Vacant Horse Property in AZ. to be Converted Into Assisted Living Community With On-site Equine Therapy

TUCSON, Ariz. – Construction commenced October 6, 2015 on The Hacienda at The River, an inviting residential senior living community that will offer state of the art assisted living, memory care, skilled nursing, rehabilitative and hospice care all in an atmosphere designed to feel more like a guest ranch.

Situated on an eight-acre, multi-use parcel on the south side of River Rd at Hacienda del Sol Rd, just east of Campbell Ave, development of the long vacant horse property, recently annexed by the City of Tucson, is expected to provide approximately 230 temporary construction jobs and 200 long term hospitality and medical-related jobs as well as housing and services for up to 192 persons when it opens in late 2016.

Designed by RTKL out of Los Angeles and Tucson-based Indevco Architects, The Hacienda at The River is the brainchild of David Freshwater and David Barnes, whose Tucson-based company, Watermark Retirement Communities, is a national award-winning seniors’ housing developer and operator with more than twenty-five years experience. Freshwater proclaims The Hacienda, a long-held vision of his, will be what he describes as “a center for excellence and innovation in senior living.”

“Several pioneers within the University of Arizona and the Tucson healthcare community will be joining in an interdisciplinary collaboration centered at The Hacienda,” Freshwater says. “Integrative programs and therapies, including on-site equine and horticultural therapy programs will be seamlessly folded into each resident’s day.”

The Hacienda at The River will be the first organized senior living community in the nation, perhaps in the world, to incorporate equine therapy into daily life.

“Our commitment is to provide a more holistic elder care experience, one that helps residents age with dignity and resilience, through an appealing atmosphere, pioneering medical partnerships and on-site therapeutic programs,” Freshwater says.

As Freshwater describes the development, four “Hacienda Homes,” accommodating 15-18 residents each, will employ universal caregivers, or “Nayas,” which is Sanskrit for leader or guide, who provide “the expert support needed to optimize resident comfort and contentment.” Involved in all aspects of residents’ lives, Freshwater says Nayas are “attentive to the nuances of a resident’s daily routine that bolster restorative health.”

Complementing the Hacienda Homes for assisted living and memory care will be short- and long-term skilled nursing and rehabilitative care at “The Springs,” which  Freshwater describes akin to a European spa, for recovery from surgery, injury and illness as well as disease treatments.

The entire Hacienda campus will be notable for its natural setting, according to Freshwater. In addition to the many native and non-native trees and shrubs that will surround and connect the property’s courtyards, the patios of the Hacienda Homes will support three raised vegetable beds, a potting table and a water-harvesting arroyo where residents will be welcome to raise flowers, vegetables and herbs, as well as harvest fruit from many citrus trees. The gardens and orchards will yield seasonal produce for the tables of The Hacienda.

The Hacienda at The River will share its multi-use site with adjacent garden medical office space to be developed by Michael R. Wattis, Inc.  Wattis intends to build a 15,000-square-foot office building to suit the needs of a single tenant under a long-term lease agreement. Listing broker Buzz Issacson of CBRE says he is confident that the right suitor will emerge. “Not only is River/Campbell one of the hottest commercial cores in Tucson,” Isaacson explained, “it has also become a coveted residential and office location due to its convenient pedestrian and bicycle access via the Rillito River Walk.” Located at the gateway to the Catalina Foothills, shops, restaurants and other services are plentiful within a five-minute walk or bike ride of the subject site.

For more information, visit www.haciendariver.watermarkcommunities.com.