By AARON MUELLER
Niles Daily Star

It didn’t take long for Woodland Terrace to gain popularity.

In just its third week since opening, the senior living residence already has half of its units full.
The assisted living complex, located at 13 Longmeadow Village Drive off of Niles-Buchanan Road, had an open house for medical professionals Thursday and has its public open house and ribbon cutting scheduled for March 21.

Woodland Terrace is a 50,000 square-foot, 60-unit campus with studio, one- and two-bedroom apartments.

Owners Mary and Don Dockerty, who have combined experience of more than 70 years in the health care industry, run the building with their sons Tim and Todd with a vision to provide holistic Christian care and service to residents over age 60. The Dockertys also own a sister facility in Bridgman, which has been in operation since 1997.

“We provide meals, housekeeping and help with walking, bathing and medications,” Mary said. “We also have a special unit for people with dementia.”

The complex has a “town square” in the center with a cafe with snacks available 24 hours a day, a lobby, computer nook and fitness center.

Staff trained in senior care are available 24 hours a day as well.

Dockerty said she and her husband saw a niche in the senior living market more than a decade ago.

“Not everyone needs a nursing home,” Dockerty said. “This is for people who do not need 24 hour care. It’s more homey for them.”

For more information on the facility, call (269) 683-7900.