$78 million expansion underway at Venice senior living facility

Construction of a $78 million expansion at Village on the Isle in Venice has begun.

The project includes the addition of a 9,200-square-foot wellness center and 54 independent living units. A ceremonial groundbreaking is set for Tuesday morning.

The expansion is the second phase of a community redevelopment, according to statement on the project. The first phase was a $100 renovation that added two independent living neighborhoods with 46 residences and a health center with 64 private bedrooms and bathrooms for skilled nursing.

The Lofts, Village on the Isle’s assisted living and memory care neighborhood, was also completely remodeled during that phase, according to the statement.

As for the second phase of the project, it will include the construction of two five-story independent living buildings on the property.

The community now has 234 independent living units, 48 assisted living units, 16 memory care units and 64 private skilled nursing beds. The new buildings will add 54 independent living residences ranging from 1,300 square feet to 1,800 square feet.

The space is about 90% presold, according to the statement.

The wellness center will be built in the center of the 16-acre community and feature a fitness center, an indoor pickleball court, a spa and sauna, a poolside lounge, and a zero-entry outdoor pool.

The Core, as the wellness center will be called, will also offer fitness classes from yoga and water aerobics to functional fitness and personal training. There will also be a poolside lounge with indoor and outdoor seating that will feature a mosaic-tiled pizza oven and a full food and drink menu.

Village on the Isle is a nonprofit continuing care community at 920 Tamiami Trail S. that was founded in 1979 and affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.

It offers independent living, assisted living, memory care and skilled nursing as well as apartments and cottages for independent living. Residents can transition to living quarters with caregiver assistance if needed.