Wartburg’s Master Planning Progresses, Promotes Leadership From Within
Mount Vernon, NY – May 29, 2024 – As Wartburg recently opened a new 50,000 square-foot Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementia Living Center (the Berkemeier Living Center) John Schuster and Bridget Zimmermann are promoted.
Wartburg President and CEO Dr. David J. Gentner shared the news that Mr. John Schuster, Meadowview’s Administrator and Wartburg employee for 20 years, was promoted to Vice President of Real Estate Project Management/Administrator. “The promotion will allow John to focus on the operationalization and stabilization of the new memory care center, and once stable, transition into the project management work associated with the adaptive reuse of the Waltemade building,” said Dr. David Gentner, Wartburg’s President. Schuster is a licensed nursing home administrator and holds both bachelor’s and master’s degree in public administration from Pace University. He is a graduate of the inaugural class of LeadingAge NY’s Leadership Academy and has served on Leading Age’s Adult Care Facility Statewide Cabinet for the past eight years.
In addition to Mr. Schuster’s appointment, Gentner also shared the news that Ms. Bridget Zimmermann, MA, LNHA was promoted to Vice President of Operations/Administrator. Ms. Zimmermann has been with Wartburg since 2019 and served previously as Associate Administrator and Administrator of Wartburg’s Skilled Nursing Facility and Adult Day Programs. Most recently, she successfully downsized the Waltemade building in preparation for adaptive reuse to senior affordable housing. “In the aftermath of the wind-down of the Waltemade building, this promotion will provide Ms. Zimmermann with an opportunity to focus on synthesizing campus operations and most importantly the case management needs of residents as they access different parts of the continuum,” said Dr. David Gentner, Wartburg’s President. Zimmermann will continue as Nursing Home Administrator and take on additional oversight responsibilities of Wartburg’s Meadowview Assisted Living, Friedrichs Housing, and Lohman Village Housing. She is a graduate of Sacred Heart University, Adelphi University, and University of Phoenix and has been on Leading Age NY’s Nursing Home Cabinet since July 2021.
Wartburg’s new Berkemeier Living Center features 64 state-of-the-art residences, 32 private and 32 companion suites, and focuses on providing housing and resources to those affected by Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. The new Living Center residences resemble small-scale households, providing an intimate and comfortable feel for the residents, staff, and families. Key planning elements such as short walking distances, oversized windows for increased natural light, and enhanced views are included in the design to help support a healing environment. Additionally, each household features its own living, dining and kitchen space, as well as gathering spaces. The first-floor lobby and gallery space displays elements of Wartburg’s rich history including Berkemeier artifacts from the original structure. The first level also includes an event space, music therapy room, and administrative space. The building is LEED (Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design) certified by the U.S. Green Building Council. Attaining LEED certification signifies that a building is exemplary in conserving energy, lowering operating costs and being healthy for occupants.
Wartburg recently received approval by the City of Mount Vernon’s Architecture Review Board for adaptive reuse of the Waltemade nursing home building. The project involves the adaptive reuse into 103 units of permanent affordable housing for seniors with incomes at 30%, 50%, and 60% of area median. In support of this goal, Wartburg has secured an operational funding commitment of $750,000 annually from the Empire State Supportive Housing Initiative to provide supportive services and rental subsidies for up to 30 residents who need moderate assistance with some daily activities.
About Wartburg
Wartburg, located in Westchester County, NY, offers integrated, comprehensive senior residential and healthcare services. Unlike conventional retirement communities, Wartburg provides a wide range of services to both residents living on their beautiful 34-acre campus and people in their own homes. From independent, assisted living, and award-winning nursing home care to inpatient/outpatient rehabilitation, home care, and adult day care services, their continuing care approach has earned them a trusted reputation. Wartburg also provides caregiver support at every stage with various options to find the level of care that considers the whole family. Wartburg was named one of the “Best Nursing Homes in New York State” by U.S. News & World Report in 2023, for the 12th consecutive year.
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