Senior living apartments open in Stevens Point

By Taylor Hale

On May 18, members of the Portage County Business Council gathered with city leaders and those involved with the creation of Berkshire, the city’s newest senior living apartment community, for a ribbon-cutting ceremony.

Sig Strautmanis of General Capital, the contracting group in charge of Berkshire, was in attendance during the event. Strautmanis sees the senior apartments as a critical addition to the city’s housing stock.

“We were looking for a site here in Stevens Point to do an in-town, urban, walkable place for seniors to live,” Strautmanis explained. “It was a long road, but we are really thankful for all the help from everybody.”

Berkshire opened to the public in April and is quickly filling up its 88 units. The complex features a community room, fitness center, outdoor deck area, and scenic views from many of the units.

Guests were welcome to tour the facilities after the ribbon cutting.

“We have been super lucky to fill up pretty quickly,” said Berkshire Property Manager Jen Abel. “Up until last week I had a handful (of units) left, and they are just flying out their door. It’s keeping me busy. There are a lot of people excited to be here.”

Mayor Mike Wiza says he sees the new structure as a way for elderly people to have access to city amenities like parks, public transportation, and more.

“They won’t have to have someone come and give them a ride up to Trig’s, it’s right on one of our transportation routes. Public transportation is right here,” Wiza said.

Certain income restrictions apply to Berkshire units. For more information, call 715-344-1810.

Berkshire is located at 1443 Water Street in Stevens Point.