Allegro Senior Living community coming to Winter Park area

A new senior living community is slated to open in Winter Park by the end of the year.

The 175,000-square-foot project from Allegro Senior Living consists of 158 units for independent living, assisted living and memory care. It’s set for 17.3 acres along the shore of Lake Ann, a private lake in a residential neighborhood near the intersection of Semoran Boulevard and Howell Branch Road.

Residents will have access to bistro and patio dining with a gas fire pit, a stadium-style theater, salon and spa, concierge service and 24-hour staffing. There’s an active social program and outdoor activities, include gardening, a walking trail, a dog walk, swimming, fishing and a putting green.

Screened balconies and porches give residents a view of Lake Ann and the natural landscape.

It’s tentatively set to open for residents in November.

“Allegro is honored to be a part of the local community and provide a need to the area’s seniors,” said Rich Miller, president and CEO of Allegro Development Company. “We look forward to supporting the overall development, transition and renewed spirit of the city of Winter Park.” 

Allegro determined Winter Park was a perfect place for one of their communities after extensive research, Allegro Management Company Marketing & Promotions Manager Jennifer Laupp said.

“We look for locations that have a need for what Allegro offers,” she said. “The ideal location is determined after a couple years of market research study. We also look for the available land in the ideal residential setting as we need several acres to build a typical Allegro community.”

Allegro has communities throughout Florida, Missouri and Kentucky, with a home office in St. Louis. Its communities are especially prevalent in the Sunshine State, with locations set in Boynton Beach, Clermont, Fleming Island, Jupiter, St. Augustine, Stuart, Tallahassee, Tampa, Tarpon Springs and Tavares.

“(Because of) our success in South Florida, we continue to expand our brand,” Laupp said. “We recently purchased land in Parkland, Florida. But we are most excited about recently starting construction on an Allegro community in St. Louis, Mo., home of our company headquarters. It is scheduled to open late 2018.”

Last summer, Allegro named Debbie Michelet as the executive director for the community. 

Michelet has been in the senior living industry for 30 years, serving in various leadership positions at a corporate and a community level.

“I am excited to build a team that shares my same passion for serving our residents, families and associates,” Michelet said. “I consider it a great honor to work with the men and women of the greatest generation.”

Laupp said what really sets Allegro apart is not its luxurious communities but rather its associates.

“Inspired senior living is defined by our associates who exude compassion and loyalty,” she said. “We are proud to be a family managed business and take pride in our reputation, driven by our core values of honesty, compassion and excellence.”