News

05.01.2006
New Retirement Community in Berks County

The Heritage of Green Hills will blend scenic setting with unique approach

(Reading, Pa.) — American Heritage Communities, Inc., announced plans today to develop The Heritage of Green Hills, a continuing care retirement community that will be Berks County’s largest. When complete, the community will offer more than 500 independent-living residences.

The Heritage of Green Hills will be built on 78 acres of hilltop land in Cumru Township, across Route 10 from the Flying Hills Golf Course. Ground breaking on construction will occur in early 2008, but the community announced that it is now accepting priority reservations from the public.

In addition to its size, The Heritage of Green Hills will be distinguished by stunning views, acres of open space and several unique elements:

• Innovative design    When completed, the gated community will offer hiking trails, exercise facilities, an indoor swimming pool, among other amenities geared toward today’s more active retirement population. The community’s design makes use of archways, rough-hewn stone and other elements carefully selected to reflect the region’s architectural heritage. 
• 100% Refundable Entrance Fee   The Heritage of Green Hills will be the area’s first community to ensure residents that the entire amount of their entrance fee will be returned to them, or to their heirs, when they leave the community.
• Well By Design^SM This free program will help each resident create an individual “path to wellness.” A team of health and fitness specialists will support residents over time as they work to keep a healthy mind, body and spirit.

Bruce E. Boyer, Chairman and President of American Heritage Communities, said the company spent years researching and planning the community’s design and service offerings. Boyer, who has close ties to Berks County, also serves as chairman of the Adventist Whole Health Network, a Wyomissing-based community health organization.

“Today’s older adults don’t accept the idea that retirement is a time to slow down. They want to stay active and continue to lead meaningful lives,” Boyer said. “We created The Heritage of Green Hills specifically for this group of retirees.”

Phase I of construction, slated to begin in early 2008, will consist of 242 one- and two-bedroom apartments, 16 villas, and a Village Center that will include a fitness center, indoor pool, café, salon and pharmacy, among other amenities.

During Phases II and III, The Heritage of Green Hills will add 242 more apartments, 29 more villas, and a second Village Center that will house a large auditorium and television studio. The completed community will also offer home health services, assisted living, memory support and nursing care.

“Our research told us that, in Berks and the surrounding region, retirees prefer to stay close to their roots and close to their families,” said Lawrence B. Murphy, Chief Operating Officer of American Heritage Communities. “Until now, they were running out of choices. The Heritage of Green Hills offers them not only a better option close to home, but also a better approach to living.”

Murphy noted that other retirement communities in the region are either near capacity or at full capacity with a waiting list.

The public can now make priority list reservations of villas and one- and two-bedroom apartments in Phase I at The Heritage of Green Hills. For more information, interested individuals may call 610.777.4431, or make reservations to attend the upcoming luncheon presentation at Reading Country Club on May 23.