 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
|
 |
|
|
|
 |
|
|
||||
|
Landis Homes Introduces Earth-Friendly Hybrid Housing  Landis Homes’ current and former board members, partners, and current and future residents join Larry Zook (center) to break ground for the 145 new residential units the retirement community plans to build. The Sept. 22 ceremony included remarks by Zook, future resident Dr. Richard Weaver, and a litany written by Weaver and his wife, Ruth. By Ann Mead Ash Landis Homes, 1001 E. Oregon Road, Lititz, broke ground for 145 units that will represent a unique concept in residential housing when the first homes are ready for occupants in the spring of 2010. The combination of 73 cottages and 72 new hybrid homes, which will incorporate green features such as geothermal heating and cooling and rain water harvesting, along with state-of-the-art technology that will measure and regulate indoor air quality, represent an innovative design that architect Gregg Scott calls "the best of both worlds." "It's the best elements of a cottage married with the best elements of an apartment," said Scott, who noted that hybrids make sense with regard to land use and that they exhibit features that appeal to those who prefer community living without the long hallways and limited daylight associated with apartments. The hybrids include six units per floor. Each unit will provide multiple exposures for natural light, and all the units will have doors opening to a central hearth room. The concept encourages community living without compromising privacy. "The idea of this hearth room ... where the rooms are all bundled around a common living area for six families (is that) they keep an eye on each other ... looking after each other in understated, polite ways," explained Scott. The hybrid homes offer underground garages and additional community rooms for residents to use. At the Sept. 22, groundbreaking, attended by about 100 invitees, the plow that usually stands at the entrance to Landis Homes was placed near the farm field where construction will take place. The field represents only a portion of the total 100 acres that make up Landis Homes' property. One section of that acreage is a wooded area, which will not be developed, according to Deb Laws-Landis, director of community relations. A tent erected near the building site gave attendees a view of the plow against the backdrop of the farm field. The groundbreaking ceremony, aptly titled "Plowing in Hope, Service of Blessing," opened with a welcome and prayer by Don Good, director of pastoral care, and an introduction by president Larry Zook. Dr. Richard Weaver, who will be a resident in one of the new cottages with his wife, Ruth, spoke on "Spirituality and Creation Care," citing Scripture passages and numerous quotes. The Weavers stated that they chose one of the new cottages because they want to do what they can for the good of the environment. "The green construction was immediately attractive to us," said Richard. Ruth, who co-wrote the litany for the service with Richard, said that reverence for God's creation was at the heart of their decision. "I think that it's a deep concern of mine that we treat things with respect," she said. "God has created this incredible environment, and I think it behooves us to ... do what we can." The service concluded with the singing of "My Hope Is Built on Nothing Less," followed by an opportunity for attendees to help turn the sod by pulling the plow steered by Zook. The choice to build the hybrid homes came from a desire to create more attractive residential housing for seniors, according to Linford Good, vice president of planning and marketing, "(Hybrid homes) encourage interaction, with neighbors greeting and seeing (each other)," he stated. The community, which is celebrating its 45th year, has not built any residential units since 1995. Since that time, Landis Homes completed a state-of-the-art model healthcare center and a memory loss facility, which includes adult day services. Readers who would like to learn more about the many services Landis Homes offers may visit www.landishomes.org or call 581-3935. Conestoga Valley-Pequea Valley Penny Saver - 10/14/2009 Manheim Township Merchandiser - 10/14/2009 |
||||
|
||||
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
|
||||
