12 Dec Constructing a New Vision for Senior Living
Communities throughout Maine, the oldest state in the nation, are facing the growing challenge of caring for aging populations. Mainers also possess a can-do spirit and take pride in caring for their own. As a critical care nurse for over 30 years, Amy McLellan witnessed first hand the independent spirit of her older patients and what it takes to keep people healthy and happy as they grow older. This knowledge soon turned into a passion for redefining senior living. When the former Skofield House in Brunswick became available for purchase, Amy jumped at the chance to turn her vision into reality.
“I had the passion, I had found the building, but CEI gave the project a heartbeat. (Women’s Business Center Director) Sarah Guerette asked me the tough questions. Sometimes they discouraged me, but mostly, they helped me to raise the bar on running a small business. With each question from Sarah I found the answer and together we brought The McLellan to life.”
– Amy McLellan, RN, owner of The McLellan
Nestled in the heart of Brunswick, home to Bowdoin College and a vibrant and walkable downtown, The McLelllan is billed as an alternative senior living facility with 18 creatively-designed residences encouraging residents to “live better” in every moment.
With the help of CEI’s Sarah Guerette, Loan & Investment Officer Mark Jennings, and SVP of Lending & Investment John Egan, Amy developed a business and financial plan to purchase and renovate the property. In addition to connecting Amy with other professionals who provided legal, marketing, and funding support, the Women’s Business Center at CEI has continued to weigh in on issues from permitting to publicity. Financing for the project was provided through a loan from CEI, and an SBA 504 loan from Norway Savings Bank and Granite State Development Corporation.
“It’s always so much fun to work with a client who is moving ahead at lightning speed, driven by her passion for the project,” said Sarah Guerette. “Amy has demonstrated tireless perseverance through the process of planning, permitting, financing and renovating thus far, and I’m sure the best is yet to come.”
The McLellan is currently under renovation and is scheduled to open in Spring 2017. With a focus on attracting and catering to an active senior population, The McLellan offers an on-site dining room and pub with available prepared meals, a cinema, workout facility, gardens, and many common areas including a library room.
For more information about The McLellan, please visit www.themclellan.com or email info@mclellan.com.
URL to article: http://www.ceimaine.org/about/cei-stories/the-mclellan/
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