Movers and Shakers: Autumn of Sarasota Hosts Ribbon-Cutting Event

SARASOTA – Gulf Coast senior living developer Autumn Senior Living hosted a celebratory ribbon-cutting and grand opening event for the new Autumn of Sarasota Wednesday, August 13 and Thursday, August 14, 2014, at 3251 Proctor Road. The two-day celebration was attended by more than 500 guests, who were treated to an exclusive first look at the area’s newest and most advanced memory care community. “We are thrilled to open the doors to innovation and exceptional memory care for the people of Sarasota,” said Jim Soper, CEO of Autumn Senior Living. “We look forward to doing our part to help boost the local economy by adding jobs and generating business opportunities, all while providing world-class support and care for those in need.”

Along with the official ribbon cutting and tours of the grounds, Autumn staff demonstrated how on-site technologies guarantee resident safety as well as allow for the most independent lifestyle possible in memory care living. “Our approach was to create a community that embraces what healthy living with Alzheimer’s and other dementias is really about,” said Jack DePizzo, Chairman of Autumn Senior Living. “The result is a home that encourages residents to live well, enjoy every day and make every moment count.”

The state-of-the-art community will incorporate two phases of construction. Autumn estimates the total cost of the two-phase project at over $65 million. Phase I, which is now open for residents offers 80 residences dedicated to providing a safe, caring home for those with memory care needs. Designed in cooperation with the USF Health Byrd Alzheimer’s Institute, a leader in dementia research and care, Phase I features a host of custom services, amazing amenities and fun activities to help individuals and families through each stage ofmemory loss.

Phase II, to be started in 2015, will expand the campus to an additional 220 I-Lite residences. I-Lite is Autumn’s innovative concept of blending assisted living services with the comfort of independence. I-Lite residents can keep the lifestyles they enjoyed before moving into Autumn while having services brought to them. Once fully operational, Autumn will have created 200-250 full-time professional jobs for Sarasota.

Local dignitaries assisting with the Autumn of Sarasota official ribbon cutting on Aug. 13, 2014 in Sarasota, FL include: Veronica Brady, Senior Vice President of Philanthropy at the Gulf Coast Community Foundation; Danny Bilyeu, Field Rep. for Congressman Vern Buchanan; Jack DePizzo, Chairman of ASL; Jim Soper, CEO of ASL; Charles D. Hines, Esq., Sarasota County Commissioner District 5 (Chair); Kevin Bessolo of Bessolo Design Group; Tom Esselman, CEO of Institute for the Ages.

Autumn Senior Living, LLC is an assisted living facility development and management company located in Sarasota, Florida. With over four decades of experience, the team has managed 45 properties totaling more than 3,600 units. To learn more about Autumn of Sarasota’s services and amenities, please visit AutumnAssistedLiving.com or call 727-342-0253.

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