Stalled Construction At Temecula Senior Living Community Has Residents Asking Questions

TEMECULA, CA — The shell of a building, slated to become a boutique senior living community in Temecula, remains under construction after months of work stoppage.

In September, Temecula Mayor Brenden Kalfus shared that construction had been halted "for quite a while," he said in a video from that property. According to Kalfus, the city was aware of the halted construction and assured residents that "a security team was on site."

The senior living facility has an ultimate plan to serve Temecula as a five-star boutique senior living community.

"(It will offer a) unique, modern approach to luxury senior living that promotes vitality, engagement, and an enriching sense of connection for both residents and their families. Located in the beautiful area of the Temecula Valley, this welcoming new community offers a vibrant, enriching environment specifically designed for today’s discerning seniors."

As the location is a busy intersection in the center of town, it has long been a local talking point among residents seeking answers about the lack of activity in social media groups. In September, the mayor cited liens and lawsuits as reasons for the work stoppage

The Temecula Planning Commission originally approved the location as a senior living center in August of 2020, according to city records.

The 4.69-acre parcel at 29640 Solana Way received its commercial building permit in late 2023, along with approvals for infrastructure, light standards, trash enclosures, patios, canopies, signage, a pool and water feature wall, pavilion, and more.

Initially designed by Griffin Living in 2020, the building is a 91,002-square-foot facility with two stories and 107 units, with 32 initially slated for memory care residents and 75 for assisted living.

Griffin Living still lists Varenita of Temecula Senior Living Center on its website, and the Varenita Senior Living Center website is still active.

"The planned amenities include private outdoor spaces (balconies and patios), a dog park, a theatre, golf putting greens, indoor and outdoor dining areas, a raised garden, an exercise room, a perimeter walking path, and an activity lawn.

"The entrance features a large fountain with an attractive porte cochere," according to a news release from that time. It was initially slated to be completed within 36 months.

For now, nearby neighbors and Temecula residents remain hopeful the project will be completed in the coming months.