“This [Serene Hills project] would be the first leg in (the area of) SH 71 and Bee Creek development,” said Ray Miller, Building and Development Services Director for the city.
The area is described as a camel’s back, sloping away from the roadway bringing a design challenge to architects. Sketches show the topography will be taken advantage of, using the land to create a three-level structure.
Serene Hills independent living center concept showing how existing topography would be incorporated into the multi-level design.[/caption]The 9.2-acre parcel is currently zoned C1 commercial. At Monday night’s regular meeting, City Council approved a special-use permit giving the green light for the project to proceed.
When completed sometime within the next three years as developers propose, Serene Hills would include 104 independent living units on the second and third levels in studio, one or two bedroom configurations. There would also be nearly 29,000 square feet of available commercial space on the main level, according to developer’s plans that Miller presented to council.
Miller said specific tenants or uses for the commercial space are not being reviewed at this time.
Planned layout for Serene Hills independent living center in Lakeway.[/caption]The target market for the living facility would be those age 55 and older who need support with certain functions of everyday life. Some units could be converted to assisted living as needs arose, Miller said. A company spokesperson indicated there are no plans for that conversion at this time.
Existing senior living in Lakeway
The presentation to council included information from a Health Care Advisory Group market study, which listed the number of existing senior living units in Lakeway.
- Brookdale Lohmans Crossing = 54 units
- Brookdale Lakeway = 98 assisted living units
- Harbor at Lakeway = 130 assisted living units
- Lake Travis Senior Living = 140 units
- Belmont Village (under construction) = 162 units (varied levels)
- Tuscan Village I = 300 units (townhomes, cottages, condos)
- Tuscan Village II = 210 units
Total = 1,100 units (with Serene = 1,198 units)
The advisory group concluded the immediate market is undersupplied by 145 independent living units, a shortage that is expected to increase to 487 unit within the next five years. That excludes other facilities that cater to seniors who need assisted living, dementia care or skilled nursing options.
Miller told council Serene could be complete within three years including a plan to incorporate traffic safety measures along SH 71.
