$3.5M project for adults with disabilities underway

Construction is about to begin on Loveland Village, a 42-apartment complex for adults with developmental disabilities.

The $3.5 million project, on South Havana Road in Venice, will help address an impending issue in the care of adults with developmental disabilities, according to officials with the Loveland Center. That issue is people who outlive their parents or their parents' caregiver ability.

“The need for a planned residential community that is safe, comfortable and affordable is critical. In Florida, there are over 15,000 people with developmental disabilities living at home with parents 70 years of age or older,” Loveland Center CEO Carl Penxa says in a release. “We are pleased to be helping to create a new resource to meet the needs of adults with developmental disabilities and their families.”
Funding for the project, scheduled for a groundbreaking June 17, comes from a capital campaign launched late last year, according to the release. The complex is next door to the Loveland Center campus and will feature a clubhouse for resident activities; a student/resident services building with meeting areas; and a health and fitness area. The project, which will house up to 94 people, has an expected completion date of late 2015. Firms working on the project include Lakewood Ranch-based Halfacre Construction; Lakewood Ranch-based Lawson Group Architects and Venice-based JE Charlotte Construction.