Subdivision designed to cater to needs of seniors

Mike Kahle, an artist of sorts, is preparing to craft and mold a retirement community.

The self-employed businessman who creates artificial animals for museum displays, plans to break ground next week on a 24-unit senior subdivision called Village of Boulder Creek, located on U.S. Highway 34 outside of Jackson, a quarter-mile from the 34/72 intersection.

The subdivision will consist of 24 one-level houses, which will be completely handicapped accessible with no steps. The homes will be between 900 and 1,000 square feet on 100- by 140-foot lots. They will be equipped with many senior amenities like wider doors for wheelchairs and sit-down showers -- and will rent for $750 per month.

Kahle hopes to draw the seniors who don't want to live in, own or maintain a big house, but can afford something bigger than an apartment.

"This development is modeled after the needs of my mom," Kahle said. "She is very independent, travels and still works part-time at the age of 70. This is the type of customer we are looking for. She can live in her own home, maintenance free if she chooses, and we give her the option to live some place other than an apartment or duplex."

Kahle also has plans to provide an optional maintenance package that includes lawn mowing, a security system, house cleaning, snow removal, garden tilling, planting flowers and the putting up and taking down of Christmas lights.

"I'm a Christmas guy," Kahle said. "I see too many seniors sitting at home doing nothing with no Christmas decorations at Christmas."

The cost of those services can be paid up front or spread out over 12 months and added to the rental amount.

Kahle said he is confident that there is a market for such housing in Jackson.

Debbie Stockton, the director of Jackson's senior center, said most of the seniors she comes in contact with couldn't afford $750 per month. However, she said there is nothing like Kahle's development in Jackson.

"Right now, there is senior housing where you can go if you have low income," she said. "But there's nothing like what he's having. I think it will be great."

Shirley Ramsey, housing coordinator for the Community Caring Council, agreed.

"I've seen a market study for Jackson and Jackson has senior housing for low income," she said. "In Cape Girardeau, there is the Chateau Village, Saxony Lutheran, places like that where people are finding that their homes are too much to manage and they're wanting something a little more luxurious than apartments. A lot of people want to live in houses instead of apartments."

bmiller@semissourian.com

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