Gurwin Healthcare System opens $115m Fountaingate Gardens project

Commack, NY Gurwin Healthcare System welcomed its first residents to Fountaingate Gardens, a new independent living community for people aged 62 and over. The $115 million project, which began construction in 2020, is the final component of Long Island’s newest Life Plan Community, also known as a Continuing Care Retirement Community or CCRC.

The 10-acre, 129-unit complex is located at 32 Hauppauge Rd., on the campus with Gurwin’s Assisted Living and Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation buildings. Residents of Fountaingate Gardens have a safety net of access to those healthcare facilities if needed, as well as all the amenities offered in the community’s clubhouse. Residences include one- and two-bedroom options, with and without separate den areas and balconies, ranging from 827 to 1,350 s/f.

The Clubhouse at Fountaingate Gardens is home to an indoor heated saltwater pool, salon and spa, fitness center and library. The clubhouse also holds the grand dining room, bistro and pub, with dining options inspired by the principles of Blue Zone living and prepared by executive chef William Yocum. The Blue Zones are areas throughout the world where residents’ lifestyles create natural longevity. The nine principles of Blue Zone living center around a plant-based diet, natural exercise, socialization with like-minded people and managing stress, all of which will be on tap at Fountaingate Gardens.

“It is beautiful, comfortable and elegant,” said Stuart Almer, president & CEO of Gurwin Healthcare System. “Fountaingate Gardens completes a long-envisioned Life Plan Community for Gurwin, with independent living, assisted living and a skilled nursing facility side by side.”

Fountaingate Gardens residents have access to all of our healthcare services and all our amenities in one place. We are thrilled to see this community come into focus.”

“People are stunned to see the renderings have come to life and it is even nicer than what they expect,” said Ryan Grady, executive director of the new community. “As only the fourth Life Plan Community on Long Island, this is all about community, a lifestyle and a commitment to making their later years their best years.”

“This is freeing for me, to not have the work of managing a house and everything that goes with it, but still having the ability to welcome my children here when they visit,” said Madelaine “Maddy” Aliano, who moved from Floral Park Village. “I look forward to exercising every day, to participating in activities with the other residents. We have been Zooming for two years, making friends. We like each other and we are looking forward to living together.”

Outdoors, winding paths meander through beautifully landscaped grounds, and a lazy, bubbling brook creates a scenic oasis. In keeping with the Blue Zone inspired lifestyle, residents are encouraged to manage outdoor gardens of their own alongside the indoor and outdoor community gardens that will supply the farm-to-table ingredients to the kitchen. A Life Enhancement team creates activities and opportunities for residents to do what they already enjoy, and also to try something new each day, all with the purpose of socializing, embracing wellness and eating right.

The first residents began moving in last month, and more than 60% of the apartment homes have been reserved. The final building, The Parkview residences, will open in the summer.