Hundreds of people recently gathered for a ribbon-cutting for The Arbor, new independent living apartments available through Orchard Ridge. 

“I’m on the list. I’m not ready immediately to move in, but I like this place,” Coeur d’Alene resident Bridget Hill said while touring the available units with a beverage in hand. 

For Hill, the appeal also lies in the crossover between the historic buildings that once populated the area and the venture's nonprofit mission to create a more accessible future for seniors. 

“This was an important part of Coeur d’Alene with the old homes and now this is a nonprofit,” Hill said. “I know a lot of people who are thinking about coming here. It's a nice piece of property.” 

The independent living site has 31 units and already has a full waitlist for market-price spots. One-bedroom apartments are 605 square feet, two-bedroom apartments are 877 square feet, and there are options in between, ranging from $2,100 to $3,100 per month, utilities included.

Units are ADA-compliant and include a washer and dryer, dishwasher, garbage disposal, walk-in showers, balconies or walk-out patios, and carports.

JoAnn and Kay Nelson were eager to walk through the units and see for themselves how they measure up to other housing in the area. 

“We signed up and they called us right away,” Kay said.  

JoAnn was most pleased with the spacing and layout. 

“These are lovely and this is a great kitchen,” she said. 

The Arbor apartments officially open in March. Residents must be 62 years of age or older to live there. 

Amenities include bus service to shopping areas, a convenience grocery store, an optional meal plan, a beauty salon and entertainment events and outings. 

Orchard Ridge administrative specialist Kayla McComb said the community focus is a major draw for those wishing to become residents at The Arbor.

“We've got exercise rooms — a thrift store — the thrift store is very popular and we’ve got our own little library,” McComb said. 

Orchard Ridge has served seniors for over 100 years. Its campus consists of 154 one-bedroom apartments for low-income seniors and 69 assisted living and memory care units. Orchard Ridge is governed by a board of directors and employs about 80 people.

    Marc Wallace, Jim Scharnhorst and Kay Nelson share a laugh while walking through the new independent living apartments at The Arbor at Orchard Ridge in Coeur d'Alene.
  

    The Arbor at Orchard Ridge in Coeur d'Alene.