Detroit Cuts Ribbon On $40M Retirement Neighborhood

DETROIT (WWJ) - There's a brand new option for senior assisted living in Detroit.

Rivertown Neighborhood hosted its grand opening celebration on Friday.

John Thorhauer, CEO of United Methodist Retirement Communities, said the project fills a void for Detroit seniors.

"Somebody that just needs somebody to check on them; to provide a little bit of help just that they can remain independent,"  Thorhauer told WWJ Health Reporter Sean Lee. "But it also provides for those 24 hour needs. In case they need something in the middle of the night, there are care staff available to them 24 hours a day, seven days a week."

Henry Ford Health System and Presbyterian Villages of Michigan are also partners in the $40 million development.

Phase one, open now, creates nearly two hundred new health care jobs.  Phase two, which will include  50 independent living senior apartments, is expected to open spring 2014.

The neighborhood is open to seniors aged 55 years and older.

For more information visit rivertownassistedliving.com or call 313-567-8045.