Morganton Boutique Retirement Community Completes Renovations

A worldwide pandemic couldn’t stop Grace Ridge Retirement Community from completing a multimillion-dollar renovation project that enhances the lives of its more than 200 residents. The One North Project opened to popular demand this month. Residents can now admire the gorgeous mountain views in the new outdoor patio space and enjoy more than 5,000 square feet of revamped and modernized space inside the community.

“This renovation is a big chapter in our 30-plus-year history, and we’re honored to be able to advance our mission of enabling seniors to flourish in a safe, caring and compassionate environment,” said Chris Romick, Grace Ridge executive director. “The added amenities have resonated with both longtime and new residents, who are drawn to the look and feel of a boutique retirement community in the foothills.”

Beginning in 2020, Grace Ridge partnered with North Carolina-based Frank L. Blum Construction Company and Steele Group Architects in the renovation project. ID Collaborative designed the interior, which includes new flooring and custom furniture to enhance the modern design and finishes. The team also made improvements to the café, beauty salon, clinic area and wellness office.

Grace Ridge residents have already begun enjoying many of the new amenities while staying vigilant during the pandemic. In January, they became some of the first people in the country to roll up their sleeves and receive the life-saving COVID-19-vaccine. More than 98% of the residents received both doses of the vaccine, thanks in a large part to their affiliation with Carolinas HealthCare System Blue Ridge. Along with administering the vaccines, the community also installed a state-of-the-art air purifying system in the health care center. The technology has been used to clean indoor air and has been proven to deactivate airborne viruses, including COVID-19.

“Throughout the pandemic, we’ve focused on the safety and wellness our residents,” noted Romick. “Our team members have worked hard to keep residents motivated and engaged through activities like balcony and hallway exercises and Zoom parties. These new amenities will enable us to continue to enhance our residents’ lives post-pandemic and for years to come.”