Montabaur Heights, a senior independent living facility, is set to open this fall in Clarence. (Photo courtesy of Brothers of Mercy)

This fall, a new and luxurious independent living faculty, owned and operated by the Brothers of Mercy in Clarence, will be available for seniors as an alternative to home ownership. Montabaur Heights, the brothers' newest apartment complex, is nearing completion, with plans to open in November.

As of early July, about half of the available apartments had already been reserved, and the Brothers of Mercy held open houses for prospective residents throughout the month of July. Peter Eimer, chief operating officer of the Brothers of Mercy, stressed that there are still some rooms available.

"It's great. We're still scheduled for a November opening, so it's on schedule," Eimer said. "The framing's about complete, a lot of the dry walling is complete. The common areas, like the theater, the gift shop, the gym, the exercise room, the restaurant, the pub, that dry walling is all done. We have a model unit completed. July 12 began our open houses."

Montabaur Heights, named for the town in Germany where the Brothers of Mercy were founded in 1856, offers 111 luxury apartments with amenities for people 65 and older. The apartments include 37 Bayberry Suites with a single bedroom and bathroom, 50 Aster Suites with one bedroom and one-and-a-half bathrooms, and 24 Wisteria Suites with two bedrooms and two bathrooms.

Rent includes utilities, including wireless Internet, as well as washer and dryer access, dishwashers, heat and air conditioning control, walk-in closets and wheelchair accessibility. Fireplaces are optional with an additional fee, and 18 individual apartments are reserved for residents who wish to have pets. Dogs under 25 pounds and other animals such as cats are allowed for an extra fee.

The complex is designed to offer a full, independent living experience without having to worry about the downsides of home ownership. Meals are included and include a daily, buffet-style continental breakfast and a lunch or dinner with a flexible meal plan. Other services include daily 24-hour security, maintenance and emergency response, a movie theater and fitness room, a chapel with weekly Mass services, on-campus banking services, a library, outdoor walking paths and housekeeping.

"We've given walkthroughs, and (the residents) are amazed and excited," Eimer said. "We have actually gotten a lot of comments about the fact that it's on our campus, and if they do need rehab or some other level of care someday, they can just stay right here."

The proximity of Montabaur Heights to the brothers' nursing and rehabilitation center benefits residents, since hip and knee replacements are becoming more common for seniors, Eimer said. Instead of having to go from home to another town or municipality, they "spend three weeks 200 yards away from their apartment" for therapy or rehabilitation and can easily go back to their room without worrying about travel. People have also been pleased that they will be able to bring their pets with them to the new apartments.

"That's huge, and the other thing is the Masses," Eimer said. "We have almost daily Masses on the campus, and there are a few priests who look like they're going to live in the facility."

Montabaur Heights also offers exercise classes, including yoga; a billiard lounge, optional garages for residents who need them, complimentary transportation and valet service and a la carte services including an on-site grocery store, barber shop, beauty salon, bar, guest suites, spa, cafe and gift shop.

In addition to the new complex, the Brothers of Mercy operate Sacred Heart Adult Home, also on their campus, as well as another older apartment complex with rooms still available for rent. Montabaur Heights is part of a $42 million update of the 126-acre Brothers of Mercy campus which will also renovate the existing apartments.

For more information or to make an appointment to view an apartment, call 716-240-RENT (7368).