Fresno senior community to get $42 million expansion

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- Dirt is moving at the California Armenian Home to make way for its newest addition, a sprawling senior living community.

"It's going to have assisted living, independent living, memory care and cottages like duplexes," Ed Hokokian with the California Armenian Home Board Member.

Grading has been underway and crews have been putting in the infrastructure for the $42 million expansion.

"This has been a dream for the California Armenian Home for about the past 60 years," said organization president Lucy Kazanjian-Grayson.

Kazanjian-Grayson says the board has been working for years to bring funding together to expand senior living options.

Currently, about 140 people live at the home, which is made up of skilled nursing and residential spots.

There is currently a two-year waiting list for skilled nursing care.

"The need in the community is very strong for more memory care and also for assisted living and independent living," Kazanjian-Grayson said.

She adds having a community will allow couples to transition as they age or health declines.

"I think that if one spouse is sicker than the other that they would still be on the premises, it would be easy to go visit them and stay in contact with them," Kazanjian-Grayson explained. "And the children would be able to come to one place and visit both parents."

People are already signing up for a spot in the home.

Costs will start at $3,000 for the cottages a month and go up depending on care and food.

In addition to the new living communities, the 12 acres will also feature fine dining, cafe, theater, a fitness center, and shops and services.