Old Hollywood visits Santee for grand opening of The Pointe at Lantern Crest Senior Living

When Michael Grant approached Santee city officials six years ago about building a new living center for seniors. Grant said the project would be, “better than you can imagine.”

With a pledge like that to guide planning, the grand opening of the next phase of the senior residence facility on Jan. 6 was impressive. The festive event re-imagined Old Hollywood staging the premiere party.

When Michael Grant approached Santee city officials six years ago about building a new living center for seniors. Grant said the project would be, “better than you can imagine.”

With a pledge like that to guide planning, the grand opening of the next phase of the senior residence facility on Jan. 6 was impressive. The festive event re-imagined Old Hollywood staging the premiere party.

Michael Grant is principal developer of Lantern Crest and president and majority owner of DCI (Development Contractor, Inc.) construction firm. He emceed the ceremony, which featured Santee political dignitaries and scholarship pageant winners helping him cut the red ribbon to formally open The Pointe, a five-story building containing 102 apartments for senior retirement and assisted living.

The Pointe, which is Phase 2 of the large-scale project, is dedicated to luxury resort-styled residence for older adults who can live independently or thrive with light assistance. Nineteen of the new apartments on the building’s second floor are reserved for assisted living. Two penthouses grace the uppermost fifth story of the rectangular building. The amenities are located at the front, the apartments along the other sides of the building.

Laura Runkle, executive director of The Pointe, arrived in October for her new position, after 18 years of working with older adults. The first residents moved in as soon as the occupancy permit was granted on Dec. 19. Within a month, 20 seniors were living there. Members of this new community of active senior-age adults range from their 70s to 90s.

On opening night, Runkle described the facility as “150,000 square feet of fun.” Runkle pointed out the spectacular sunset views across the Santee valley, especially from the upper-floor conversation and deck seating alcoves. She further praised the warm climate of Santee as being highly beneficial for seniors by allowing swimming and other outdoor activities nearly year-round. Exercise equipment was installed in the indoor fitness room, and the walking club was meeting during morning hours. An outdoor fitness course extends around the perimeter of the premises, with a nearby multi-level putting green for golfers to practice. Yoga classes, to be held around the second-floor swimming pool, were being planned.

The Pointe’s small movie theater, with recliner seating, is screening evening videos and films, while the adjacent indoor-outdoor game room is set up for card and board games as well as electronic darts and billiards on a pool table built into a carved-out classic Ford Mustang car. The spa rooms, for beauty and massage, are slated to open in February.

Runkle advocates for keeping older adults independent for as long as possible. She said her philosophy incorporates a holistic approach supporting seniors in body, mind and spirit, together with supportive socialization that encourages family engagement and involvement with generational peers.

“We provide a greater circle of support,” she said. “People living here know they are not alone in the aging process. And families’ love coming to the resort-like setting and enjoying time together here. This is nothing like having to visit grandpa at ‘the home.’ This is an entirely different profile of retirement.”

Runkle elaborated that this new model of senior living blends elements from the hospitality industry with eldercare, as residents remain in control of their lives and choices, but have “effortless” background support. Planned activities relieve the typical stressor to isolated seniors of discovering and arranging social outings. A concierge desk offers help with mailing packages, setting appointments and linking residents to community services. A lobby barista-type coffee bar offers beverages and light snacks throughout the day.

The facility’s activities director, Abby Dearden moved into her office near the pool and bar area. Dearden schedules new happy hour events, trivia contests, and classes in jewelry, flower arranging and arts crafting. She envisions wellness and cooking classes in the near future.

Runkle says the next milestone she looks forward to at The Pointe is “seeing all the community spaces filled with life,” and “really getting to know the residents and their families.”

Kristen Curran-Brookham, executive director for the complex at Lantern Crest, chose as the next big milestone the soon-anticipated public opening of The Pointe’s Italian-themed restaurant Terrazza and the aviation-themed pool area bistro-bar Latitude 32. Upon approval from the Department of Public Health, anyone will be able to visit for food and drink at the second-floor venues. Catering services will also be available to community service and professional networking groups that schedule meetings in the facility areas.

Lantern Crest Foundation will conduct fundraising and associated charitable events. The organization’s major focus will be on financial assistance to Lantern Crest residents who might fall into need, although other philanthropic endeavors may be in the offing later.

Incoming residents can opt to lease a studio, or one- or two-bedroom apartment on a monthly basis. The complex is pet-friendly, with a small exterior dog run; otherwise, dogs are to be leashed in the common areas. The facility’s purpose is to allow seniors to age well in place as their needs change. Apartment doorways and halls are wide enough for easy navigation of walkers or wheelchairs. Built-in sitting areas, safety handrails and walk-in closets are other senior-geared standard features. 

Lantern Crest’s Phase 1, known as The Ridge, is a memory care section for sufferers of Alzheimer’s and dementia, finished nearly three years ago. Lantern Crest is the first licensed senior care facility in Santee, with only La Vida Real in Rancho San Diego also offering retirement housing in East County. The final build-out of Lantern Crest, to encompass six Phases, will be the fifth largest senior living center in San Diego County. Lantern Crest will be the largest employer in Santee. Phase 3, wholly for assisted living, is in design. Phases 4, 5 and 6 are to be completed all at once after that, for a total of 460 units across the complex. The level of care will be up to skilled nursing.

The greatest fear senior’s hold is the loss of mobility. Even those elders knowing their driving is impaired are reluctant to give up car keys. Phase 2 will include underground parking, and Lantern Crest already has a 40-seat bus to transport residents to special events and on shopping trips.

Phase 2 will feature a water wall, two swimming pools, a full spa, four theaters, five restaurants, two full-service bars, and a gym and fitness center. The first pool will have a wheelchair ramp with a five percent gradient and plastic chairs and lifts for access for disabled residents. A bar is scheduled to an addition to the pool area. Also on tap for golf enthusiasts is a greens area of nine holes for pitch and put practice. Water aerobics, daily fitness, yoga, and dance classes will also be offered. For retired aviators and plane watchers, the end units provide unimpeded views of Gillespie Field airspace.

Now under construction is Phase 2, for assisted living and senior retirement, to be completed and open for new residents by the end of this summer. Envisioned “like a five-star hotel.” Santee Mayor Randy Voepel refers to it as “Santee’s cruise ship.”

The pace of completion depends on release of funding, based on leasing of senior residents at the facility. Ultimately, 460 units are planned to be in place at Lantern Crest. Tuesdays and Thursdays will be designated physician appointment days at the doctor’s office on site. The level of care will be up to skilled nursing. A room near the Fitness Center will allow occupational, physical and speech therapy appointments arranged through individual insurance plans. Lantern Crest is conveniently located at 11010 Sunset Trail, near the interchanges of Highways 52, 67 and 125. More information is available at www.lanterncrestseniorliving.com or (619) 312-4408.