Glen renovation, expansion plan to grow senior community options

Special to 318 Forum

The start of a new decade signaled the beginning for The Glen to break ground on an expansion and renovation project.

“The Glen has always been known to offer quality care, but with this new building, our lifestyle options will grow, bettering the amenities for current and future residents,” Debra Williams, Glen president and CEO, said.

The project, currently underway, is to construct a new building to add 60 additional new independent living residences.

The new building, named Redbrook at The Glen, will expand the community’s current amenities to feature walking paths, multiple purpose rooms, two different dining venues, bocce ball courts and a wellness center complete with a spa and salon, indoor heated pool, massage room, yoga studio and a strength-training room with state-of-the-art, senior-friendly workout equipment.

The plan is estimated to be an 18-month long construction project with a grand opening anticipated in spring 2021.

The groundbreaking, held Jan. 8, brought support from many elected officials, including state Sen. Barrow Peacock, state Rep. Alan Seabaugh and Shreveport City Councilman Grayson Boucher.

“The Glen has been a longstanding community-based partner in the Shreveport- Bossier area, and it is always good to see organizations here expanding, growing and providing services to the citizens of the Shreveport-Bossier area,” Peacock said. “This large investment demonstrates that there is a need for expansion, and the citizens here will have the options to stay in a top-notch facility right here in Shreveport- Bossier.”

Peacock said Redbrook at The Glen will add to the economy, potentially growing retirement options in Shreveport.

“This investment will not only provide a great facility, but will also help our economy with construction jobs and permanent employment opportunities once the facility opens in the near future,” he said. “We all need to thank and commend The Glen and its supporters for their commitment and caring for our family and friends in meeting their needs.”

Williams agreed. “We believe that this addition to our campus will increase the choices that seniors in our area have with regards to housing,” she said. “We will have a positive impact on our neighbors as well as offering additional employment opportunities. Redbrook will also add to the job force by adding 15 permanent jobs to our team.”

The Glen currently employs more than 200 at its only location at 403 E. Flournoy Lucas Road.

The new jobs that Redbrook will bring range from manager positions to support staff. Williams said The Glen will begin hiring for these positions within the next 18 months.

“After conducting very thorough market research, we discovered there is a need for more independent living options,” Williams said. “We held focus groups with members of the Shreveport community and asked them what features they want to see in residences and what amenities were necessary in a building to accommodate their independent living lifestyle.”

Five different floor plans ranging from 727 to 1,140 square feet will be offered in the new building. Each floor plan, named after a Louisiana body of water, features walk-in closets, private patios or balconies, in-unit washers and dryers.

“Prior to master planning in the fall of 2017, The Glen conducted consumer research in the summer of 2017,” Williams said. “The research indicated that the population and demand were strong. We followed up with additional market research in the summer of 2018 that further confirmed the demand for these senior living residences.”

Independent living is appealing to seniors for a variety of reasons. Those age 62 and older who prefer living in a community move out of their homes and downsize. The Glen is a Life Plan Community, which means that multiple levels of care are offered at the single location.

“Most residents that make the decision to move into a Life Plan Community have the desire to put aside the maintenance issues that come with home ownership,” Williams said. “They also value living and enjoy the friendships they make and camaraderie with others.”

According to a recent article in Senior Living Executive magazine, an Age Well Study discovered information on seniors who choose to live in a community.

“Nearly 70% of older adults surveyed reported that moving to a Life Plan Community has somewhat or greatly improved their social wellness,” according to the study.

The study also stated these residents report more health behaviors and have a greater emotional, social, physical, intellectual and vocational wellness than others living in their homes.

Williams said the project is happening at the perfect time.

“Our market research shows that there is a desire for the amenities that we will offer at Redbrook at The Glen,” Williams said. “We have a supportive board of directors who care about the future of our organization and of our community – their loved ones and friends.”

The Glen is currently accepting reservations from those interested in living in one of Redbrook’s 60 new residences.

For more information on Redbrook at The Glen, call 318-798-3500.