FeatherStone senior living community hosts grand opening celebration

FeatherStone at Hickory Hill, a new senior living community in Iowa City, held its grand opening event Oct. 17. The event included an open house, tours, and a ribbon-cutting ceremony ringing in the complex’s debut.  Attendees enjoyed cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, and live entertainment from local jazz ensemble The George Jazz Group, before the official ceremony. […]

FeatherStone at Hickory Hill, a new senior living community in Iowa City, held its grand opening event Oct. 17. The event included an open house, tours, and a ribbon-cutting ceremony ringing in the complex’s debut.  Attendees enjoyed cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, and live entertainment from local jazz ensemble The George Jazz Group, before the official ceremony. Iowa City Mayor Pro Tem Mazahir Salih opened with dedication remarks, speaking on the importance of the facility for the city’s older residents.  “Our senior residents are an integral part of our community; many have helped shape this city, contributed to its growth, and have played a part in creating the welcoming village we all love today,” Ms. Salih said. “As our residents enter this stage of life, it is our responsibility to ensure they have resources, support, and quality housing that allow us to act with dignity and remain connected to our community.”

FeatherStone — located at 2450 Hickory Trail — initially opened in August with 122 residences, including studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom floorplans. The community provides tailored living, assisted living, and memory care options.  The facility was designed by AG Architecture and built by Des Moines-based Nelson Construction & Development, which both had representatives at the ribbon cutting. FeatherStone is managed by Franciscan Advisory Services, a division of Franciscan Ministries, and sponsored by the Franciscan Sisters of Chicago.  Regina Umanskiy, president and CEO of Franciscan Advisory Services, also spoke at the event.  “We believe that senior living is about continuing your journey with purpose, and it is this purpose that calls us to help make an impact on the lives of so many,” said Ms. Umanskiy. “We're focused on making a positive impact throughout our philosophy, living joyfully, which is the deepest expression of our mission by providing services, care, education and guidance with a focus on well-being … We have been welcomed with open arms from Iowa City, and for that, I thank you very much.”  Jacob Wolfgang, director of development with Nelson Construction, spoke on the progress of the build and thanked those who helped make it possible. He noted that his team finished the project four months ahead of schedule, and told the story of how FeatherStone acquired one of the Herky on Parade statues. Construction on the facility first began in 2020.  “Just like any successful project, ours is filled with people who came to work every day and did amazing work in the background not expecting any credit,” Mr. Wolfgang said. “Your dedication and hard work have been key to preparing FeatherStone for our residents. Thank you. And lastly, to our residents and their families, I want to say thank you for trusting us and we are committed to providing a place where your loved ones will feel supported and at home.” 

He also noted that FeatherStone donated nearly 40 acres of land containing prairie grass preserves, walking trails, and picnic shelters to Hickory Hill Park, with acreage now totaling 220 acres.  Greater Iowa City Ambassador and owner of Early Bird Cafe Rachel Scott was also in attendance and spoke on the community impact of a facility like FeatherStone. “Featherstone represents a new era of senior living in Iowa City,” Ms. Scott said. “Here you enjoy an active, fulfilling lifestyle tailored to your unique story in a humanity-rich community that is contemporary and refined, yet comfortable and welcoming ... You have made an investment, not only in your organization, but in our community.”  FeatherStone Executive Director Tracy Sherzer closed out the ceremony speeches, touching on the future of the facility. She called up one of FeatherStone’s first moved-in residents to cut the ribbon.  “We've built a community of staff that embodies the same mission and vision that we started with, and we continue to grow together to achieve the title of the best assisted living community in the Corridor,” Ms. Sherzer said.