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Months after opening, Salem senior community Boone Ridge already expanding

A rendering of Boone Ridge Senior Living’s upcoming expansion, a complex of 144 apartments. (Submitted/Boone Ridge Senior Living)

Like time itself, the elder care industry doesn’t appear to be slowing down. Yet another facility in Salem is expanding.

Boone Ridge Senior Living last week broke ground on a new complex of 144 apartments near its campus on Southeast Boone Road. The expansion starts five months after Boone Ridge opened to seniors in need of assisted living and more intensive care for people with dementia.

Company executives said the new, 140,000-square-foot facility will cater to more active seniors and features what it described in a statement as “luxury” apartments. It will have a fitness center, yoga, an aquatic center, an art studio, a wine bar and other amenities.

“We’re really taking into account how seniors are aging, especially baby boomers,” said Naomi Tillery, a spokeswoman for Boone Ridge. “They’re remaining active and having that active lifestyle.”

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Apartments will come in 10 floor plans and should be available by spring 2021, Tillery said.

Boone Ridge was the first foray into Salem for Mosaic Management. The company is headquartered in Salem, but manages facilities in Corvallis, Brookings, Cottage Grove and Gold Beach.

Boone Ridge is riding the same “silver tsunami” fueling a $48 million expansion at Capital Manor Retirement Community in west Salem.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the population of people aged 60 and older in Salem rose nearly 20 percent from 2010 to 2017 — from 26,475 people to 31,236.

Tillery said Boone Ridge, and other similar housing projects across the country, are rising to meet the demand.

“Senior living across the board — across the country — is really trying to meet the needs of the retiring baby boomer population. We’re only hitting the crest right now,” said Tillery.

Tillery declined to disclose the cost of the expansion. She said Mosaic expects to hire about 130 people before opening the apartments. Boone Ridge employs about 100 now, she said.

The expansion may not be over. Tillery said Mosaic plans to eventually build cottages and duplexes on campus.

“It really will turn into a senior living age-in-place campus,” she said.

Have a tip? Contact reporter Troy Brynelson at 503-575-9930, [email protected] or @TroyWB.