An estimated 300 guests arrived for The Thome Rivertown Neighborhood Senior Apartments Grand Opening on Friday, October 17th. Tours of the apartments and The Thome Rivertown Neighborhood community (including the innovative and scenic rooftop gardens), refreshments, music, and camaraderie were features of the day. The program included PVM President and CEO Roger Myers' announcement of the largest single grant ever received in Presbyterian Village’s 70-year history. The $5-million grant will be used to complete the expansion of what will now be known as The Edward N. and Della L.Thome Rivertown Neighborhood.

Guest speakers included Michael Polsinelli, HUD Field Office Director, Arthur Jemison, Chief of Housing and Revitalization for the City of Detroit, and John Thorhauer, President of United Methodist Retirement Communities, a partner in The Thome Rivertown Neighborhood Senior Apartments development.

The PVM Sales & Marketing staff, UMRC, PVM Housing Department, and FA Department helped to plan and execute the event, including invitations and program management and staffing to assist guests. The EventBrite online registration system was used. This is available to all Villages for no-charge event registration. Contact Gabe Downey in PVM Marketing for more information.

Two Rivertown residents generously opened their apartments which were popular destinations for visitors. Spotted at the buffet table, one of these hostesses said, “People like my apartment so much I can’t get them to leave! I needed a break from my own party. I love living at Rivertown!”

City and Federal housing officials were impressed by the speed at which The Thome Rivertown Neighborhood was leased. The VP of Sales & Marketing executed a sales lease-up plan which included pre-lease applications and review. Actual lease signing was completed in just three hours. The lease-up team consisted of 10 members that contributed to the speedy success: Linda Wilcox, Chery Carney, Keisha Akridge, Andrea Felice, Dana Hall, Deborah Beard, Carmen Thomas, Deanna Coggins, Lisa Jaeger, and Mark Munch – many thanks goes out to them. Vice President of Sales & Marketing, Kathy Bartz, said, “There were only two depositors who didn’t complete leases, and we contacted the next people on the waiting list. They were thrilled to sign and pick up keys for their lovely new homes on the riverfront.”