"When our residents are engaged, it gives them a sense of purpose and value," said Jonathan Hollinger, president and CEO of Pleasant View Communities. "As we age, our worlds get smaller."

For the residents of Pleasant View and the surrounding community, the world is about to get just a bit bigger. The retirement community held a ceremonial groundbreaking of its Hoffer Farm project earlier this month, with construction work set to begin by early December.

The Hoffer Farm project will capitalize on the space available across from Pleasant View's main campus, where Pleasant View founder Edna Hoffer's farm is located. When the project is complete, it will feature a variety of facilities to engage both residents and community members.

As Hollinger explained, the idea for the Hoffer Farm project began during strategic planning sessions. "We are looking to focus on engagement and vibrancy," Hollinger said at a breakfast meeting about the project. "How do we become part of the bigger community? How do we invite the community in? It's about creating a space for learning and discovery."

To accomplish those goals, Pleasant View will partner with a variety of community organizations, including the Manheim Community Library. The library will move from its location in downtown Manheim to the Hoffer Farm, where it will almost double its space.

Other features of the Hoffer Farm will include a cultural center with an event space for learning and engagement, a teaching kitchen that will be open to the public, a maker space and a child care center.

"When we started planning this, we thought, 'What is a Pleasant View need that can equal a community benefit? What is a community need that can equal a Pleasant View benefit?'" Hollinger said. The child care center is a perfect example, he noted, adding that Manheim does not currently have a child care facility in town.

Pleasant View has been collaborating with make717 in Lancaster to develop plans for the Manheim maker space. Potential projects on-site at Pleasant View include textiles, pottery, woodworking, art classes and demonstrations from Manheim-based Stiegel Glassworks.

Hollinger noted that the Hoffer Farm project will continue Pleasant View's agrarian focus, with plans to possibility grow fruits and vegetables in a community garden on site, in addition to the hydroponic bibb lettuce residents are already growing, with donations supporting the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank. And the project will not lose sight of the land's original intent, he said, adding, "There is still a good bit of farmland we intend to preserve."

Hollinger emphasized that the Hoffer Farm project will bring job opportunities, educational programs and recreational outlets, with the expansion of walking trails and other outdoor activities on the property.

The project will be implemented in two phases, with the first phase tentatively scheduled to be completed by fall of 2024.

For more information on the Hoffer Farm project, visit http://www.pleasantviewcommunities.org.