December 3, 2007 (Return to News)

Buena Vida Estates Starts Construction of Multi-Million Dollar Expansion
Community Services Council of Brevard County to allocate funds

[West Melbourne, FL] – Buena Vida Estates, a not-for-profit 501(c) 3 organization located on New Haven Avenue (Hwy 192) just west of the Melbourne Square Mall, is the only Continuing Care Retirement Community in Brevard County and credits its 25 years of success and current multi-million dollar expansion to this highly favored retirement living model.

In June, Buena Vida celebrated its 25th anniversary with a groundbreaking ceremony that marked the beginning of their expansion project that includes 27 new luxury apartment homes, 32 private assisted living apartments and 16 specialized memory care apartments. The 91,000 square foot expansion increases the size of the Community from 151,000 square feet to more than 242,000 square feet. The project is scheduled for completion  by March of 2009, according to Proctor Construction Company of Vero Beach, Construction Manager for the expansion.

Although Brevard County offers many retirement living options, Buena Vida Estates is the only community licensed to provide three levels of care on the same campus: independent, assisted and skilled nursing care and the only retirement community that provides access to Assisted Living or Skilled Nursing Care for life at deeply discounted rates. This continuum of care, at predictable and affordable rates is the heart of Buena Vida’s continuing care program.

Erik Shuman, attorney with Gray Robinson Attorney at Law comments, “Buena Vida is the only Continuing Care Retirement Community in Brevard County and has been serving the Melbourne area for more than 25 years. The expansion will provide local seniors with state-of-the-art accommodations, which will provide enjoyment, activity, safety, compassion and most of all, the continuum of care throughout their life. This lifts the burden of worry from the resident and their family regarding where the next level of care will be.”

“This expansion comes in direct response to the growing need for luxury retirement living in Brevard County,” says Blaine Barton, Executive Director for Buena Vida Estates. “And now that we’ve received our tax-exempt bond financing, construction can begin,” he adds.

Ralph Bishop, CFO at Buena Vida Estates says, “To qualify for tax-exempt bond financing, a community must meet strict financial criteria. In addition, the State of Florida’s Office of Insurance Regulators, regulates Continuing Care Communities and has stringent financial guidelines that each community must adhere to. In addition, CCRC’s that are true not-for-profit communities with strong ties to the area and a deep commitment to service have historically proven to be more successful than other models.”

“During the past 25 years, our resort style retirement community has remained one of the premier communities of its type in Florida,” says Doreen Boudreau, Senior Retirement Counselor at Buena Vida Estates. “In addition to the expanded residential space, planned expansion features include: wireless emergency call systems for each resident and a quaint “Main Street” area that offers everyday services such as banking, a hair salon and barber shop, general store, the Waterview Café and even more club-like amenities,” she adds.

It is evident that the concept of a CCRC is becoming widely known as a cost effective and life long solution for retirement living. A CCRC contract includes tax advantages regarding the sale of a principal residence as well as a portion of the Buena Vida entrance fee and monthly service fee. Consult with your tax advisor for details.

Currently, the luxury apartment homes under construction are pre-sold. Seniors interested in the community are encouraged to join the priority wait list now. For more information on the priority wait list or to schedule a lunch and a tour, please call Debbie Williams in marketing at Buena Vida Estates: 321-724-0600.