $1,900, depending on the size of room and whether it is private or shared. Guardian Angel is also equipped for people suffering from Alzheimer’s and dementia. These residents will wear an ankle or wrist bracelet that notifies management if they wander off campus, Zaharie said.

The seven buildings will all share the same floor plan, but will have different exterior and interior design schemes. Two of the designs will have a European feel and another will have a Northwest theme, Zaharie said.

Frantz, who has helped build other assisted-care facilities in the past, said Guardian Angel is different from anything he has been involved with.

“I don’t think there is anything out there quite like it,” he said.

The first Guardian Angel opened in Post Falls in April. Four more facilities are planned in Richland, Walla Walla, Lewiston and Missoula.

The Lewiston facility will be the next to open, followed by the Liberty Lake facility, which will be the largest of the six Guardian Angel homes. The Liberty Lake facility will employ about 90 people.