ELK RIDGE — The city of Elk Ridge broke ground on an assisted living facility, marking the small city’s foray into developing a business community.

The state of the art 16-bed facility, which will be located at 218 W. Olympic Lane, will provide seniors with extra help and assistance to help them maintain their independence in an apartment-style living unit.

“This is the first major economic development in Elk Ridge,” Elk Ridge Mayor Hal Shelley said. “We currently have 2,600 residents living in Elk Ridge and we are expected to continue to grow.”

Lee Haskell, the general contractor and owner of the land where the facility will be built, is a part-owner with registered nurse Chris Hermansen. Hermansen has been in the nursing field for 15 years and this has always been a dream of his.

“I have taken to geriatric patients with all my years in the nursing and administration field,” Hermansen said. “I appreciate the stories they share. These are special people.”

The building will feature spacious rooms with some of the best views of Utah County. The facility also will have two larger rooms for couples. Residents will provide their own bed, dresser drawers, television and pictures and whatever else they want to help make their room a home.

The building will be a level two facility, meaning employees will be there to help with giving medications, housekeeping and meals.

“We want to provide a place that is just like them being in their own homes,” Hermansen said. “There are even plans to provide massage chairs in the common area.”

This will be the first commercial building in Elk Ridge, and has already received support from the community. Many residents have aging family members who have shown interest in living in the facility.

Haskell and Hermansen are planning to fill the first phase of 16 beds and then add 16 more. They are confident it will not take long to fill the first phase.

“I have had the opportunity of getting to know Chris and Lee over the past year, and they both are very knowledgeable, honest and hardworking men,” said Nic Jones, Central Bank’s loan officer. “Our bank is confident that they will be successful in their business.”

The opening date for the facility is anticipated for late fall or early winter of 2013. The weather can change things but that is the goal for the opening of the facility.

Both owners look forward to becoming a valuable part of this community and an important resource to local seniors and their families.

With an opening date less than a year away detailed information will be available in the months to come. Model rooms for tours will be open by this summer.

Individuals who are interested in any information concerning this project are encouraged to contact Chris Hermansen at (801) 358-7343.