A new senior housing development could soon take shape in Prescott following the city council’s approval of a concept plan for a 58-unit assisted living facility at 445 Court St. N.

The proposal, brought forward by Hearth Development, outlines a mix of 36 one-bedroom units and 22 two-bedroom units on a 2.24-acre parcel. The project is still in the early stages and must go through full site plan approval and design review before moving forward.

The proposed facility is aimed at offering light assisted living and independent senior housing.

Greg Johnson of Hearth Development told the council that their goal is to “offer some light services and care people need, not at the nursing home level.”

The development would include a 40-stall parking lot, with potential to add another 18 to 23 spaces in the future if needed. Council members discussed the possibility of underground or covered parking, especially after hearing that a majority of future residents will likely not be driving.

“It is interesting how many people want to stay in the community and have family and ties and roots to the community,” said Johnson. “Generally, it’s a 5-five mile radius that your building will attract.”

Johnson noted that their research has shown strong local demand for this kind of facility. “We’ve done some market studies and some updates, and it does show that there is a significant need here in your community for that.”

The development could also help address stormwater runoff issues on the river side of the property.

“We’ve talked with staff that perhaps this development could envelop some solutions for that as well, to help mitigate some of that storm water that they’ve been dealing with, to help with that issue as well,” said Johnson.

Beyond the building itself, council members noted the project’s potential to help improve housing dynamics in the city.

“It offers the city some flexibility to maybe get some people out of homes that otherwise don’t want to leave the community, and it opens it up for maybe some newer families to move into the community and continue that cycle of housing,” Johnson explained.

Council members expressed strong support for the project.

“I’m just so glad to see this going forward,” said Alderperson Maureen Otwell. “It’s been a long time. We really need it.” She added that she hears frequent requests for senior housing at meetings across the city.

Otwell also mentioned, “I think we are already hearing the need for underground or covered parking and so you might think about that as an option that we might be able to consider.”

Alderperson Adam Granquist agreed, suggesting that covered parking doesn’t need to be for all spaces, but rather, “the option for a select number.”

“We will certainly go and look at that,” Johnson responded.

Assuming approval of final plans and permits, Johnson said construction could begin sometime in 2026.

“Our intent would sometime be next year to break ground,” he said. “It takes about a year to build these buildings and a 2027 opening is realistic.”

Prescott residents approached the city council to express both their approval of the new development and their concerns about water runoff and parking issues.

Lois Williams, representing the Peacock Ridge Homeowners Association at Oak Street, shared the group’s mixed feelings about the new development plans.

“We’re very pleased that something is being done with the property as we’ve had a lot of issues from up there,” Williams said.

However, the association urged the city to carefully consider and monitor water runoff and the storm sewer situation, which they say “is not adequate right now.” Williams added, “We’re still having water dumping down there,” and emphasized the damage it has caused to their properties.

“We’re asking that as the plans are developed, the city would monitor that situation and that’s our only concern. Other than that, we are so pleased that that will be cleaned up and made into a beautiful property,” she said.

Mayor Robert Daugherty responded, “We are very aware of that.” He noted that the concerns about water runoff had been discussed at the Plan Commission meeting and assured residents, “so that is something that they are going to need to put in their development plan.”

Mark Most of Court Street spoke at the council meeting, noting that neighbors understand there is a major need for the development. However, he raised a concern that the project “could end up being low-income housing,” referencing a previous development that was intended for senior housing but was converted to low-income housing after it couldn’t be filled.

Daugherty responded: “No there will not be any low income. So, whatever they get for seniors, that’s what they get.”

Most also inquired about the zoning for the development. City Administrator Matt Wolf explained that “currently it is zoned R1 with a Planned Unit Development. He said the zoning would stick with a “PUD with a zone 1 underlay.”

Ross Davis of Elm Street expressed support for the development, saying, “I think it’s a good thing to go in there.” He shared a personal connection, noting that when he looked a year ago for a place for his parents, “it would have been nice to have them right next door kind of thing.”

However, Davis voiced concerns about parking, commenting, “It seems like a lot of units for the space, and I don’t think there’s enough parking planned right now for it.” He suggested, “I would suggest underground parking. I think there should be some options for underground covered parking,” citing the challenges posed by snowy winter conditions.

Other business

The council approved Weld Riley to serve as the City of Prescott’s civil attorney, while Heywood, Cari, and Anderson will act as the prosecuting attorneys. Due to a conflict of interest, Heywood, Cari, and Anderson have agreed not to provide defense representation in cases where the City of Prescott Police Department is the arresting or charging authority.