First phase of Trinity's senior housing project slated for occupancy within one year

By RENEE WEBB, Globe editor
October 19, 2006

Trinity Heights in Sioux City held a groundbreaking ceremony on Oct. 9 for the first phase of its senior housing project.

According to Beanie Cooper, executive director of Trinity Heights, in this first phase they will build town homes configured in four-plex style. The St. Anthony Senior Living Development will be located on 33rd Street, overlooking the Way of the Saints. Initially plans are to build eight homes, but eventually that area will expand to 13 townhouses.

"We are going to do the dirt work this fall, the grading and prep. We will start construction in the spring for occupancy in the late summer, early fall," he said.

Along with board members and friends of Trinity Heights who were on hand for the groundbreaking ceremony, Helen Hinrichsen of South Sioux City was present. She was the first person to sign up as a future resident at St. Anthony's. There has been strong interest offered in an additional three other homes.

The St. Anthony development is designed for active seniors who are 55 and older. These town homes will feature two bedrooms and offer about 1,400 square-feet of living space.

"We want to get people who are interested in us. Hopefully some of the residents will volunteer by doing anything from taking care of flowers to helping out in the gift shop or St. Joseph Center," noted Cooper. "It would also give us more people for adoration. Closeness makes it easier."

Volunteering at Trinity Heights, however, is not a requirement to living there. The housing development is open to people of all faiths.

"Phase two will be Trinity Trails which will be to the north of the shrine," noted Cooper. "That will be apartments and condos. The apartment building will be connected with the St. Joseph Center, so you can walk right in by the chapel."

More than likely there will be 40 apartments and about 12 condos. He mentioned that they are looking into making some of the apartments available for low-income housing. This project is expected to commence in about three to five years.

The entryway for Trinity Trails will be off of Floyd between Pizza Hut and Dairy Queen. It is anticipated that this project would include a clubhouse, fitness room and more.

"The third phase, will be assisted and extended living," he explained.

The final phase is more than likely about five years out.

Cooper pointed out that they opted to investigate senior housing as an option because other shrines such as Our Lady of the Snows in St. Louis offered housing.

"It is a way to supplement your income. That's certainly a motivation," he said. "It also helps your security because people are around."

Along with lay people, Cooper said they would love to attract some retired priests who could lead some spiritual activities and offer the clerical presence at the shrine.

When they were investigating the possibility of offering housing at Trinity Heights, they sent a survey out to about 1,300 people who are supporters of the shrine. Trinity Heights formed a senior housing committee to help guide this project.

If people have questions, they can contact Cooper at (712) 239-8670.