Jennings celebrates groundbreaking in Brecksville

Jennings celebrated a groundbreaking ceremony on January 26, 2016 for a new development that will be Jennings at Brecksville. This new development, owned and operated by Jennings, will provide assisted living residences.

“Breaking ground for this new development fulfills years of dreaming by many individuals and writes the next chapter for Jennings’ mission with an exciting new residence in the Brecksville community,” said Allison Q. Salopeck, President and CEO at Jennings. “We felt such joy from the optimism and enthusiasm in gathering for the ceremony. It’s exciting for us as an organization to have incredible energy around this development through the support of the community, the excitement of residents inquiring about the plans and the optimism from collaborative partners.”

From left: Jennings’ President and CEO Allison Q. Salopeck with Sister Patricia Raelene Peters CSSp, Superior of the Sisters of the Holy Spirit (Jennings’ sponsor) and Jennings’ Board Chair Gene Killeen at groundbreaking for Jennings at Brecksville.

Jennings at Brecksville will be located on 4.6 acres at approximately 8736 Brecksville Road in Brecksville, Ohio (adjacent to St. Basil the Great Catholic Church). The 27,000 square-foot building will include 74 residences that offer assisted living, community programs and many amenities. Details and the timeline of the development are being finalized. Jennings currently has a mailing list for those individuals interested in receiving information as it unfolds.

The private ground blessing and groundbreaking event started with a ceremony. The group gathered as Ms. Salopeck welcomed guests, followed by collectively singing, “Sing a New Church.” Sister Patricia Raelene Peters, CSSp, Superior of the Sisters of the Holy Spirit (Jennings’ sponsor), opened with a reading followed by a Gospel reading from Jennings’ Chaplain Father Joe Pednekar. Petitions were read as a precursor to the ground blessing and were presented by Jennings’ Executive Advisor Martha M. Kutik; Jennings’ Board Chair Gene Killeen; Peter McCabe and Daniel McCabe former owners of the land; Howard Shergalis of RDL Architects, architect for the development; and David Fischback of The Krill Company, who will manage the construction. The crowd processed outdoors for the blessing of the ground by Father Joe and Jennings’ Board Member Father Walt Jenne (Pastor, St. Basil the Great Parish). Following Father Walt’s benediction, the attendees enjoyed fellowship and refreshments.

“We are grateful for the many hands and hearts that have worked diligently and will continue to work to bring this development to fruition,” said Ms. Salopeck. “By the grace of God we will soon be celebrating a ribbon-cutting!” Several partners were involved in forecasting and finalizing the financing for Jennings at Brecksville, including Lancaster Pollard; Tucker Ellis LLP; Plante Moran; Singerman, Mills, Desberg & Kauntz Co., L.P.A.; and First Niagara Bank.

Jennings is a leading not-for-profit provider of a Catholic-based continuum of care, residences and community-based services for adults of all faiths. Celebrating more than 70 years of service, Jennings is sponsored by the Sisters of the Holy Spirit and specializes in a holistic approach. Augmented by intergenerational activities, innovative programs and Catholic mission, Jennings continues to evolve to meet the needs of adults over 55 and the community. Visit www.jenningscenter.org for more information.