A senior care facility in Kensington got the green light from the Montgomery County Planning Board late last week.
Developers for Solera Reserve at Kensington, a project spanning properties at 10500 St. Paul St. and 10540 Metropolitan Ave., received approval to tear down existing structures on the property to make way for a five-story senior living facility.
The project includes 63 independent-living units, 43 assisted-living units for residents who need help with basic functions like dressing and bathing and 29 memory-care units that will cater to residents with conditions such as dementia.
A fitness center and ground-level kitchen, dining room, wine bar and game room are also in the plans.
The new building will form a U-shape surrounding an outdoor courtyard that will have seating areas, walking paths and a water feature. The project will provide about 103 parking spaces, according to development plans.
The developers, McCaffery Interests and Solera Senior Living, will also remodel two historic buildings on the property that formerly housed a lumber company. One building will be a coffee shop the other a spa and salon. The senior living center will be connected to the coffee shop and spa with an enclosed walkway.
The county Historic Preservation Committee wrote a letter in support of the rehabilitation projects of the two buildings, constructed in the 1930s.
“We are pleased to see that this proposal will not only preserve and protect the historic buildings, but will create new and vibrant spaces within Kensington for the enjoyment of current and future residents,” according to the letter from committee Chairman William Kirwan.
The plan also received support from Kensington mayor and Town Council.
Solera Senior Living is developing or managing similar communities in Denver, suburban Chicago and Clearwater, Fla. The Kensington project is its first in Maryland, according to the company’s website.
