SANDPOINT -  After years of planning and months of construction, Sandpoint's Luther Park senior-housing community is nearing the end of its construction phase and will open in mid-December.

Pastor Dave Olson of First Lutheran Church said construction on the project went exceedingly well and everyone involved is thrilled with the results.

"We're delighted that the construction phase - which tends to wear on a little bit — is coming to an end. Things are coming together very well, especially as we deal with the excitement of residents getting ready to move in. It just makes everything worthwhile," Olson said.

Olson said the focus in designing Luther Park was to create an empowering, vibrant community that helps a person stay as independent as possible and continue living in a community that they love, and he said those goals have been reached.

According to the facility's planners, the state-of-the-art senior community will provide a number of firsts in the Sandpoint area, including a physical connection to First Lutheran Church and a range of services for independent living, assisted living and specialized memory care. Because all services are offered in one location, planners believe it will lessen the need for residents to travel for additional services.

 Luther Park will also introduce the area to QuietCare sensor technology. The QuiteCare system uses unobtrusive sensors in individual apartments to help enhance wellness and independence by helping identify small health issues before they grow larger, according to a company press release.

Officials also named Wendy Traffie as Luther Park's administrator. Prior to moving to Sandpoint this summer, Traffie served as director of Lakeview Commons, an assisted living community in suburban Minneapolis.

"Wendy has been a successful administrator at two facilities in Minnesota and is very gifted at leading a staff and running a facility in a very efficient and caring manner," Olson said.

Luther Park has a limited number of suites remaining. To learn more about Luther Park of Sandpoint, go to www.luther-park.org or call 263-2048.