Hillcrest adds needed expansions

by Jamie Mahoney
Staff Writer

Marlin Heckman, a resident at Hillcrest Homes in La Verne, showed great enthusiasm for the expansion plan at the continuing care facility.

Hillcrest, a Church of the Brethren retirement community on Mountain View Drive, is currently home to 350 residents, all of whom are older than 62.

The $31.7 million expansion plan includes the construction of 10 individual homes on Park Avenue, a resident apartment building with 20 finished apartments, a new manor, an aquatic fitness center, resident center and a dining hall.

There are also plans on the drawing board for a village center, which would include a meeting room and offices.

Heckman, the University of La Verne’s retired head librarian, and his wife have been living in their newly constructed home at Hillcrest since December.

Heckman, who was at the University for 31 years, served as a board member during the Hopes and Dreams planning stage more than 20 years ago.

Portions of the expansion plan have already been completed, including the resident center, homes on Park Avenue and the manor, which is for those who need assisted living.

The new resident center has everything from a wood shop to gardening centers where each resident can have their own garden.
Heckman and his wife, who live in one of the newly constructed homes, say they are pleased.

The most anticipated part of the multi-million dollar expansion is the aquatic and fitness center. The 10,000 square foot center is tentatively scheduled to open in early March.

The center will house a pool, therapy spa, fitness center with Nautilus equipment and weights.

“The purpose of the new center is to stimulate health and well being,” said Annemarie Miller, the wellness director at Hillcrest.

Miller said the pool will be a place for those who cannot participate in normal activities to be more active.

The center will have classes to improve balance, strength, and flexibility. The classes will include yoga, tai chi and dynaband, all of which are designed to improve on physical condition.

“Our goal is to help maintain functionability of the body and improve the quality of life of our residents,” said Miller.

In addition, Hillcrest hired a personal trainer who evaluates the ability of the each resident.

The trainer plans to work with all of the residents based on their abilities.

There will be a nurse massage therapist and out patient physical therapy on site, which will be available to the public, as well as residents.

“It is exciting to see things finally coming together after so much planning,” said Heckman of the project.