Vista Rose Senior Apartments – Grand Opening!

On a glorious sunny day and with over 75 people attending, Vista Rose Senior Apartments celebrated it’s Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting ceremony on Wednesday, September 12th at noon on site at 1250 N. Lucille Avenue. Representatives from local city government, funding sources, area housing industry parties, and interested well-wishers and residents of the the facility gathered under the tent for an introduction to the facility and speeches by development and funding leaders about the project.

An opening welcome and moderation of the program was done by property manager, Valley Residential Services’s President and CEO, John Weaver followed by a blessing and prayer by Tim Carrick, pastor of the United Protestant Presbyterian Church of Palmer. An introduction to the development of Vista Rose Senior Apartments was given by AMG and Associates partner, Cameron Johnson who spoke of his connection to the City of Wasilla and his hope of using his experience and connections to bring more housing options to the area. He talked about the two phases of construction at Vista Rose and mentioned that Phase I was 42 units of one and two bedroom apartments and the community center and Phase II was another 36 units adjacent and due to begin opening October 1st.

The Executive Director  and CEO of the Alaska Housing Finance Corporation, Bryan Butcher spoke of the need for housing, especially for seniors, the fastest growing segment of  population here in the Mat-Su Valley. City of Wasilla mayor, Bert Cottle spoke also of the need for senior housing and praised the developers efforts to meet this critical need. Jim Beck, program officer for seniors of the Mat-Su Health Foundation spoke on behalf of the rapidly growing senior population in Mat-Su and the need for affordable housing for seniors. Following the speeches everyone gathered at the community room entrance for a Ribbon Cutting ceremony conducted by enthusiastic key members of the development and financial supporters of the project, plus VRS Board members Phyllis Sullivan, Carolyn Covington, and Donni Mitchell with the ribbon held by VRS Housing Administrators Angie Mills and Melissa Bybee .

A light lunch and refreshments were offered and a tour of the facility and open house of one of the remaining units followed. Positive remarks for such amenities as the fenced dog park, covered parking, community gardens and picnic area were offered and praise for the washer/dryer and dishwasher and private balcony in each unit was  commented upon.