Merrill Gardens, the largest senior housing provider in Washington, is getting even bigger.
The company will open location in downtown Kirkland in January and another near the University Village in the U-District along the Burke Gilman Trail in March.
The Kirkland location will have 100 apartments and will be located across the street from the Kirkland Senior Center. "So it's a great spot for seniors who want to maintain an active lifestyle," said Loree Wagner, public relations for Merrill Gardens. The Kirkland development is a $45 million project. Merrill Gardens doesn't have a presence on the Eastside, so locating in Kirkland made sense, she added.
The $75-million location in the U-District will have 233 apartments and will be the biggest location in the company's portfolio. The company is also working with the University Alumni Association that will allow Merrill Gardens residents access to the university library and potential discounts on other university-related activities. Wagner expects many of the eventual residents to have had some tie to the university. The Seattle-based company services about 8,000 people in 53 locations in eight states.
Merrill Gardens meanwhile continues to enjoy its status as the Family Business of the Year. The company was given the award sponsored by Pacific Lutheran University's Family Enterprise Institute. Merrill Gardens and parent R.D. Merrill Co. were chosen in the large business category from over 300 nominees in the university's Northwest Family Business Awards event.
The company was honored for innovative business strategies, business performance and contributions to the community. The company was also honored as Family Business of the Year in 2004.
"This award is a great honor because it is a tribute to the strength of the Merrill family's entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to quality. We share this honor with our extended family, especially the team members who work hard every day to make our communities a great place for our senior residents to live," said Charlie Wright, company chairman.
"R.D. Merrill and Merrill Gardens represent the best of family business success," said Catharine Pratt, Dean, Pacific Lutheran University. "It is a challenge for any firm that has existed for over 100 years to be proactive about a prosperous future. R.D. Merrill and Merrill Gardens are very successful in building onto the family's spirit of entrepreneurial thinking."[[In-content Ad]]
