Merrill Gardens is opening its senior living community in the coming weeks. (Record Photo/Nick Sellers)

By Nick Sellers | Staff Writer

MADISON – In the coming weeks, the city of Madison will soon have another living option for seniors and retirees with the addition of Merrill Gardens on Brookridge Drive.

Located just off of Highway 72, the community features studio, one-apartment and two-apartment living options among its three buildings. Independent living, assisted living and memory care are the three areas offered by the community.

Memory care, for retirees with different forms of dementia, features nurses and caregivers working around the clock. Tenants living in independent living and assisted living also have the benefit of 24/7 caregivers.

“Madison doesn’t have anything like this, until now,” said community relations director Michelle Anderson.

The main building, which houses both independent and assisted living options, will also boast an outdoor courtyard with a grilling area. Inside will include a movie theater room, a porch/gaming area and a private dining room that visiting families can reserve with their loved ones living in the facility.

The living units themselves will include full kitchens, as well. The staff has the ability to decommission the stoves, however, if residents become unable to responsibly manage them.

“They’re really responding to the full kitchens,” Anderson said.

A membership to Madison Hospital’s Wellness Center is also included with living at Merrill Gardens.

Merrill Gardens is a company that began developing senior housing 20 years ago and got its start along the west coast. Anderson said the Madison location is among the first in the southeast and is the company’s flagship location in the region.

Anderson said the facility is waiting on inspections and permits from the state of Alabama before opening its doors. Construction has been ongoing since…

Merrill Gardens is another of a string of openings for senior living options in Madison. Heritage Assisted Living opened its memory care living units at the end of January and Madison Village opened its doors  off of Wall-Triana Highway prior to that.