Photo courtesy of The Glebe
The Glebe, a LifeSpire of Virginia senior living community in Daleville, has begun its $25 million expansion project that will provide more independent living cottages and upgraded amenities while boosting the local economy. The expansion includes additional space for senior housing, upgraded dining experiences, and more room for community events. A formal groundbreaking for the cottages was held at 3:30 p.m. on Thursday, June 27.
A total of 22 new cottages will be added to the campus. These new residences are specifically designed to allow seniors to age in place, maintenance and worry-free. The first set of cottages is expected to be ready by early 2025. The arrival of this new housing is very timely.
U.S. Census data shows that persons older than 60 years of age account for 28 percent of the overall population in Roanoke County. In adjacent Botetourt County, seniors account for 32 percent. The data also shows that the senior population is growing, driven by the aging Baby Boomer generation. This is creating an increasing consumer demand for attractive, new senior housing infrastructure.
The new cottages at The Glebe will feature large, open floor plans up to 2,500 square feet, expansive living and dining areas, state-of-the-art kitchens, and a two-car garage with a front-row mountain view. The demand for the project is demonstrated by the fact that all the cottages have already been reserved.
“The Glebe is a beautiful five-star senior living community surrounded by gorgeous, landscaped views of the Blue Ridge and Allegheny Mountains,” said Ellen D’Ardenne, Executive Director for The Glebe. “We are excited to enter this next phase of development with additional housing and upgraded dining experiences for current and future residents.”
LifeSpire of Virginia purchased the 65 acres of the Ikenberry Orchards, where the community is located now, decades ago. The new cottages are being partially developed on the Ikenberry House property, which was purchased in 2013. “The old Ikenberry House was uninhabitable and unused space,” said Mark Ikenberry. “Our family is happy to see the land go to good use by offering more housing options for local seniors in the community we care about so much.”
Over the next 24 months, The Glebe will expand and add amenities to its already robust senior living community to include a larger multi-purpose room, renovated culinary spaces and a new tavern.
The Botetourt Room, The Glebe’s multi-purpose room used to host community events, will get an upgrade by adding more than 1,300 square feet, allowing more room for community gatherings, performances, shows, and lectures. The room will total just over 3,700 square feet, offering more options than ever for entertainment.
The current Depot Café will get a complete makeover, emerging as The Marketplace, creating a modern, casual dining experience for residents. The new dining area will host additional seating, a covered patio and stone fireplace. Residents dining at The Marketplace will be able to enjoy an expanded cooking line and grill, a fire deck pizza oven, fresh salad bar and grab-and-go items. Private dining will be available in the newly decorated Blue Ridge Dining Room for special occasions and events, by reservation only.
Adjacent to The Marketplace will be a brand-new tavern with a large-screen television and billiards. The new tavern gives residents a place to gather, relax and enjoy spending time with each other in a shared space. In addition, a new coffee and bake shop is being added near the Allegheny Dining Room offering a warm ambiance, comfortable seating, and coffee artistry.
As part of the renovations, The Glebe’s Assisted Living kitchen is being upgraded to provide an elevated dining experience for residents featuring fresh made-to-order meals.
“These projects represent a significant investment to our residents at The Glebe,” said D’Ardenne. “Today’s seniors want more options and want to stay independent as long as possible. We could not be more thrilled to provide these experiences now and in the future.”
