Johnston, IA-based WesleyLife and Davenport, IA-based Genesis Health System will break ground on the first community through their new organization, WellSpire, later this year in Bettendorf, IA, the companies announced.

The community, which WellSpire announced July 12 will be called The Summit of Bettendorf, will include approximately 100 independent living apartments, 16 assisted living and memory support units, 20 short-term rehabilitation units and 20 long-term care units.

“Through our partnership with Genesis Health, we’re focused on a common mission to pave the way for people 55 and older to lead healthier, more fulfilling lives that focus on purpose and well-being,” WesleyLife CEO Rob Kretzinger said.

WellSpire said it chose the Bettendorf site due to rapid growth in the area over the past several years as well as its projected future growth. The community name, the organization said, illustrates the premise of the new campus; a summit is defined as “the highest point on a hill or mountain,” and the new community will aim to offer a premier and incomparable experience for those who live and work there.

WesleyLife and Genesis Health in January announced plans to join forces in a new entity to develop senior living communities to serve eastern Iowa and western Illinois. The name Wellspire was announced the following month, derived from the words well and inspire.

In addition to developing the community in Bettendorf, initial plans for WellSpire include:

  • Identifying needed programmatic and physical changes, expansions or new developments to the Genesis Health properties of Illini Restorative Care and Crosstown Square independent living apartments in Silvis, IL, and the West Wing Place intermediate bed long-term care nursing unit in DeWitt, IA. Those campuses will transition to the auspices of WellSpire.
  • Determining additional opportunities for development or redevelopment in the region “through the lens of transforming the aging experience.”
  • Longer term, developing a new senior living community in the Moline, IL, market.

Editor’s note: Article edited July 12 to add community name and related information after it was announced.