Posted by – Elizabeth Brennan, Community Development Executive Assistant

Yesterday, staff from the City of Auburn Hills were invited to learn more about the first phase of the First & Main project, the new $28 million independent living, assisted living, and memory care facility at 3051 E. Walton Boulevard.   My co-worker, Shawn Keenan, and I quickly toured the first floor in search of the meeting room.  It turns out the presentation we planned to attend was being held at another building since construction at the new facility is not yet complete.  However, our accidental detour gave us the opportunity to see the interior finishes, welcoming spaces and amenities that future residents will begin to enjoy in a few months.

The building design incorporates a centrally located open-air courtyard allowing sunlight to flood into residents’ rooms, no matter the location.  When all phases are complete, the facility will house up to 156 residents.

Technology is utilized in each apartment to assist in monitoring residents’ needs and provide conveniences like automatically unlocking the resident’s door.  It opens only their door, not their neighbors’ doors – an important distinction.  Movement and room temperature are also monitored to assist care providers in learning residents’ routines, which determines the level of care required.

A calendar full of activities will be available to residents and will incorporate a little something for everyone.  Just to list a few, residents will enjoy spa/manicures, movies (complete with fresh movie theater popcorn), Tai Chi, Red Wings games, bingo, art, woodshop, trivia, trips to local restaurants, and trips to cultural and community events.

We enjoyed meeting the talented and dedicated staff of First & Main.  They’re excited to be a part of our community, and we couldn’t be more pleased that they’re here.