Groundbreaking: Westminster Woods Breaks Ground on ‘The Woodlands’ in St. Johns, FL, Adding 42 New Senior Living Apartments

Westminster Communities of Florida leadership, Westminster Woods on Julington Creek leadership and members of the community's resident council turn the shovels on The Woodlands at the groundbreaking ceremony.
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Westminster Woods on Julington Creek, a Life Plan Community (also known as a Continuing Care Retirement Community or CCRC) in St. Johns, Fla., celebrated a major milestone today with a groundbreaking ceremony for “The Woodlands.” its newest residential building and amenity expansion. This newest residential building and amenity expansion will deliver 42 independent living apartment residences, underscoring Westminster Communities of Florida’s continued commitment to providing exceptional senior living options for older adults in the Jacksonville area.

The new residences will feature designer finishes and are ideally situated right on the picturesque Julington Creek. Crucially, the expansion introduces several state-of-the-art amenity spaces designed to enhance the vibrant and engaging lifestyle central to the Westminster Woods experience.

Commitment to Exceptional Senior Living

“Today, we are not just turning soil, we are planting the seed for the next chapter of exceptional living at Westminster Woods on Julington Creek,” said Hank Keith, Chief Executive Officer of Westminster Communities of Florida. “This building is more than another addition to this campus. It’s the physical evidence of what we promise at Westminster. It demonstrates our commitment to providing older adults with an active, secure, and meaningful future.”

Introducing New State-of-the-Art Amenities at The Woodlands

Key features of The Woodlands independent living expansion include a new, state-of-the-art fitness center focused on promoting resident well-being and healthy aging, a brand-new waterfront bistro, offering delicious, chef-prepared dining options, and a cultural enrichment center dedicated to ensuring arts, culture, and learning remain central to personal enrichment.

“As impressive as these residences will be, the true significance lies in what they will make possible,” said President and Chief Executive Officer of LeadingAge Southeast, Steve Bahmer. “Alongside the new homes, there’s an investment in remarkable spaces designed to enhance physical wellness, support meaningful engagement, and create daily opportunities for joy and connection. The research confirms how important these investments are.”

A Growing Community: Welcoming New Neighbors

The project is the result of a deep collaboration between Westminster leadership, dedicated team members, and the community’s engaged residents and committees. Resident Council President Edward Zoller welcomed the new neighbors in attendance at the ceremony, and shared that being able to welcome new neighbors to the community is a gift to us all.

“Each new person brings with them a lifetime of experience, unique perspectives, and extraordinary talents that will enrich our already diverse and fascinating community,” Zoller said. “Just as our existing neighborhoods each have their own special character and wonderful vibe, we know that this new addition, The Woodlands, will bring a fresh, unique flavor that will enhance the social fabric of Westminster Woods on Julington Creek.”

The Value of a Life Plan Community (CCRC) Model

Westminster Woods on Julington Creek provides residents with the financial stability of a trusted partner with a 70-year history of operational excellence, freedom from home maintenance, and the peace of mind that comes from having comprehensive on-campus health services (assisted living, memory care, and skilled nursing) available if ever needed—a core benefit of a Life Plan Community model. The new building expands this lifestyle, giving residents full access to both existing and the significant new amenities.

Schedule Your Tour to Learn More

The culmination of immense effort and dedicated planning, this groundbreaking signifies a vibrant new chapter for Westminster Woods on Julington Creek. Don’t wait to be part of it. Schedule your personal tour today to experience our beautiful community firsthand and gain exclusive insight into ‘The Woodlands,’ which will deliver premier apartments alongside a new fitness center, bistro, and cultural center. Visit WestminsterWoodsFL.org to learn more today!

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