Groundbreaking Set for Glennwood House

Glennwood House, a long-planned , will finally experience a groundbreaking ceremony.

Set for Saturday, August 18, from 1-2 p.m., the event will mark the start of a complete renovation of the property at 2130 S. Coast Hwy., which in past lives had been a hotel as well as a senior living center. The site has been vacant for four years.

"All the carpets will be replaced, every window will be replaced and double-paned, and all downstairs bathrooms will be made to accomodate wheelchairs and walkers in compliance with the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act)," Glennwood House Executive Director Shauna Bogert tells Patch.

"The kitchen is in good shape, but the dining and activity halls will be redone, and every railing will be replaced also," Bogert continued. "The old wooden railings had really taken a beating becuase of the salty ocean air. It will be much nicer looking."

Bogert estimates that the total cost of renovation will be $1 million and, when completed, will offer 42 studio-style apartments for people with autism and Down's syndrome. The nonprofit Glennwood House Foundation is continuing to accept donations for the renovation cost, mortgage and maintainance through its website, which you can access through this link.

"Best case scenario is that we open in six months, worst case nine," says Bogert. "We want to get residents in as soon as possible."

In addition to housing, the facility will feature programs meant to prepare its residents for independence, including job placement programs.