Alzheimer's community nears groundbreaking

Abe's Garden approaching capital goal, Shmerling discusses master plan

Email | Print By Erin Lawley

The Alzheimer’s care facility Nashville businessman Mike Shmerling is planning near Belle Meade may break ground late this summer, Shmerling told NashvillePost.com today.

Abe’s Garden, a nonprofit organization started by Shmerling in 2008, is less than $1 million shy of the $4.5 million capital campaign milestone required to begin the first phase of a multi-stage development that will eventually include Alzheimer’s day care and residential facilities, new independent living units, and more.

The timeline for the entire project, which will be completed in five stages at a total price tag of approximately $40 million to $45 million, is still unclear.

“We want to get it done, but we want to get it done right,” Shmerling said.

The Abe’s Garden community will be located on the 7.4-acre site that currently includes senior independent-living building Park Manor, which the nonprofit purchased in 2008.

The concept is to create the ideal living arrangement for about 250 people suffering from Alzheimer’s disease by designing all buildings and amenities with the specific needs of these patients in mind. With the inclusion of research and training programs in collaboration with Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Shmerling hopes Abe's Garden becomes a model for Alzheimer's care programs across the country.

Hitting the $4.5 million mark will trigger the start of phase one, which includes an addition and renovation at Park Manor for living, dining and social areas, an 18,600-square-foot renovation of the building’s second floor to create 16 assisted-living residences and an adult-day care program for 24 Alzheimer’s patients.

Future phases will create 42 assisted-living/skilled care units for Alzheimer’s patients. The second phase will also include much of the work necessary to help the project reach its goal of LEED certification, such as the creation of a geothermal system.

The final phase is the construction of a new 60-unit independent living building, which will feature a health spa, indoor pool, covered parking and fine-dining facilities.