The Planning and Zoning Commission will be looking at a plan for “The Hemingway,” an assisted living/independent living facility proposed for Trevino Drive between Burkemo Drive and Saguaro Boulevard.

Dan Kauffman of Kauffman Real Estate and Development will have the plan before the commission Thursday, April 23.

The plan for the 5.75-acre site includes nine buildings of about 10,000 square feet each accommodating a total of 134 resident beds.

The site is currently zoned C-1, which is defined as neighborhood commercial for light medical and professional office space.

To allow for the assisted living, the commission is considering six separate requests from Kauffman. Those include a minor General Plan amendment, a Planned Area Development (PAD), a special use permit, a hillside protection easement abandonment, a concept plan and a cut and fill waiver.

The concept plan is at the discretion of the planning commission; all other items will ultimately be decided by the Town Council with recommendations from the commission.

Kauffman describes the facility as spacious single-level homes. He said they will have 15-foot ceilings with 16 individual suites for residents. There will be a large living room/library and large common kitchen.

The common space can also be used for educational programs, exercise, games, worship and social events. Residents will be able to dine in a common dining area.

Each suite is to include a niche for family photos or mementos, wet bar area, custom designed adjustable closets and oversized bathrooms with roll-in showers.

“The home-like environment will provide a warm, comfortable, peaceful lifestyle for our residents,” Kauffman said.

He added that the facilities will also include a variety of features to create a sustainable environment. On site there will also be a beauty parlor, medicine room, laundry and office. The facility will provide 55 jobs in the community.

The location near the main entry area to Fountain Hills makes it convenient for out-of-town family to visit, according to Kauffman.

He also noted the outside grounds will be designed to encourage family visits with walking areas, benches, a ramada, putting green and even a tot-lot playground for children who visit.

“Emphasis has been on the front yard of the residences with the landscape, sitting areas, resident water feature area …to allow residents to gather out front for more socialization as a well-rounded neighborhood should be,” Kauffman said.

Kauffman is a Fountain Hills resident and his company has been based here for 20 years. He has built apartments, condominiums, schools as well as active adult subdivisions.

The property is generally located behind the McDonald’s/Circle K plaza with single-family homes to the north and west.

The Planning and Zoning Commission will meet on Thursday, April 23, at 6:30 p.m. in council chambers at Town Hall. The meeting is open to the public.

The council is scheduled to consider the plan May 21.