Brio Living Services Announces New Independent Living Addition And Renovations at Porter Hills Village

Brio Living Services, formerly United Methodist Retirement Communities (UMRC) and Porter Hills, recently announced plans for a new Independent Living addition as well as the opening of renovated, state-of-the-art dining room and common spaces at its flagship Grand Rapids campus, Porter Hills Village, located at 3600 East Fulton Street.

Called “The Ravines” for the picturesque views its residents will enjoy of the nearby woodlands, this new construction will offer 26 spacious apartments starting at 1,360 square feet. Each will feature amenities such as individual garage and storage spaces, a fully equipped kitchen with full-sized appliances, and access to all the care, comforts, and conveniences of Porter Hills Village.

“We are thrilled to announce the expansion of Porter Hills Village as we launch The Ravines on our campus!” said Steve Fetyko, President & CEO, Brio Living Services. “In addition to the outstanding care you’ve come to expect and trust at our community, The Ravines offers the exceptional luxury, breathtaking scenery, and vibrant living you’re looking for in retirement.”

More than twenty individuals have already made deposits to secure a spot at The Ravines, according to James Kelly, Chief Sales and Marketing Officer for Brio Living Services. “We are thrilled with the early number of deposits and the demand for The Ravines,” said Kelly. “Those who join the priority list now will be among the first to choose their apartment and preferred views and to customize their apartments to suit their desires.”

The dining room and other common-use spaces within Porter Hills Village have also been recently transformed, thanks to an investment of over $8 million from Brio Living Services which includes a $5 million grant from the Edward N. & Della L. Thome Memorial Foundation, Bank of America, N.A., Trustee.

“These new common spaces include a learning studio, an enhanced and more user-friendly library, a new resident store, called the Mosaic Market, and movie theater with recording studio, which we look forward to using to record our residents’ life stories and gather oral histories,” said Kelly. “We recently hosted grand opening parties for our Porter Hills Village residents who were enthusiastic about these new spaces.”

Other additions include a music conservatory, resident coffee bar, the Café VanderMey, named after long-time Porter Hills Village resident Dori VanderMey who passed away in 2022, and the 19th Hole Lounge, a new “hangout” space for residents to play games, enjoy leisurely visits with neighbors, and bring their own beverage of choice.

A highlight of these newly renovated spaces is the Fairway Grille dining room which is slated to open July 5, offering exceptional chef-prepared cuisine and stunning views of the Cascade Hills Country Club golf course.                           

“The Fairway Grille was designed to offer panoramic views of the golf course on three sides of the building,” said Kate Collins, Brio Living Services’ Chief Project Development Officer. “We’re excited to create this unique opportunity for all Porter Hills Village residents to experience the beautiful vistas of the Cascade Hills Country Club and to see spaces they haven’t formerly had access to. In addition, a slate fireplace in the dining room and outdoor seating make this a truly lovely and charming space. Residents also had the opportunity to select the china pattern, silverware, glassware, and dining room chairs for the Fairway Grille.”

Christman Building, serving West Michigan for more than 30 years, is the project’s construction manager, and several other Grand Rapids area vendors are a key part of this development, according to Fetyko. “In addition to creating the highest quality residences and services for older adults in Grand Rapids, we are proud that these projects are providing significant growth opportunities in the community, generating more jobs, and supporting local vendors and trades,” said Fetyko. “We are delighted to have and support these partnerships and to be able to serve the local economy in this way.”

Be among the first to make your retirement home at The Ravines! To learn more about attending an upcoming event, click here!