Impact of Growing Gig Harbor Retirement Community to Boost Local Economy

Heron’s Key, an innovative Type A Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC), is projecting the independent senior living community will provide millions of dollars in economic impact to the city of Gig Harbor in its first year alone. As the largest construction project in the city’s history, Heron’s Key is drawing new residents from as close as Gig Harbor and the surrounding area and as far as the state of New York.

“With 50 percent of the residences reserved, Heron’s Key is committed to becoming the premier location for retirement living in Gig Harbor, WA and a supportive community partner to the city, its businesses, residents and visitors,” said Lisa Hardy, CEO of Heron’s Key.

With a project of this magnitude, Heron’s Key will provide the city of Gig Harbor with a significant impact in its first year and beyond. Examples of the economic impact of the project include:

· Nearly 160 new jobs will be created once initial construction is complete.

· Employee salaries with taxes and benefits for new employees will be nearly $6.3 million in its base year.

· Food and supplies for 350+ residents will be approximately $1 million in its base year.

· Construction will include 40 direct vendors and specialty subcontractors from the surrounding areas.

· Total onsite construction personnel should average more than 100 and peak at more than 200.

“We are on pace with the projected schedule,” added Hardy. “If we remain steady, we expect to put shovels in the ground by summer 2015.”

Named number five out of 20 as one of the best small towns in America by Smithsonian.com, Gig Harbor is appealing on many aspects, from cost of living, to lifestyle and culture. Heron’s Key is receiving a great deal of interest from residents who not only live in Gig Harbor but are traveling from as far as the east coast to call Gig Harbor home. Recent residents who have reserved homes at the retirement community come from surrounding areas including Port Ludlow, Bainbridge Island, Tacoma and Port Orchard. Future residents also include those from Rancho Mirage, Calif. and Fayetteville, New York.

Heron’s Key is a retirement community providing a Life Care program which is considered the highest standard among retirement living options. It’s an innovative and independent lifestyle that is different from other senior housing and care options. At Heron’s Key, residents pay a one-time 75 percent refundable entrance fee and a monthly service fee. The entrance fee ensures a lifetime use of an independent living residence and future health care provided in the community’s health center, including assisted living, skilled nursing and memory support, if needed.

The construction of the community will include 184 independent living residences, 10 duplex villas, 36 assisted living and 45 private skilled nursing suites, and community amenities such as a fitness center, dining venues and resident gathering areas.

Beyond providing housing and medical care for seniors age 55 and older, Heron’s Key will feature walkable green space and a host of additional services and amenities, including restaurant-style dining, a fitness center, wellness programs, and social, cultural and educational opportunities. The community will be within walking distance of the Gig Harbor YMCA, city parks and walking trails, as well as near the Harbor Hill retail center which includes Costco, Target and a growing number of stores and restaurants.

Heron’s Key is being designed with the input of future residents, and will offer distinct, modern amenities that allow them to lead vital and independent lifestyles. It believes in being an active part of the community and has numerous events planned for both future residents and the public. As the first Type A CCRC in Pierce County, Heron’s Key offers an opportunity for more than 350 individuals to enjoy the beauty and sense of community the Maritime City offers.

Anticipated to open in 2017, Heron’s Key is managed by Emerald Communities, a regional senior housing and service organization and is currently welcoming reservations. Visit www.heronskey.com for more information.

About Heron’s Key
Heron’s Key, sponsored by Emerald Communities, is a not-for-profit senior housing and service organization. Heron’s Key is situated on 17 acres in the Harbor Hill neighborhood of Gig Harbor, Wash. and will provide independent housing with services to those 55 and older living an active and healthy lifestyle. Heron’s Key will also accommodate residents’ changing needs throughout the aging process and will offer assisted living and skilled nursing services, should they require them at a significant savings given the Heron’s Key life care program. For more information about Heron’s Keys’ campus and services, please visit the website at www.heronskey.org.