Dawson County may soon be getting not one but two locations geared toward senior citizens.
Both Whitley Engineering Inc. and TBG Residential are looking at locations, one in the city and the other in the county.
North Georgia Assisted Living center is planned as a 26,000-square-foot complex to be built on 3.6 acres in downtown Dawsonville. When finished, the gated complex would have 26 rooms with space for 44 occupants, according to Whitley Engineering.
A wing is also planned for dementia patients, monitored for the residents' safety.
"This is going to be independent. It's not going to be government subsidized," said Mike Ford, owner of the property. "Our entrances will be gated, but we will have stores and salons located on premises for our residents. Of course, they can also come and go as they please."
The proposed location would be on Memory Lane, near Fire Station No. 1 and the Dawson County Library.
Ford presented the plans for consideration during the Feb. 17 Dawsonville City Planning meeting. They will be brought before the city council during its March 17 work session.
A second community is being planned by a residential company already present in Dawson County.
Farmington Creek has been billed as 55 and older apartment complex on nearly 10 acres at 7142 Hwy. 53 East, across from Tractor Supply Co. near Ga. 400.
"We don't really have much to say right now, but it's coming along," said Brad Smith, senior vice president of TBG Residential, the company that owns the Farmington properties. "Currently, we are looking at about 50 units for an active adult community."
According to county zoning records, the age and income restrictive development would offer one and two-bedroom options, with amenities such as a clubhouse, workout facilities and covered pavilion.
TBG Residential also owns Farmington Woods, an apartment complex that recently finished construction of its 15-acre, 72-unit complex off of Perimeter Road in Dawsonville.
Smith said the company hopes to break ground sometime in the fall.