Older adults are embracing this next phase of life by moving to communities whose amenities and residential options have helped to make Lancaster one of the country’s top retirement destinations. Mosaic, by Willow Valley Communities, is the latest lifestyle option for older adults in that its focus is on urban living.
Three of Mosaic’s future residents, Lizanne Ledbetter McClenon, Heather Vidal and Steph Schreyer, became better acquainted during the photo shoot that was held at Willow Valley Communities’ Welcome Center.
The choice of where to spend your retirement years is ever-expanding. Besides traditional retirement communities (which offer anything but “retiring” lifestyles), Lancaster is home to an increasing number of 55+ communities. For those who wish to remain in their homes, many retirement communities are developing “at home” programs.
The newest focus is urban living, senior style. Willow Valley Communities has embraced that trend with Mosaic, a 20-story high-rise, which will exude what Maureen Leader, public relations and communications manager at Willow Valley Communities, terms as “quiet luxury” in the heart of Downtown Lancaster. For occupancy anticipated to begin in 2027, Mosaic residence reservations are underway now.
Mosaic’s 16 floorplans feature two- and three-bedroom apartments (ranging in size from 1,592-3,338 square feet), that include floor-to-ceiling windows, open floor plans, chef’s kitchens, primary suites, top-of-the-line finishes and superior craftsmanship. A design team will assist residents in making selections for their new homes.
Mosaic’s 16 floorplans will exude the concept of “quiet luxury,” which refers to the use of quality elements and materials. The term also relates to creating a décor that is truly personal and utilizes items that are meaningful and reflective of one’s interests.
Residents will be afforded amenities such as a restaurant; a rooftop bar and terrace lounge; a wine cellar and tasting room; a ballroom; a game room; a full-scale fitness center, indoor pool complex and cycle studio; a library and business center; a game room/lounge; a community garden; a spa and wellness center; and a dog park and salon. In addition, residents will be able to take advantage of the amenities, dining options, activities and events that are held on Willow Valley Communities’ campuses. Of course, the city’s shopping, cultural and dining opportunities are just a short walk away.
Envisioning such a lifestyle is made easy at Willow Valley Communities’ Welcome Center that is located on the Lakes campus. Visitors are welcomed to the center by a large and detailed model of Mosaic. They can then tour the model apartment that has been built within the center (complete with “views” of the city thanks to the bank of floor-to-ceiling windows). Introduction-to-Mosaic events are held on a monthly basis. Visit mosaiclancaster.com/events for details.
Getting to Know You
What is one topic of conversation that binds the baby boom generation? If you said “music,” that would be correct. Three future residents of Mosaic – Lizanne Ledbetter McClenon, Heather Vidal and Steph Schreyer – became acquainted with each other by sharing memories of the first concerts they attended. For Lizanne, it was Black Sabbath (with none other than Ozzy Osbourne). Heather named a Mott the Hoople concert at the Spectrum in Philadelphia as her first foray into the concert scene. As for Steph, she still has fond memories of seeing Shaun Cassidy perform in Hershey. The three also found common ground in pets, as Heather and Lizanne both have cats, while Steph is a dog mom.
“Music helps to keep me young,” says Heather Vidal, who continues to perform locally and regionally. “The fact that I performed on the mainstage of the Roots & Blues Festival [in 2022] at the age of 65 still amazes me,” she marvels. “Now, I have more of a pick-and-choose schedule, which suits this stage of my life,” she says of being a newlywed.
It was their children that prompted Lizanne and her late husband to move East. “I had friends at Willow Valley, so we got the grand tour of the area and really liked it,” she explains. “We were absolutely sold – the amenities are world class – and the kids were thrilled by our decision.” When Mosaic was announced, Lizanne was intrigued – “I love living in high places,” she says – and made the decision to move downtown.
Steph Schreyer loves to make plans. “I’m a planner,” she says. “I always need something to look forward to; it keeps me going.” Steph says making plans to move to Mosaic is exciting. “There’s always something going on downtown,” she remarks. “And, once I’m living downtown, I hope to explore volunteer opportunities.”
As for Heather, that concert in Philadelphia obviously had an impact on her, as she became a singer and songwriter, sharing that Bonnie Raitt and Joni Mitchell are major influences. Having spent most of her adult life on a farmette in Dover, York County, Heather sold the property 10 years ago and moved to Lancaster, where she met Rick Price, who she married in June. It was Rick who suggested they explore Mosaic. “We both like the fact that Lancaster offers a walkable lifestyle,” Heather says. Rick and Heather, who continues to perform locally (and beyond), love city living so much that they became investors in the former Molly’s Pub, which is now known as The Corner at Musser.
Lizanne Ledbetter McClenon doesn’t like to let the grass grow under her feet. “I feel like I’m still 25,” she says of her desire to stay active and engaged with all that life has to offer. “I want to live life to the fullest and try new activities and go on new adventures.” True to her word, Lizanne ventured to Scotland this summer and has an African safari on the schedule for 2025.
Steph grew up in Leola and now lives in New Holland. She has been employed by Cargas for the last 19 years, while her husband, Tim, works at Industrial Resolution. The two, who plan to “work their way into retirement,” saw Mosaic as a way to finally move downtown. “We practically live downtown,” she says of working, dining out and attending shows at the Fulton. “We plan to retire on our terms and saw Mosaic as an opportunity to make that a reality.” Having experience as caretakers, the Schreyers wanted to relieve their two children of that responsibility. “I know the toll that being a caretaker can take on a person,” she notes. They also liked the idea of having Willow Valley Communities’ Type A Lifecare. This financially wise contract entitles every Mosaic resident to short- or long-term care, if needed in the future, with no increase to the monthly fee because of the need for an enhanced level of care. “If we would need additional services, it’s a relief to know they are available,” Steph says.
For more information, visit mosaiclancaster.com.
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