Developers are moving dirt on a new 81-unit senior living building coming to Denver’s Observatory Park neighborhood near the University of Denver.

The project, a joint development by Confluent Senior Living and MorningStar Senior Living, is at 2100 Josephine St., near University Boulevard and East Evans Avenue.

It’s the 13^th joint development for the companies across five states, but the first infill, urban development for MorningStar — which has until now located its facilities in Denver suburbs.

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Living spaces are for assisted living and memory care residents, and will incorporate a “Whole Health Standard” that includes things like “cutting-edge technologies that enhance wellness and safety while emphasizing hospitality and comfort.”

“We celebrate this milestone and express our gratitude to all parties involved—from the previous landowners to our banking and investment partners to our design and construction teams – all of whom have worked alongside us with unwavering support in times of uncertainty to keep this project active and thriving,” said Marshall Burton, president and CEO of Confluent Development, in a statement. “Across the industry, many senior living projects ground to a halt last year as credit tightened and investors expressed concern about viability. This groundbreaking is a testament to the quality of the community, but also to our collective team’s strong, proven track record, commitment to collaboration and mutual trust.”

MorningStar has 10 existing facilities statewide, including many in the suburbs of metro Denver like Parker, Lone Tree, Arvada and Wheat Ridge. There are also two in Colorado Springs.

The sterile environment amenities will include, according to the release:

• Needlepoint bipolar ionization through HVAC systems and electrostatic sprayers that disperse positively charged particles to neutralize infectious diseases.
• Far-UVC Light Field to reduce the spread of airborne-mediated microbial diseases through ultraviolet rays.
• A kiosk system for seamless and distanced sign-in and health screening.
• Anti-microbial countertop surfaces.
• Tele-training on infection control and mobile alert systems

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“As senior advocates our highest priority is to encourage and enhance the wellness of residents,” said Matt Turner, managing partner at MorningStar Senior Living. “Researching and implementing next-level technologies enable us to exceed expectations, protect the health and safety of seniors and heroic frontline workers, and provide a welcoming community environment that optimizes every dimension of a resident’s experience.”

The building is expected to be completed in summer 2022.