Residents will be able to move into a new 55-and-older adult community in the south Kennewick area this fall. Located at Ridgeline and Sherman Street in the Southridge neighborhood, the first phase of development encompasses 34 acres.

Construction of the Village at Southridge started this spring with the grading of the Sherman Street extension. Don McIntosh, one of three partners in Golden Pacific Lifestyles LLC, the developers, said site grading, underground utilities and streets are scheduled to be completed this summer.

“We project to have homes ready for occupancy in late fall,” McIntosh said. “We’re able to have folks move in this fall because we’re doing modular construction. It’s nothing like most people perceive. We manufacture the homes in the plant, and modular is superior to many stick built homes today because it’s done in a controlled environment.”

The development will include 159 customized, single-level homes. McIntosh said the 1,600- to 1,800-sq. ft. plans are the most popular option, although square footage can range from 1,250 to 2,200.

“All of the homes will have front courtyards, and you’ll have the option of a detached casita—which is like a guesthouse that’s 320 square feet. Basically, it can be an office or a guest quarters,” he said.

Each home will have a covered patio out back. Two-car garages are standard, however, many people will choose to upgrade to a three-car garage, McIntosh said. Regardless of garage size selected, there will be RV and boat storage close to the Village at Southridge. A million-dollar community club will also be built and include a grand room to accommodate large dinners, a stage, indoor swimming for water aerobics, fitness center, library and meeting rooms that can be used for card games and social gatherings.

McIntosh handles sales and marketing for Golden Pacific Lifestyles. The majority owner, Larry Marple, arranged project financing through a division of Clayton Homes, owned by Warren Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway. Marple oversees architectural plans, pricing and production of the units. Scott Espedal oversees site development and construction. Together the team members hope to create a community where residents can age in place.

“A vast majority of the people who buy our housing units will stay there for their remaining years. But this is not the place for people who are used to laying back. This is for people who are active. And a good number will stay fit by walking their dogs,” said McIntosh, who estimates 70 percent of people 55 and older own pets.

The community will have several walking paths with water features and is tailored for people who enjoy fitness activities, he said, adding the company’s target market customers typically like to golf, hike and travel.

“They’re choosing to be in this facility because of the socialization and they’ll be with like-minded people,” McIntosh explained. “Another advantage to living in a community like this is we have a new hospital right here, that’s important, and there’s a new medical center nearby and the sports complex. Location is critical,” he said. “And there was a need for this type of development in the Tri-Cities area.”

McIntosh said the goal is to eventually have services onsite within the gated community, which will include an Alzheimer’s assisted living facility, independent living facility and rehab center. Golden Pacific Lifestyles would also like to have about 30 two-bedroom, two-bathroom rental cottages on campus. These units are attractive housing options for those wanting access to limited assistance with daily living, he said, such as light housekeeping and occasional dinners. They also appeal to those wanting to be close to family members housed in the assisted living or rehabilitation facilities.

The first Village at Southridge model home will be available to tour in August, and McIntosh said they’re gearing up to take home purchase reservations. Golden Pacific Lifestyles plans to offer an attractive incentive package for early responders. The group has partnered with Windermere Real Estate Tri-Cities’ Cheryl Baumgartner to handle purchases.

“We’re figuring about a three-to-four year sell-out,” McIntosh said. “It will go pretty rapidly if the market stays like it is. But given the demand, I’d say three years is pretty good.”

An 1,800-sq. ft. home is projected to cost about $275,000, he said, adding that he expects 30 percent of their customers will come from outside the area. Even McIntosh and his wife, who’ve been living in Vancouver, Wash., for several years, plan on calling the Village at Southridge home this fall.

“We’re looking forward to coming over here,” he said about the development and amenities the Tri-Cities has to offer. “We’re golfers, although she’s better. I’ve got to start practicing more.”

For more information about the development and early purchase incentives, contact Cheryl Baumgartner at 509-727-2379.