First residents move into $32 million Masonicare project in Mystic
Mystic — The first residents moved into the $32 million, 179-unit Masonicare independent- and assisted-living project off Clara Drive on Wednesday.
Residents of four of the independent-living units moved in through the morning and early afternoon on Tuesday, according to Margaret Steeves, Masonicare’s vice president of marketing and communications.
“Everyone here is very excited that we are open,” she said. “The town has been great, the nature center next door has been great.”
The project, which is the largest to be completed in Stonington in recent years, was supported by the town, which waived its $136,000 building permit fee. Masonicare of Mystic, which owns and operates the facility under the umbrella of the nonprofit Masonicare organization, will pay the town $140,000 a year in lieu of taxes.
Former First Selectman Ed Haberek negotiated the deal with Masonicare to lure the project and its 125 jobs to town.
The Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center, meanwhile, has offered free one-year memberships to Masonicare residents; its Coogan Farm Nature & Heritage Center borders the 18-acre Masonicare property.
Masonicare took over development of the site in 2014 after a previous developer, Morningside Management of Virginia, had trouble financing its plans for a 245-unit project.
Work on the Masonicare project began in May of 2014 but ceased in March of 2015 when the original contractor, Klewin Construction of Mystic, walked off the site saying it was owed an estimated $1.9 million. Work restarted with a new contractor in July of 2015, at which time Masonicare said the project would be completed in late 2016. Klewin sued Masonicare and several other entities involved in the work but the suit was withdrawn earlier this month. Court documents indicate Masonicare agreed to settle the claim for $3 million.
The project consists of 81 independent-living units, 50 assisted-living units and 48 memory care assisted-living units, all of which are rented. The cost of the independent-living units, which comprise studios, one- and two-bedroom units, range from $3,016 to $5,564 per month with a $780 charge for an additional resident.
The opening date for the assisted-living units, which have three meals per day and four levels of care, and the memory care units has not yet been finalized. Steeves said Masonicare still is accepting applications for all three types of units.
The independent units have flexible meal plans, access to a cafeteria, bistro and pub, in-unit washers and dryers, 24/7 security, housekeeping and transportation to medical appointments within 15 miles. Amenities include a library, pool, fitness and wellness center, barber shops, beauty salon, art studio, convenience store and gift shop.
“We believe our residents will also patronize the stores in the Mystic area,” Steeves said.
McQuade’s Marketplace is located adjacent to Masonicare and the Golden Triangle area is close by as well.
A educational program for those interested in assisted-living units is planned for 5 p.m. Dec. 8 at the facility.
Comment threads are monitored for 48 hours after publication and then closed.
