Weitz Completes Construction of Unique Tucson Senior Living Community

Settled among the Catalina foothills and alongside the Rillito River is the newest senior living community in Tucson, Ariz. – Hacienda at the River. In collaboration with Watermark Retirement Communities and The Freshwater Group of Tucson, The Weitz Company is proud to announce the completion of this integrative healthcare community that is the first senior living community to offer on-campus equine therapy for those suffering from dementia, Alzheimer’s or depression.

Hacienda at the River’s grand opening, hosted by Watermark Retirement Communities, was celebrated at the community on April 20. The assisted living, memory care and rehabilitation facility that includes skilled nursing with hospice care embraced the site’s history as a horse ranch by choosing to incorporate equine therapy.

Lush patios, raised garden beds and fountains connect the four buildings that sit on the seven-acre campus. Spanish architectural design is laced throughout the Hacienda Homes and The Springs (the two senior care components of the community).

The Hacienda Homes are four, single-story buildings that can accommodate 15-18 residents in private suites. One of the homes provides memory care; the other three provide assisted living. Residents’ private suites expand off the Hacienda Homes’ common spaces such as the kitchen, dining room, living room, sunroom and covered porch. Each home has either a communal or a private patio. Residents have universal caregivers called Nayas who are responsible for all aspects of the residents’ well-being. The homes are interconnected by gardens and shaded courtyards.

The Springs, a 74,000-square-foot, two-story care center, offers skilled nursing and rehab care with 65 beds. In addition to the bedroom suites, The Springs has a dining venue, café, theater, clubroom, meeting rooms and a central courtyard with gardens.

Before transforming into a senior living campus, the seven-acre site was a horse ranch. Watermark Retirement Communities decided to keep that theme and implement an equestrian component into its new community. Hacienda at the River is the first senior living community to offer on-campus equine therapy for residents and family members. The 1,600-square-foot stable building can accommodate four horses and has a paddock and tack room. The stables allow residents and families with dementia, Alzheimer’s and depression to come in for therapy sessions that involve everything from gently touching a horse to possibly riding it.

“We focus on developing long-term relationships with our clients, which is based on transparency and integrity. You hear those words thrown around a lot, but they are exemplified within Watermark Retirement Communities and The Freshwater Group,” said Chris Harrison, executive vice president and general manager at The Weitz Company. “David Freshwater’s interest in developing, acquiring and managing retirement communities has existed for more than 30 years. He understands that Baby Boomers want choice and brings a unique perspective of innovation and collaboration to the profession. David consistently keeps the future issues of senior housing front and center. It has been a pleasure working with Watermark and The Freshwater Group on Hacienda at the River.”

Hacienda at the River was designed by RTKL Associates in Los Angeles and Indevco Architecture in Tucson.

For more information on Hacienda at the River, visit www.haciendariver.watermarkcommunities.com.