85-Unit Assisted Living Facility Coming to Gilbert

By Tasha Anderson for AZBEX

Abbington Senior Living Corp. is planning to bring an 85-unit assisted living facility to the SEC of Mercy and Pecos Roads in Gilbert.

A Conditional Use Permit for approximately 3.18 acres to allow a congregate living facility and a Site Plan for the facility was heard and recommended for approval at the Town of Gilbert’s April 3^rd Planning Commission Meeting.

The project, called The Abbington at Gilbert, is planned as the development of a 78.7KSF, two-story building consisting of 85 assisted living units ranging from studio, one- and two-bedroom and memory care units. 43 parking spaces are also proposed.

According to the staff report, all assisted living units will have independent bathrooms and kitchenettes. Amenities will include an ice cream bistro, common dining, healthcare facilities, fitness center and outdoor and game areas. A courtyard amenity will comprise the center of the building.

The building itself will be U-shaped and oriented toward the center of the site with a proposed maximum building height of 39 feet. The design will be a modernized version of southwest mission style that plays off of surrounding healthcare campuses.

“All sides of the building include vertical movement to break up the mass of the building,” according to the staff report. “In terms of horizontal movement, varying parapet heights, roof forms, faux chimneys and towers are utilized. The design includes EIFS with accents of concrete barrel roof tiles, brick cornice and stained wood.”

Access to the site will be from Mercy Road, which will lead to the front entrance. Access from Pecos Road onto 157^th place will also be provided.

“The northernmost access is emergency access only, providing fire apparatus access to the northern elevation of the building,” the staff report states. “The southernmost access from 157th Place does provide public access through the site and was designed to align with the EVO Swim school access on the east side of 157th Place.”

A variety of trees are proposed for the site and foundation landscaping will be provided on every side of the building. Raised planters and pergolas will be included in the center courtyard for residents.

According to the staff report, the project’s site is ideal due to its close proximity to the Mercy Gilbert Medical Center campus and surrounding medical office facilities.

The Town of Gilbert’s Planning Commission also recommended approval for Findings of Fact for the project which are:

• The project as conditioned is consistent with the applicable Design Guidelines;
• The project conforms to the General Plan, and specifically to the Land Use, Community Design, and Environmental Planning Elements;
• The project is consistent with all applicable provisions of the Zoning Code;
• The project is compatible with adjacent and nearby development; and
• The project design provides for safe and efficient provisions of public services.