At Riverlights, independent and assisted living development on the way

Site plans for The Luminance at Riverlights, a senior living development. (Courtesy of the city of Wilmington)

Riverlights could be getting a new residential development with senior assisted and independent living units, according to site plans posted to the city of Wilmington's project tracking website.

The Luminance at Riverlights would be built on about 7 undeveloped acres in the 1,400-acre master-planned community off River Road, documents show. Property owner New Hanover Propco LLC, based in Winston-Salem, bought the property from Riverlights for nearly $2.2 million in December, according to tax records.

The plans call for 120 independent living units in two 4-story sections and 60 beds in a one-story assisted living component. The project, located in the mixed-use 7Bridge area of Riverlights, has a U-shaped plan.

Amenities are expected to include a dog park, pickleball court, garden and clubhouse with an indoor pool, along with a dining room, coffee bar, fitness studio, bistro, lounge and craft room, according to the plans.

"Luminance will be a significant addition to the Riverlights community as we continue to expand our options for residents in all stages of life. This has always been an important component of Riverlights' masterplan and will be a great benefit for our residents who want to be near their aging parents," said Michela Hochschild, marketing director for Riverlights, in an email Thursday.  

The Luminance will be operated by Affinity Living Group (ALG), its first project in Wilmington, the email stated. ALG operates similar projects in Southport and New Bern. 

Carolina Commercial Contractors is the developer and builder.  Bridge Commercial served as the broker for Riverlights in the property transaction while Rampart Property Management was the buyer's broker, the email stated.

Susan Keller, head of research and development for Carolina Commercial Contractors, said in the email, "Carolina Commercial Contractors is very excited to get started on Luminance at Riverlights, a premier senior living project that will provide a missing key component to Riverlights. With extensive experience developing and building senior living communities, we know we can deliver a beautiful product that complements the existing community and meets future needs." 

The city had not yet recorded a date, as of Thursday afternoon, for the Technical Review Committee to discuss the plans.