Ribbon cut on Wasilla retirement facility

WASILLA — Half cruise ship, half apartment complex, Valley seniors have a new place to rest their heads.

Primrose Retirement Community held its opening ceremony Wednesday, welcoming the community elders to the new facility off of Lucille Street.

The ceremony began with a flag raising to salute the veterans in attendance. State Sen. Linda Mernard welcomed Primrose to the community and applauded Howdie, Inc. for its beautiful construction. Acting Borough Mayor Lynne Woods said the demographics are here to support an operation like this, and this is an area she is happy to see grow.

After the speakers’ remarks, the guests toured the facility. The multi-million dollar complex has 36 independent living apartments, 32 assisted care residences and eight semi-detached villas spread over 100,000 square feet.

It follows the plan of all Primrose communities, being the 24th to open. It is the first in Alaska, and founder and president Jim Thares said he is already looking at other sites in the state.

“Howard Nugent, of Howdie, Inc., contacted me and convinced me to come up here,” Thares said. “I saw the need for this, and now it’s here.”

His original analysis was correct, he said, as the facility already has 50 percent of the rooms filled or reserved.

Thares also said there will be a staff of 20 to 30 people, all hired locally.

He points to Primrose’s slogan as the philosophy that sets them apart from other retirement communities. “This is living!” means the community is designed for residents to live a healthy and active lifestyle, Thares said. To do this, Primrose presents seniors with as many on-site activities as possible.

Amenities in the community include a restaurant and cafe, beauty salon and barber shop, ‘50s-style ice-cream parlor, theater, library, gym, physical training room, billiards room and Irish pub.

“This is perfect for Alaska,” Thares said. “Look at the cold, winter months. There is a multitude of activities seniors can participate in without leaving the community.”

Contact Todd L. Disher at todd.disher@frontiersman.com or (907) 352-2252.