United Church Homes to break ground on $18M construction project

Artist’s conception of the new buildings under construction at Parkvue Community in Sandusky, Ohio.

United Church Homes will break ground Aug. 9 on an $18 million construction project to add 44 new independent living cottage homes and a community center at Parkvue Community in Sandusky, Ohio.

The groundbreaking ceremony will be held at 3 p.m. in a tent on the east side of Parkvue Community, 3800 Boardwalk Blvd. About 170 households and local government officials, such as the Erie County Commissioners and Perkins Township trustees have been invited to attend.

UCH, a national nonprofit, faith-based senior living provider based in Marion, will build 10 cottage homes as part of the first phase of the three-phase construction project to create Parkvue’s new independent living neighborhood. The estimated cost of the first phase of the project is $3.2 million.

The community center will include a kitchen, a fitness center, activity rooms and informal lounge areas. The 1,650- to 1,750-square foot cottages will feature two-bedrooms, two bathrooms, an open design kitchen and living room and will be built on 10-acres of land on the east side of the campus.

Charles Mooney, senior vice president and chief operating officer, said he hopes the new cottages will attract seniors who are looking for a more active, independent lifestyle. Parkvue opened a state-of-the-art aquatics center in 2016. It now offers new aquatic and fitness programs.

“We want to provide a true independent living housing option on campus for active seniors that promotes abundant living in community,” Mooney said.

Parkvue Administrator Ken Keller said he is pleased United Church Homes is investing in a new independent living neighborhood on Parkvue’s campus.

“It’s exciting because it brings another level of services to our continuing care campus that will be available to the residents of Erie County and the surrounding area,” Keller said.

The project affirms that United Church Homes continues to be guided by the vision of the late Ruth Frost Parker, a prominent Sandusky resident whose many contributions enhanced resident life at Parkvue Community.

The Rev. Kenneth Daniel, president and CEO of United Church Homes, credited Parker’s generosity for helping UCH establish Parkvue and make major renovations needed to provide high quality and affordable housing and healthcare services to residents

He said the expansion is an investment in the growth and modernization of the community.

“It’s an investment that will help Parkvue meet what today’s seniors are looking for and grow the community in an innovative fashion,” Rev. Daniel said.

About United Church Homes: United Church Homes has been “Celebrating the Spirit” as it has provided care with older adults for more than a century. The nonprofit, faith-based organization has more than 1,500 dedicated staff serving 4,500 residents of all faiths in 70 communities throughout 14 states and two Native American nations. UCH is in covenant with the United Church of Christ.