Groundbreaking Celebrates New Era for East Ridge at Cutler Bay

MIAMI, FL, April 17, 2014 (Press-News.org) The groundbreaking ceremony at East Ridge at Cutler Bay marked a new chapter in the community's 50+ year history and the official start of the community's expansion.

"This long awaited vision of our residents has now become reality," said Executive Director Victoria Duvall, as she addressed residents, employees, dignitaries and various consultants involved in the expansion.

The $70 million expansion for Miami-Dade County's only life care community will refresh residential service areas and add new memory support, assisted living, skilled nursing and a state-of-the-art rehabilitation center.

Demolition of eight residential buildings began in late March. It is estimated that the completion of the expansion facilities will be in 18 months.

President of Santa Fe Senior Living Troy Hart thanked the Town of Cutler Bay for their support and acknowledged East Ridge team members and residents.

"We celebrate your future at East Ridge," he said, recognizing the community's residents. "You have had the faith and confidence to make East Ridge part of your lives. Thank you for your dedication and support.

East Ridge has a wonderful legacy of services and as we look to growth, our mission is to continue enrich the life of each senior we serve. There is a great need for additional services including memory care and quality assisted living and skilled nursing facilities."

Board Chairman Jay Perkins said, "The involvement of residents has been instrumental in research and conceptual planning for the facilities. It has been their goal to make this a vital community asset for generations to come."

The expansion's new buildings are designed to blend architecturally with East Ridge additions which include the community's fitness center and lifestyle-activity buildings. A Key West-inspired architectural style has been designed by AG Architectural of Wisconsin, the firm which originated the concept for overall expansion of the campus with a unified architectural theme.

Partnering on the project is LECESSE Construction Company and the Miami-based Arellano Construction Company for project management and general contractor services.

About East Ridge at Cutler Bay

Celebrating over 50 years serving Miami-Dade County, East Ridge at Cutler Bay, a SantaFe Senior Living Community, is the area's only life care community incorporating eight components of wellness: social, vocational, intellectual, spiritual, physical, emotional, and environmental and health services in every facet of its lifestyle. The community draws from the rich neighborhood charm of suburban Cutler Bay and the vibrancy of Miami in a lush tropical environment of 76 acres. East Ridge, located at 19301 SW 87th Avenue, offers a continuum of care, including independent and assisting living, respite care and skilled nursing care and rehab. For more information, please call (305) 256-3564 for a personal tour or visit http://www.EastRidgeAtCutlerBay.com.