Contributing Writer

If you have driven out of Fayetteville toward Jonesboro on Ga. Highway 54, chances are you have noted the housing construction on the right as you leave the downtown area. You may have wondered if the stately building going up toward the front of the Autumn Glen subdivision was a country club, a new office building, or possibly the club room for the subdivision.

The building in the forefront is a new senior housing development known as Azalea Estates, Assisted Living and Retirement Community. The front of Azalea Estates belies the size of the retirement community. On paper, the 71-unit building floor plan looks somewhat like a space station in a futuristic movie. Four wings branch out at angles from the center of the one-story building, much like the spokes of a satellite. However, the actual building and interior look have none of the sparseness of a space station. The exterior and interior flavor lends itself more to a combination of opulence, luxury and warmth.

Health Care Capital Consolidated, Inc. (HCC), the owners of Azalea Estates have been in the health care business for over 10 years. They own, lease or manage 29 nursing homes, five assisted living facilities, a home health care company and a finance company. Azalea Estates is the sixth assisted living senior housing project for the company.

According to J. Marshall Gill, executive director, "Azalea Estates is the first of its kind in Georgia, in fact, in the whole Southeast. It is "whole person oriented."

Asked what he meant by "whole person oriented," Gill stated, "We are concerned with every aspect of our residents needs. Azalea Estates is designed to address the physical, mental, social and spiritual needs of its residents."

The concept for Azalea Estates grew from owner and CEO of HCC, Mike Brown's "experience and belief that given the right environment and atmosphere our seniors will stay more physical and mentally active."

The facility is designed to resemble a spacious and comfortable home. The owners opted for a one-story design to avoid an "institutional" look. Almost all assisted living facilities are built on smaller pieces of land and most often move "up" rather than "out." The 52,520 square-foot building sits on eight acres of land which contributes to the residential feel.

The building is completely encircled by walking paths. There are two courtyards, arbors, a fountain and other walkways meandering through the courtyards and connecting to the Autumn Glen subdivision. There are also 16 planters for residents who choose to garden.

On touring the facility, which is slated to open late spring of this year, the spaciousness, high ceilings and numerous windows seem to promote a friendly and inviting atmosphere.

Another attribute which separates the home from many others is the numerous resident suite layouts. There are four different floor plans to choose from, ranging from one-bedroom studios to full two-bedroom units.

The central dining room, which resembles a first-class restaurant, is larger than most and has higher ceilings to give it an air of openness. For special occasions and private gatherings, a private dining room is available. Three nutritional "restaurant-style" meals will be served each day for residents. The facility is equipped with a full-size commercial kitchen which can easily accommodate all residents, their families and guests.

Immediately off the dining area is an activity room which will be used for cooking classes, crochet classes, ceramics and similar activities. A beautiful screened porch off the activity area opens to one of the courtyards.

Another "extra" not found in most assisted living homes is the Wellness Center. The Center will have special Nautilus equipment to help seniors build and keep their strength. Additionally, there will be a full-time professional on hand to incorporate and implement health and exercise programs for senior residents.

The Wellness Center boasts a heated aerobic pool, a hydro-spa, separate lockers and showers and a 24-hour juice bar.

For those who enjoy golf, Azalea Estates also has a putting green.

Residents choosing to meditate or enjoy some "quiet time" will enjoy the meditation room. The room, which is designed to stimulate sensory perceptions, will have a projection system which will project scenes from a rain forest. In the background, soft sounds of water falling will be heard to complete the mood. The room will have extra insulation to keep outside noise to a minimum and will have softer lighting to help set the mood. The media/library will entice those who like quiet combined with some activity. The library will have computers with Internet access, video conferencing, large print books and books on tape. Plush couches and tables give the room the look of what used to be known as a "gentleman's club."

Each of the four wings has its own socializing area, called a "neighborhood gathering place," which is equipped with couches, tables and chairs. Azalea Estates has many extra amenities designed to cater to the wide variety of needs the residents will have.

Not wanting to leave anything to chance, a $25,000 back-up generator will ensure that residents are never without electricity. Gill quipped, "When the family doesn't have electricity, they can join their parents or grandparents at Azalea Estates."

Choate Construction is building the community. According to Superintendent Billy Scott, "It's a great facility. I'd like to live here myself with all the amenities. This is going to be very nice, they are not sparing any expense."

Azalea Estates also has the "usual" features expected in an assisted living facility. They will have a beauty and barber salon, laundry rooms, a mail room and more. Even these "standard" options reflect the attention to detail, which is obvious throughout the facility. For example, the washers and dryers sit on a slab that will eliminate having to bend down to load and unload clothes. Additionally, residents will be provided with transportation to medical appointments, churches, shopping, banking and other outside activities.

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