A major donation toward independent living apartments is on the books just as HallMar Village prepares to break ground on a 237-unit complex on 42 acres east of the C Avenue Extension and northeast of Robins Road in northeast Cedar Rapids.
The Mercy Medical Center Foundation has announced a $1.5 million gift from Wayne and Nan Kocourek for the creation and formation of the Wayne and Nan Kocourek Neighborhood at HallMar Village.
The Wayne and Nan Kocourek Neighborhood will be the independent living apartments located within HallMar Village, which officials describe as “an innovative and inclusive senior living community.” The facility, set to break ground June 24, is being developed by Mercy in partnership with Presbyterian Homes & Services.
HallMar Village will also include neighborhoods for residential living and skilled nursing and will provide specialized care for those living with dementia.
The Kocoureks said they were inspired to support this project, in part, because of a personal connection they have with a family friend who was diagnosed with early onset dementia at the age of 46.
“When Wayne and I were presented with the vision of the HallMar Village project, we both knew that this was something we wanted to get behind and support financially,” Ms. Kocourek said in a release. “It is much-needed and will be an incredible addition to an already wonderful community.”
“Dementia can be devastating not only to the person living with the disease, but it has far-reaching implications for the whole family, especially the direct caregivers,” Mr. Kocourek added. “HallMar Village will provide better quality of life to those living with dementia and to the ones who love and take care of them. We are thrilled to be a part of this innovative project to create an inclusive environment for people of all ages.”
Nan Kocourek lived in Cedar Rapids for many years and raised her children here. Her four adult children continue to live in the Cedar Rapids area, while Wayne and Nan now reside in Chicago.
Part of the Prairie Landing project, HallMar Village will provide a full range of housing and services for older adults including innovative, specialized care for those living with dementia. Housing options will include independent living and residential apartments, a town center with a dedicated community room, a conservatory with plants, a wellness center, a salon/spa and a theater. Dining options will include both restaurant and bistro-style facilities.
The former Echo Hill Presbyterian Church is part of the HallMar site on C Avenue NE. It will house the Innovation Center for Aging and Dementia, where support services will be provided for people with dementia, their care partners and their families. They will include:
- Mercy’s Memory Clinic, which is currently housed at the hospital, will be relocated to the new property to conveniently serve those living on-site, as well as extend services to the broader community.
- A specialized geriatric provider will have dedicated clinic space to provide ongoing care to residents; geriatric providers will also see residents in their homes, if necessary.
- The Family Caregivers Center of Mercy outreach team will offer resources consistent with those currently provided at their 901 Eighth Ave. SE location.
- A day center will be available and tailored for early-stage dementia and inclusiveness for all.
- A living classroom will provide opportunities for various types of caregivers to learn how to better assist residents living in the facilities in which they provide care.
Construction of HallMar Village is anticipated to wrap up in 2023. For more information, visit https://www.mercycare.org/hallmarvillage.
