Six stories everywhere you look (Image: CHS)

Artist rendition of the planned “Memory Care Deck” — Fresh air, walking and sunshine will brighten your day. Our secured Memory Care floor of Aegis on Madison was uniquely designed to offer a second-level outdoor deck that will bring back the feelings of yesteryear. The façade of an old-fashioned neighborhood will surround the deck including a vintage car parked at the local garage, mailboxes, benches, and the doorsteps of classic NW homes. Residents can walk and reminisce about “the good old days” here.

Believe it or not, E Madison has quite a bit to offer an assisted living community. Aegis Living is slated to open its newest facility in January at 22nd and Madison — called Aegis on Madison — and general manager Rob Liebreich said the company couldn’t be happier with the location.

“There’s been a transition in this area has really picked up in terms of its reputation and desirability,” Liebreich said. “Five years  back we probably wouldn’t have built this community where we’re building it now.”

CHS first reported on the Aegis has been plans for what was an empty lot back in 2010.

Now that the 20-somethings who came to Capitol Hill in the 80s and 90s have parents entering retirement, the demand for retirement facilities in Capitol Hill is bound to grow. Liebreich said today’s seniors are looking for better quality of life amenities than past generations when choosing where to retire. Restaurants and museums are a draw, as are churches, synagogues, and easy access to hospitals — assets that all went into Aegis’s decision to move to Capitol Hill.

“Capitol Hill has established itself as a place for work, which allows people to think about having their folks stay here or live here,” Liebreich said.

With the capacity to house 125 residents, Aegis on Madison will nearly double the assisted living capacity on Capitol Hill. Fred Lind Manor and the Gaffney House are the only other two assisted living facilities in the neighborhood. There are several other senior apartments that do not offer any care. The Aegis facility will also bring around 60 jobs to the neighborhood, according to Liebreich.

The project also is part of the push of tall E Madison developments deeper from the First Hill medical zone and Capitol Hill’s dense core. While some projects remain in limbo, others like Mt. Zion Baptist Church’s growth plan are bubbling beneath the surface, while still others like the Lawrence Lofts are complete and active new housing communities.

When Aegis holds its grand opening on January 18th, it will also be opening two public businesses: a market and a cafe with a separate street entrance. Liebreich tells CHS the Queen Bee Cafe will focus on offering coffee, hot chocolate, and crumpets. Aegis founder Dwayne Clark named the cafe after his mother, who was nicknamed the “Queen Bee” while living in one of her son’s retirement communities. To further honor Clark’s mother, the cafe will  be donating a portion of its proceeds to local charities. Madison Mercantile, to be located inside Aegis, will be a stand alone gift shop. Liebreich said both businesses are intended to also be neighborhood destinations.

Aegis is a Redmond-based company that opened its first facility in 1997. It currently operates 30 locations across Washington, Nevada, and California.

While Aegis communities have some fairly independent residents, the focus is on assisted living and memory care, which includes specialized care for those with more progressive dementia.

The “man cave” at Aegis (Image: Aegis on Madison)

The seven-story building has 104 apartments, and Aegis has already started accepting down payments.

Aegis stands out in the assisted living facilities industry for its focus on upscale decor and amenities, as well as for holding some non-traditional events for their residents (there is a video on their website featuring a senior Woodstock”). Aegis on Madison will be equipped with a “man cave” with TVs and a sports ticker, as well as a retro-themed walking area complete with a classic car. There is also a movie theater which opens up into a large activity space that can accommodate speakers — pretty much perfect for Pike/Pine hipsters entering their later years.