Wind Crest	UPDATED: Friday, May 09, 2008
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Setting popularity records - Wind Crest grows up quickly

Posted on Friday, May 09, 2008

By Laurie Whittier
THE ERICKSON TRIBUNE

Maybe it’s the trails along the Highline Canal or the desirable location. Or perhaps it’s the maintenance-free lifestyle, the pleasant climate, or the mountain views. Whatever the reason, Wind Crest is the second-fastest growing community in Erickson’s history.

According to officials from Erickson Retirement Communities’ headquarters in Baltimore, Md., Wind Crest had the second highest number of residents moving to the community during its first seven months of operation— trumped only by Maris Grove in Pennsylvania.

“In addition, Wind Crest’s Priority List is just as strong as some of our established communities,” says Erickson Marketing Analyst Tim Greiner.

A fresh idea

Since most of Erickson’s 20 communities are concentrated in the eastern U.S., Wind Crest is easily the fastest-selling community in this part of the country, says Wind Crest’s Director of Marketing Jason Atwell. “Our first three buildings are already about 87% sold out,” he reports.

And word is traveling. “We’ve already had 18 residents relocate here from other Erickson communities,” Atwell says. “It’s not that our other communities don’t measure up—it’s likely a combination of bonuses that make Wind Crest special.”

On top of the clubhouse amenities and financial packages that have turned heads toward Erickson Retirement Communities over the past 25 years, people are taking notice of other benefits at Wind Crest—like 24-hour security.

“We’re a gated community, which isn’t common for suburban areas in Colorado,” Atwell says. “With 24/7 security at the entrance and on-site, we can provide peace of mind.”

Meal options are another area in which Wind Crest stands out. “Most places have one place to eat, offering one or two unexciting choices,” says Atwell. “At Wind Crest, we have two on-site restaurants—a sit-down restaurant featuring five chef creations daily and a café with an array of salads, burgers, sandwiches, soups made from scratch, and even gourmet entrées made right in front of you.”

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Hilda Myers, who relocated to Wind Crest from Erickson’s Fox Run community in Novi, Mich., appreciates the convenience of the Fly’n B Café—especially when she needs to grab a quick bite. “I love their salads,” she says.

Myers also enjoys the ambience in the Town Center Clubhouse. “It has a rustic, western feel which is much different from the traditional décor at most Erickson communities,” she says.

Myers, who initially came to Wind Crest to be closer to her daughter, isn’t surprised to learn about the community’s popularity. And for her, Denver’s climate is a big plus. “It’s pleasant here during the winter,” she says.

Sunny days=less snow

With 300-plus days of sunshine a year, it’s not uncommon for Denver’s snows to melt within a few days, says Myers. And that’s great for her, since she likes to get out and explore the walking trails along the Highline Canal with her dog.

Atwell believes the canal contributes to Wind Crest’s appeal. “Seldom does a historical landmark like the Highline Canal run right through a property like this,” he says. And the farmland Wind Crest sits on was ideal from the start, he adds, requiring little in the way of aesthetic enhancements.

Retirement Counselor Molly Thorne-Dhieux enjoys watching people’s reactions when they visit Wind Crest’s Town Center Clubhouse for the first time.

“With around 80 clubs and activities so far, it’s usually pretty busy around here with people coming and going, enjoying various events, or heading to the salon, the bank, or the fitness center,” she says. “It’s more like a luxury hotel than a retirement community.”

A welcome surprise

those who expect to see something reminiscent of the cliché “old folks’ home” of decades past are in for a huge surprise, says Thorne-Dhieux. “This is definitely not your grandfather’s retirement community.”

There’s no way of knowing exactly why Wind Crest is appealing to so many people. Atwell thinks it’s simply the right combination of things rolled up into one package.

“Denver is a destination city. People want to be here,” he says. “It’s alive with culture, the views are spectacular, and the people are friendly. Add to that the climate and all the great amenities, and it’s just the perfect place to live.”