Simsbury's Ojakian Commons for People With Disabilities Construction Celebrated

A celebration of the construction of Ojakian Commons, New England’s first affordable, accessible, supportive rental apartments for people living with disabilities needing special services coordinated by the National MS Society, took place on Thursday, June 12, at 100 Casterbridge Crossing, in Simsbury.

“We are thankful to all those who played an important role in helping make this much needed facility a reality for people living with disabilities.” said Lisa Gerrol, president and CEO of the National MS Society, Connecticut Chapter. “MS is a difficult, unpredictable disease that when it strikes, affects the entire family. With that in mind, we are pleased to have this opportunity to honor the Ojakian family for their unwavering, continued support of our important work by officially naming the building Ojakian Commons.”

Mark Ojakian clearly understands the impact MS has on a family. After years of combatting unpredictable physical symptoms, in 1974, at the age of 44, his father, Gene Ojakian, was diagnosed with MS. The next 30 years saw a steady decline in Gene’s health, mobility and independence. Sixteen years following Gene’s diagnosis, the Ojakian family received more devastating news. Mark’s younger brother, Paul, was also diagnosed with multiple sclerosis; followed two years later by his only sister Cathy’s diagnosis.

Gene Ojakian lost his 50-year battle with the disease in June of 2013. Both Paul and Cathy continue to struggle with escalating symptoms.

“Being personally affected by this disease opened my eyes to the many other people that are affected by it and the obligation we have to help people manage it,” said Mark Ojakian. “While I and my family are flattered by this recognition, the real champions are the countless people who care for people affected by MS and other debilitating disabilities. The more we raise awareness, the stronger our fight to cure these diseases will be.”

Mark Ojakian has been a tireless advocate for individuals living with and affected by MS. In his role as a member of the Connecticut Chapter’s board of trustees over the past 10 years, he has helped raise critical funds to support local programs, such as crisis financial assistance and care management. He has also served as an eloquent community ambassador, heightening local awareness of the effects of this potentially debilitating and lifelong disease.

Ojakian Commons is specifically designed to meet the needs of people living with disabilities, allowing them to remain active, vital members of the community. The barrier-free apartments will include many features above and beyond ADA requirements, including automated door openers, 42-inch wide doorways to easily accommodate wheelchairs and scooters, hardwood and ceramic tile floors, custom horizontal sliding windows for easy opening, fully accessible kitchens and bathrooms and much more. Additionally, the building will have a number of innovative community spaces, enhancing the lives of its residents. Ojakian Commons will have a barrier free wellness / exercise center, a well-stocked library, barrier free raised gardening areas, community space for meetings and lectures, and a technology center. With these features and programming coordinated by the National MS Society, Ojakian Commons will provide a high quality housing alternative to people with disabilities.

In 2011, the Connecticut Chapter began working with Governor Malloy’s office, the State Department of Social Services, Senators Richard Blumenthal and Christopher Murphy, First Selectman Mary Glassman and other local Simsbury officials to secure support for the project.

The anticipated opening date for Ojakian Commons is the summer of 2015.

Marketing for the apartments has not yet begun. For more information on Ojakian Commons or to be placed on a mailing list, contact Fern Spinazzola at Regan Development at 914.693.3011 or email rentals@regandevelopment.com.