PHOTO JOHN FRYMAN / THE VILLAGE REPORTER
GROUNDBREAKING CEREMONY … Taking part in the groundbreaking ceremony of the Fountain Creek Senior Villas on Wednesday, June 10 were (from left) Moe Ghahattar of Pure Construction; Betsy Weller of CIMS Property Management; Keegan Booth of Frontier Community Services; Dawn Fitzcharles of the Williams County Port Authority; Bryan Mayor Carrie Schlade; Bill Farnsel of the Ohio Housing Finance Authority; Todd Krumwiede of PNC Bank; Joe Kimbell of the Williams County Port Authority; and Brian Sylvester of Frontier Community Services.
By: John Fryman
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
john@thevillagereporter.com
With construction already underway on the long-awaited Fountain Creek Senior Villas, groundbreaking ceremonies were held on Wednesday, June 10 for the $14 million, 50-unit senior living complex located off of Fountain Grove Drive in Bryan.
The event was an opportunity to highlight the collaboration between local and state officials and agencies including the City of Bryan, Williams County Port Authority and developer Frontier Community Services who have worked hard to make the complex a reality.
Pure Construction of Fort Wayne, Indiana is the contractor for the Fountain Creek Senior Villas.
The complex is expected to be completed by spring 2027. It will feature two-bedroom, one-bathroom single-floor units with attached garages, energy efficient appliances, and community spaces.
“Today is an incredibly special day for the City of Bryan and Williams County,” said Bryan Mayor Carrie Schlade.
“We are here to celebrate a massive milestone, the Fountain Creek Senior Villas, a beautiful 50-unit senior housing complex right here off of Fountain Grove Drive.”
The need for housing began years ago, beginning with conversations with state officials with the focus on urgent housing needs within the region.
“This project isn’t just about constructing buildings; it’s about taking care of our people,” said the mayor.
“By providing safe, modern, and affordable two-bedroom villas for our neighbors age 55 and over, we are providing a much needed resource for our aging residents.”
Schlade credited the partnership with the Williams County Port Authority alongside their development partner at Frontier Community Services for getting the senior housing project off the ground.
“When we first started advocating for our region, state officials gave us invaluable advice,” said Schlade.
“They encouraged us to engage our local Port Authority, and we took that advice to heart.”
The mayor also extended a special thank you to Patti Rockey and Jon Husted, whose visionary suggestion to restructure the Williams County Port Authority completely transformed the ability to drive local economic development.
She also thanked the Bryan Area Foundation, which contributed $100,000 toward the project.
Schlade appreciated the efforts of Dawn Fitzcharles, Dave Newcomer, Bill Martin, Shawn Rupp, Joe Kimbell, and the rest of the Williams County Port Authority board for their relentless work.
“Dawn (Fitzcharles) put it best when she called this project ‘a hard fought hallelujah for Bryan,’” commented the mayor.
“It took three competitive application cycles to secure the funding and we never gave up.”
She mentioned that Fitzcharles had set up a visit to a similar complex in Delphos five years ago.
“That day, we saw villas in pristine condition over a decade after they were built, met with residents proud to live there and a site manager who deeply cared about the seniors living within that complex,” said the mayor.
Fitzcharles said the complex is a win for the city and the county and thanked Keegan Booth of Frontier Community Services for help in guiding the project.
“When we told you our story, you grasped a hold of it, and have just championed the whole initiative,” said Fitzcharles in thanking Booth for her efforts.
Brian Sylvester, who is the Chief Operating Officer for Frontier Community Services, said he was excited to celebrate the groundbreaking opportunity for Fountain Creek Senior Villas.
“I want to thank all of our supporters and our dedicated team for making this opportunity possible,” said Sylvester.
Todd Krumwiede, senior vice president for PNC Bank multi-family capital group commented in regards of the affordable housing tax credits providing affordable rent for local tenants.
He also gave special recognition to Booth, who worked day and night to get to where the project is today.
“These deals are never easy to close,” said Krumwiede. “The length of time from when Keegan (Booth) and her team put an application together and all the way to today is extensive and it takes a ton of work, a ton of partners to get everybody coordinated to the closing table.
“Congratulations to the Frontier team and everybody involved here and we’re proud to be a part of it.”
Ashley Aston who serves as the Northwest Ohio deputy district director for U.S. Senator Jon Husted who was unable to attend, read a proclamation from the Montpelier native congratulating all the community partners that made the new addition in Bryan possible.
“Senator (Jon) Husted is honored to recognize Fountain Creek Senior Villas as they celebrate the groundbreaking of a newly constructed 50-unit senior housing development,” said Aston in a prepared statement from Husted.
“This investment in the Bryan community will make a profound impact on Northwest Ohio’s older adults providing resources needed for aging residents.”
LuAnne Cooke who serves as the legislative aide for Ohio Senate President Rob McColley read a proclamation from his office.
“Today you’re not just breaking ground on a building, you’re laying the foundation or connection for your seniors, and this phase will be more than walls and windows,” Cook said.
“It will be a place where stories are shared, friendships are formed, and every resident is valued at home. This project is proof of what can happen when a community comes together for a shared vision.”
A.J. Novachek, representing the office of Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose, read a proclamation on behalf of the State of Ohio recognizing the groundbreaking of the Fountain Creek Senior Villas.
“This certificate of commendation is tendered on behalf of the State of Ohio as a token of our gratitude and admiration for the impact they are making,” said Novachek.
“Business like Fountain Creek Senior Villas provide affordable and comfortable housing for seniors, create jobs and support local economies, making Ohio a better place to live, work or to raise a family.
“As Ohio’s 51st Secretary of State, it’s with a great pride that I recognize the groundbreaking of Fountain Creek Senior Villas.”
