Assisted-living, memory-care project endorsed

Plans to build a 32-unit facility providing assisted living and memory care to ailing older adults cleared a hurdle Monday, April 25, by gaining unanimous approval from the Eden Prairie Planning Commission.

The development project now advances to city council review.

The proposal by Hampton Companies, using the name Suite Living of Eden Prairie, calls for 20 assisted-living units and 12 memory-care units in a residential-style building at 9360 Hennepin Town Road in southeastern Eden Prairie.

That 2.85-acre property has been the subject of several development plans that never reached fruition, the most recent being a project called Morimoto City Homes, which was 16 owner-occupied townhomes approved by the city last year. A single-family home is currently located on the property.

Hampton Companies currently has seven senior communities operating across the Twin Cities and six others under construction, said Executive Vice President Jeremy Larson. The company builds, operates, and owns the facilities. Residents typically live in the facility for 2-4 years, Larson added.

The Eden Prairie care facility would be a 21,000-square-foot, one-story, rectangular building with dormers and other features to make it look residential.

Just one nearby resident testified at Monday’s public hearing before the commission: Garrison Way’s Mike Amundson. He said he generally favors the project – it would be quiet, with not much traffic, he noted – but he suggested that it be centered on the property, rather than being pushed to the south, near his neighborhood. Officials said grading concerns explained the building’s positioning on the property.

City staff recommended approval of Suite Living of Eden Prairie, and the commission followed suit. “It seems to be a pretty good fit, in my opinion,” said Commissioner John Kirk.

Mark Weber is executive director of the Eden Prairie Community Foundation.