Cedar Community Repositioning Effort Means Improved Residental Areas and Services

After taking the helm in 2021, Cedar Community President and CEO Nicole Pretre had a vision for Cedar Community’s future — to serve more friends and neighbors, to offer the living options and abundant amenities that its residents desire, and to be the best stewards of the natural and structural resources at the West Bend, Wis., based community.

So in October of 2022, Cedar Community held a ceremonial groundbreaking and blessing at its Cedar Lake Campus to kick off two living spaces. Both projects are currently under construction. While the two projects do not entail the actual breaking of ground for new buildings, it is groundbreaking in the sense of innovation, commitment to stewardship, and focus on resident care and experience.

The culmination of the two projects will be new independent living and independent living plus residence options; a new and expanded in-patient therapy space; a refresh of the Cedar Lake Health and Rehabilitation Center reception and skilled nursing spaces; a cafe; and exterior updates to the entire building.

Providing New Independent Living Homes

For several years, a space that was formerly known as Cedar Community’s “Friendship House” has been underutilized and, most often, empty. Forecasting the increasing demand for independent living options on its Cedar Lake Campus, the executive team and board of directors sought to re-purpose this unused space, rather than building new.

To that end, a new definition of distinction for adults 55 and better will open in early 2024 — The Lofts at Cedar Lake. The re-imagined space will include 15 private loft-style residences ranging in size from 1,100 to 2,000 square feet. The units will have thoughtful design, high-end finishes, and amenities that include indoor parking, secure private storage, and wooded views.

Located on Cedar Community’s 245-acre wooded Cedar Lake Campus, these pet friendly, independent living residences will offer secluded, lake country living within minutes of shopping, fine dining, entertainment, cultural events, an award-winning farmer’s market.

Amenities include:

• Outdoor green space and recreation trails
• Spacious design and wooded views
• An exercise atrium
• A lounge and gathering spaces
• Secure, private storage 
• Indoor parking garages
• Lake and boat access
• A beach house
• Monthly housekeeping
• WiFi and basic cable

Independent Living and Then Some

CEO Pretre often walked the vacant third floor of the community’s Cedar Bay East building, trying to imagine how to best leverage the space to meet new demands for older adult living. At the same time, feedback from residents and families indicated that a new level of service would be a welcome addition to Cedar Community’s continuum of care.

As a result, Cedar Community is creating a new active and engaged lifestyle opportunity — independent living plus. Now residents have the option to live independently with the security and peace of mind that additional services can be added on if and when a resident needs it.

In the new plan, the building formerly known as Cedar Bay East is now The Willows at Cedar Lake, and offers the independent living plus level of care to residents. Full renovations of the third floor are underway, and units on the first and second floor are being refreshed as they become available.
Residents at The Willows at Cedar Lake enjoy abundant amenities, including daily meals, weekly housekeeping, a new well being center, activities, among other features.

Balancing freedom, comfort, and security, The Willows at Cedar Lake allows residents to actively and safely age in place — adding extra support only when a resident needs it. The main entrance, reception area, and lounge will be completed later this year. Third floor renovations will be completed around May 2024.

Lifestyle options Include:

• Weekly housekeeping and linen service
• Restaurant-quality meal service
• A redesigned dining space
• Reimagined exercise and well being center
• An updated lobby and lounge space
• An on-site pharmacy with free delivery
• On-site staff 24 hours a day
• Lake and boat access
• Indoor parking garages available
• Outdoor green space and recreation trails
• Basic cable and all utilities

Changes Already Visible

Residents, guests and friends will be able to see evidence of the changes later this year. Both The Lofts at Cedar Lake and The Willows at Cedar Lake are part of a larger complex that includes the Cedar Lake Health and Rehabilitation Center, Cedar Community’s short-term and skilled nursing care section of the Cedar Lake campus.

The rehabilitation center also is undergoing substantial modifications. Renovation of its main entrance, reception area, and deli will be complete sometime in October. In December, the skilled nursing dining area renovations will be begin and, at the same time, the in-patient therapy area will be completed.

“At its heart, this project positions Cedar Community to meet and exceed the expectations of seniors and their families,” said Pretre. “We are excited to offer additional lifestyle and service options, increased access to some of Wisconsin’s most pristine trails, lakes, and natural resources, and the amazing sense of community that our friends and neighbors share with one another. In addition, the project demonstrates our commitment to stewarding all of our resources in the most efficient and most responsible way, possible. I am incredibly proud of our team.”