More living space for seniors in Johns Creek?

If approved, a senior living community could be built on the east end of the city.

Roswell-based Principal Senior Living Group, who specializes in independent and assisted living communities, spoke to the Johns Creek Community Assocation during a community zoning information meeting Nov. 6.

The group is requesting a change in zoning from R-5 Conditional to O-I (Office-Institutional) Conditional for a 38,000 square-foot, one story, personal care facility off Fox Road, near Kimball Bridge Road.

The facility would house 59 units for seniors as well as a section of the building for residents who have memory loss. The unit sizes range from studio to one bedroom living areas.

The proposed facility would include a common dining area, living room, various common areas, a courtyard, hair salon and laundry services.

"We try to make it residential and upscale for the people who live there," said Kyle Diekmann, partner of Principal Senior Living Group, and added that the exterior of the building would have a brick and stone facade.

The average age of residents in Principal Senior Living Group's communities is 84 and the majority are women, according to Diekmann.

He said the community would have a low imapct on traffic around the area since many residents do not drive; the community provides a service that drives them to such places as doctor's appointments.

Diekmann said they would like to compete with similar senior communities in the area and because of high occupancy rates at competitors' communities there is a need for it in Johns Creek.

"The growth and quality of life in Johns Creek is the kind of community we want to be in," said Diekmann.

The property of the proposed community is adjacent to Alpharetta's Webb Bridge Park. A portion of the proposed senior community property was originally intended for a children's day care facility, but Principal Senior Living Group scratched that off the plans.

Diekmann and his partner, David Winters, said the space could be used for independent senior villas at a later date. They are not including the villas in this zoning request as the group wants to make sure there's a market for it first, according to Diekmann.

Principal Senior Living Group has developed 16 similar properties in the last 10 years throughout the Southeast.

The zoning request will be heard by the Johns Creek Planning Commission in a few weeks.

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