Praha Village grand opening welcomes many
As part of the Praha Village grand opening a ribbon cutting ceremony was held with dignitaries from the City of New Prague, business leaders and leaders from the groups that built and those who run Praha Village. (Patrick Fisher Photo)
Praha Village, New Prague’s new senior apartment complex, welcomed an estimated 300 to 400 people, or more, to its grand opening the afternoon of Thursday, June 13. The ceremony included a brief history of the complex, a ribbon cutting, tours, beverages and snacks as people looked through the 91 unit four-story complex at 1100 First St. SE.
Mark Appelbaum, Founder and CEO of Makado, who saw the project through from the beginning about four years ago said that in naming the apartment building, “We came with a sense of humility.” He said while the Wikipedia entry for New Prague provided information, they needed more of the feeling of the community. They talked to residents. “We learned a lot by listening,” he said. After Praha Village opened to seniors in January 2019, he said the residents, and their families, have created a community. “It feels like their place,” he said.
Bill Peters, Director of Housing for Praha Village, welcomed the crowd of area residents and dignitaries from the city, local businesses, the New Prague Chamber of Commerce, area churches and leaders of Makado and Cassia, an Augustana - Elim Care affiliate, which provides care and service at Praha Village.
“Anytime someone comes here it feels like they belong,” said Peters about the residents who have moved in. “This becomes their new home.”
“We wanted to provide a place that has both a faith base and senior care,” said Bob Dahl, CEO of Cassia. He said they are proud to be partnered with Appelbaum, Makado and Praha Village. He said designing the....
To see more on this story pick up the June 20, 2019 print edition of The New Prague Times.
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