The Grove, at MLK Blvd. and Syracuse Street, offers 150 units.

The Grove has an impressive exterior.

After several months of construction delays, The Grove at Stapleton apartments for age 55 and over welcomes its first tenants this month. “Construction was about three months behind because of the shortage of construction labor—and also because most of May was so rainy,” said apartment manager Gina Washington.

The 150-unit complex at Martin Luther King Blvd. and Trenton St. is accepting reservations for one- and two-bedroom apartments. Prices range from $1,795 a month for 664 square feet, to $3,230 for 1,357 square feet. Washington said 28 units have been reserved so far. “Right now about 40 percent of our new tenants are from out of state and about 60 percent are local. They range in age from 55 to 80, with an average of 70.”

Washington said most of the move-ins chose The Grove to be near their families. “That is the primary reason, whether they are local or moving from out of state. They want to be closer to their grandchildren. In most households both parents work, so it’s great to see the involvement of grandparents. It warms my heart.”

She said the main focus of The Grove is to help residents stay active and build relationships. “This is an active 55+ community. Our residents are healthy for the most part, and very independent. People in their 80s have been riding their bikes over to see the construction. This complex does not provide transportation, meals or grab bars in the hallways. Our residents are adamant that they’re not there yet.

“They want a social life: relationships and going on trips together. We’ve been hosting events for several months before move-in, to begin building the community. We’ve been to every restaurant in the Town Center and to a Rockies game. We had a wine-tasting in our pub room.”

Washington said residents are looking for amenities as well. “They are looking for what they had at home. Not everything is built yet, but we’ll have an outdoor pool, a year-round hot tub, an outdoor kitchen and a dog park.”

Other amenities include a community garden, a fully equipped bike maintenance shop, and a fitness center and yoga studio. “I envision lots of grandchildren visiting, so outside we’ll do cookouts featuring veggies from the community garden, and ice cream socials,” said Washington. “The fenced dog park has a shaded gazebo where residents can congregate and build relationships.”

Residents can gather or sit and read in the main lobby.

Apartment manager Gina Washington stands in a model unit. The apartment complex is designed for active seniors.

Karen Deike, a Stapleton resident for 10 years, will move to The Grove in October. Deike worked in communications and television news before retiring two years ago. “I’m looking for more interaction: to talk, share and go places together,” said Deike. “I’ll like the fitness center and yoga classes, and I’ll enjoy working in the garden.”

Security and safety systems at The Grove include key fob access, one public entrance with a buzz-in, and remote-only garage doors. Sprinkler heads and smoke detectors are installed throughout.

Storage units are available starting at $65 per month.

The Grove was developed by Zocalo Community Development, which has built three other complexes in Denver and has another under construction in Cherry Creek North. Zocalo’s properties are built to green construction standards.

The Grove’s sustainability features include high-efficiency appliances and lighting; paints, adhesives and carpets that are low VOC [volatile organic compounds that produce ozone]; energy-efficient windows; and a comprehensive recycling program.

For more information, visit The Grove at Stapleton, 2980 N. Syracuse St., call them at 303.333.2980, or see GroveAtStapleton.com.