LCB Senior Living, LLC and the Congress Companies break ground on The Residence at Riverbend

LCB Senior Living, LLC and the Congress Companies broke ground on The Residence at Riverbend, a 75-apartment independent, assisted and memory care residence for seniors at 149 County Rd. The town's only assisted living residence will also include a 10% affordable component (8 apartments) to benefit area residents. The Congress Cos. will construct the community, and LCB Senior Living will own and operate it going forward. The Residence at Riverbend is located on the former "Riverbend" Estate which was owned by the Barnard family in the early to mid 20th century. Later, the site became home to the Marguery Restaurant from 1945 to the late 1970's when it was destroyed by fire. Originally a 15.5-acre site, the developers have conveyed 3 acres of the site to the town and the Ipswich River Watershed Association (IRWA) as conservation land along the riverfront. In addition, IRWA has been granted access to a wetland area of the site for public educational purposes. There will also be a permanent easement created to give the public vehicular access to the Ipswich River from County Rd. "This is easily one of the most spectacular sites that we have ever had the privilege of owning," said LCB chief executive officer Michael Stoller. "The combination of natural beauty and access to all of the wonderful resources that Ipswich has to offer is truly unparalleled." The groundbreaking team launched a project that will spur more than 70 jobs in town, while creating much-needed housing for seniors with needs ranging from full-independence to early-stage Alzheimer's disease and memory impairment. The project is currently in lease-up phase, and is scheduled to open in the Fall of 2014. Independent living residents at the community will have their own apartment with kitchenette and bath, along with the peace of mind of 24-hour security, three gourmet meals prepared and served restaurant style on-site, available laundry and cleaning services, a full activities program, building and grounds maintenance, and a host of optional services. Assisted living residents will have all of the above, along with assistance with the activities of daily living, including dressing, bathing medication reminders, and other services. The Residence at Riverbend will also include LCB's Reflections Memory Care services for residents with early stage Alzheimer's disease and other memory impairments. In addition to offering sophisticated cognitive programming and a range of daily services, Reflections is a secure, safe environment with its own common areas, walking courtyard, and other amenities.