Wartburg, Bartels partner to offer senior housing - Summer 2008 Wartburg Magazine - Wartburg College

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Wartburg, Bartels partner to offer senior housing

This image depicts the style Bartels Lutheran Retirement Home plans for multiple housing units in Eisenach Village. Image: © Epcon Communities Franchising, Inc. 2008

Wartburg will partner with Bartels Lutheran Retirement Community in Waverly to develop quality senior housing in a desirable location with a focus on lifelong learning, said Dr. Edith Waldstein ’73, vice president for enrollment management.

“Vibrant, active senior citizens want to be engaged and involved in life,” she added. “They want to be intellectually challenged and enjoy educational opportunities. They want access to wellness facilities and recreation. They value the freedom to pursue second careers or volunteer opportunities. They want to be able to participate in cultural activities and watch sporting events.”

The college offers these opportunities, Waldstein explained.

“Wartburg has alumni, their families, retired faculty and staff who want to be a part of this type of retirement community,” she said. “For alumni in particular, this is a community that will be in close proximity to the campus of their alma mater. “In turn, Wartburg’s faculty, students and staff will have the opportunity to develop intergenerational programming at Eisenach Village and on campus, involving the residents,” she said.

This image depicts the style Bartels Lutheran Retirement Home plans for its Eisenach Village community center. Image: © Epcon Communities Franchising, Inc. 2008

Other benefits include: • Keeping current alumni, staff, faculty and friends connected and attract some back to the area • Providing attractive neighborhood growth near campus • Expanding opportunities for student internships/practica in health-related and other areas • Volunteer and employment opportunities for students

It works out for Bartels, too, said Waldstein, as the partnership will achieve the organizational goal of growing independent living, carrying out the mission of serving the community, growing in community-based services and strengthening community integration and outreach. Preliminary site drawings are completed and Bartels will begin marketing and pre-sales this summer. Construction will begin about a year from now.