SeniorCare News
SeniorCare News
(North Strabane Township, Washington County PA) – March 11, 2022 – More than 60 people joined Presbyterian SeniorCare Network to dedicate a new, four-story independent living community that overlooks Canonsburg Lake and will meet the needs of the area’s senior citizens.
Encore on the Lake is an independent living membership community that opened in mid-December on McDowell Lane in North Strabane Township. The new building offers 80 apartments and modern amenities for active adults who want to be part of a service-enriched community. Nearly 50 percent of its apartments are sold.
At the dedication ceremony, leaders from Presbyterian SeniorCare Network and other project partners spoke about the vision and purpose for the new community, which will serve the area’s seniors who are looking for friendship on the lake. Encore members also attended.
Jim Pieffer, President and CEO of the nonprofit Presbyterian SeniorCare Network, noted the Network’s more than 90-year history of serving older adults as a ministry. He also noted the complexity of the development process for building Encore on the Lake, particularly during the time of the COVID-19 pandemic. “It took outstanding partnerships and cooperation to complete this project during such a difficult time,” Mr. Pieffer said. “I want to acknowledge all our partners who worked so diligently to bring this community to fruition in spite of the obstacles.”
Mr. Pieffer also gratefully acknowledged that the land for Encore on the Lake was donated 30 years ago by Ed Ryan, founder of Ryan Homes.
Jon Fletcher, Vice President of Senior Housing Partners (the Network’s development partner), said it was easy to see the potential and opportunity of building in North Strabane Township. “It wasn’t without risk, though, breaking ground in summer 2020 in the middle of a pandemic,” Mr. Fletcher said. “However, after much thought, prayer, and deliberation, we believed that there was a pocket of unmet need and looked to our partners to help make the vision become a reality.”
Bobbi Jo Haden, Vice President of Retirement Services for Presbyterian SeniorCare Network, recalled early discussions about Encore on the Lake with Mr. Pieffer and Paul Winkler, past President and CEO of Presbyterian SeniorCare Network.
“I will never forget how excited they were when they spoke about their vision of bringing a membership community, and the first of its kind to this beautiful location on Canonsburg Lake in Washington County,” Ms. Haden said.
The apartments offer open floor plans, private balconies, and modern conveniences and style. Finishes include granite countertops and stainless-steel appliances. Each apartment is designed for older adults, with a focus on smart technology and maintenance-free living. One of the key benefits included in an Encore membership is access to 60 days of care at a Network community offering personal care, assisted living and memory care. Speaking of those amenities, Bud Wilson, President of Mistick Construction, said “for all the residents who live here, I envy you.”
In a moving gesture, Mr. Wilson, as the builder, and Jon Fletcher, as the development partner, officially turned over the building to the care of Presbyterian SeniorCare Network, marking a new phase in the life of this state-of-the-art residence.
Pastor Gary Gibson, Director of Spiritual Life at Presbyterian SeniorCare Network, offered a benediction and also shared a poem he wrote for the dedication. Craig Pfautz, Director of Sales and Referral Development for Encore on the Lake, highlighted growth, appreciation, and the benefit members will gain from being part of 90-plus years of experience of Presbyterian SeniorCare Network.
About Encore on the Lake
Encore on the Lake membership community is in the heart of Washington County, approximately 20 miles from downtown Pittsburgh, nestled in a natural serene lakeside setting that promotes wellness, vitality and a socially engaging independent lifestyle.
The four-story building offers 80 one- or two-bedroom apartment homes for active adults seeking friendship on the lake as part of a service-enriched community. Encore on the Lake and the Presbyterian SeniorCare Network offer multiple resources within one membership community, including priority access to higher levels of care within the Presbyterian SeniorCare Network.
Encore on the Lake was designed by Pope Architects of St. Paul, MN. The general contractor was Mistick Construction of Pittsburgh, PA. Construction on the building began in May 2020. The building is owned and operated by Encore Living Group, Inc., an affiliate of Presbyterian SeniorCare Network. The non-profit, faith-based Presbyterian SeniorCare Network has been serving older adults and their families in western Pennsylvania for over 90 years, with more than 1,600 employees who serve the needs of more than 6,500 older adults. For more information, visit www.EncoreOnTheLake.org.