Fairmount marked a major milestone on Aug. 6, with a ground-blessing ceremony for its Orchard Terrace cottage expansion. The event brought together incoming residents, community leaders, construction partners and staff members to celebrate the beginning of site work for the new neighborhood.

Mitchell Hanna, Fairmount's director of marketing and communications, opened the ceremony with introductory remarks. The program featured comments from Fairmount president/CEO Jerry D. Lile, who shared the vision and progress behind Orchard Terrace, which will feature 16 new cottages on land acquired in 2019 and 2021.

Lile highlighted the significant collaboration with several partners: RGS Associates for site development; RLPS Architects for cottage design; Univest for financing; West Earl Township and Lancaster County for approvals; Rock Road Construction for site work; and EG Stoltzfus as the lead contractor.

Special guest at the event was Pennsylvania state Rep. Keith Greiner.

The event concluded with a prayer blessing by Fairmount chaplain Eugene Weaver, who asked for safety throughout the construction process and for the development of strong community among the future residents of Orchard Terrace.

Fairmount first opened its doors in 1968 and is now home to nearly 400 residents. The last cottage expansion at Fairmount was in 2017. Fairmount currently offers 103 apartments and 52 cottages and is licensed for 74 beds in personal care and 114 beds in health care.