By By ERIKA PICKLES / Niles Daily Star
NILES – A groundbreaking ceremony for the new Woodland Terrace of Longmeadow was held Friday afternoon in the Longmeadow subdivision. The new assisted-living facility will focus on helping people with memory difficulties.
Woodland Terrace is locally owned and operated by the Dockerty family, who also own the Woodland Terrace in Bridgman.
"We're very happy to be part of the Niles community. We looked around at several places, but thought it would be nice to do something for the seniors in this area," Mary Dockerty said.
The 60-unit, 52,000 square foot facility will cost $7 million, which Dockerty admitted was a big investment.
"It will be great for the Niles community as it will bring around 40 new jobs to the area and around 70 when it's complete," Dockerty said.
Dockerty explained that 30 of those 60 units will be used for assisted living, while the other 30 will be for seniors with memory difficulties. The project is expected to be finished in 12-14 months, and after all of the units are filled, they plan to expand and add another 40 units.
Woodland terrace offers studio, one and two bedroom apartments. Services will include housekeeping, laundry, dining services, on and off site activities and personal assistance as needed.
One unique attraction will be the center core area with an "old town square" atmosphere.
"My son actually has done quite a bit of research on the history of Niles and we want to create something that symbolizes this community, maybe like a store front or the train station," Dockerty explained. Also included will be a few other special spots, including a post office, beauty shop and a rehabilitation area.
The Dockerty's opened the Woodland Terrace in Bridgman 10 years ago and have had very positive responses from it. It even received the Michigan Governor's Quality Care Award for excellence in senior care.
Dockerty said it was her husband, Don, who got her involved with the senior community.
"In 1974, we moved to Bridgman from the other side of the state and he worked as the administrator of Jordan's Nursing Home in Bridgman. I was a stay at home mom at the time, so I always took the kids to the nursing home and we would do fun activities with the seniors," Dockerty said.
She even admitted her family would spend Christmas Eve with the residents, singing songs and doing other activities to celebrate the holiday.
"They grew up around senior residents and it was our dream to do something in the senior community," Dockerty said.
In 1997, that dream came true as the Dockertys opened Woodland Terrace in Bridgman.
The Dockertys have three children, Tim Dockerty, Todd Dockerty and Tonya Margaritis, who all are involved with the facilities.
"We've even passed our love of this down to our grandchildren, who make frequent visits to the Bridgman facility," Dockerty said.
The family, as a team, has a mission to provide service that reflects the Christian values of respecting every individual, providing to maintain the dignity of each individual, providing services that promote excellence and treating others the way we would wish to be treated.
Jane Tenney, developer of Londmeadow, could not be in attendance, but provided a statement, which was read by Chamber of Commerce president Ron Sather. Tenney said Woodland Terrace is a wonderful addition to Longmeadow and the Niles community.
Chief Executive of Niles Charter Township Bill Myers said facilities like Woodland Terrace are much needed not only here, but in the entire state.
"We welcome you to Niles Township with open arms," Myers said.
Exquisite Homes of Michigan (EX2) out of Berrien Springs is the general contractor for the project. EX2 constructed the Woodland Terrace in Bridgman as well.