LAMORINDA WEEKLY | More Senior Housing Under Construction Downtown


Image provided by Merrill Gardens

First there was the 23-unit townhouse project at the site of the former Hungry Hunter at the intersection of Pleasant Hill Road, then there was the recent ground breaking of the Eden Housing project near Bo's Barbecue, now just down the block a new location of Merrill Gardens senior housing is under construction on Mt. Diablo Boulevard at Second Street. If all goes according to plan the new community should be open at the end of next year with 72 independent and assisted living apartments and a 17-person memory care unit, along with underground parking. The one and one third acre site is the consolidation of six separate parcels that included Yan's Restaurant and Keenan Heinz.

This project is the only one of the three with 6,400 square feet of retail space on the ground floor facing Mt. Diablo Boulevard and an inviting patio area that residents and the public can use. The main entrance to Merrill Gardens will be around the corner on Second Street. With over 55 facilities in nine states, this family owned and operated business has been around the block - and similar to other locations, the Lafayette facility will offer a variety of unique programs for residents, including an Active Living program and anytime dining. Unlike the Eden Housing project, where the vast majority of units are exclusively for low income residents, Merrill Gardens will offer market rate apartments. For more information, go to www.merrillgardens.com.