By: JEFF SCHULTZ
StoryPoint, a company in the Midwest that specializes in living communities for seniors, is looking to build a 162-unit development on the property located between the Chesterton Medical Center clinic and Addison Pointe Health and Rehab Center on Dickinson Rd.
Attorney Greg Babcock spoke to the Chesterton Plan Commission on Thursday for a concept review, presenting a letter from StoryPoint Development Officer Aaron Seymour saying the community will consist of 120 apartments for independent living and 42 units for enhanced living.
“(StoryPoint) believes we can use this type of development in the north side of our county,” Babcock said.
Approximately 70 to 80 jobs would be created as a result of the facility, Seymour’s letter said, from unskilled labor to professional health providers.
The independent living will consist of 72 one-bedroom apartments, 12 two-bedroom units and eight two-bedroom deluxe units. It would have amenities like a dining facility and a bistro, activity areas, library, banking, postal service, barber/salon, fitness rooms and multi-purpose rooms.
The wing for enhanced living, which is a step closer to assisted living, would have 30 one-bedroom units, four two-bedroom units and eight studio units.
The independent living portion will be in a three-story building, about 48 feet at roof height, Babcock said. The exterior will be brick with vinyl siding and brick/stone veneer. Outdoor patios, walkways, seating, shrubs and trees are also planned.
Drainage will be routed to two small retention areas near the front drive, project engineer Mike Duffy of DLZ said. There will be a larger detention area to the southwest between Ind. 49 and Addison Pointe.
Sewer will hook into the Dickinson Road lift station, Babcock said, which has capacity to handle the flow.
Town Manager Bernie Doyle commented that this senior living center will be unique to the area and StoryPoint has been very cooperative with the Town since the idea was made known to them about a year ago. He extended his gratitude to StoryPoint for looking to build here.
“It complements the town. It fills a niche,” Doyle said.
One planner, Thomas Kopko, was however not comfortable with the three-story design. He said most buildings nearby are no bigger than one story.
“It’s way bigger than anything else over there. Way bigger,” Kopko said.
Planner Fred Owens asked if this would be in competition with Addison Pointe. Babcock said it wouldn’t since Addison Pointe operates as a rehab center with 24-hour nursing and StoryPoint will be mainly independent living.
The plans will be heard at the plan commission’s next meeting on May 19 for a preliminary hearing.
