The Villas 55+ Grand Opening

The Villas, a 55+ Community centered in the heart of Colton was opened in grand style on Saturday February 1st. On the day of the official Grand Opening of the senior living apartment complex, 16 tenants moved in as the celebration and festivities took place. Randy Friend along with Gordon MacKenzie and Wynn Holmes of the Eagle Real Estate Group were there to greet the numerous dignitaries and bask in the spotlight as The Villas debuted to the Colton community as a crown jewel now shining in the downtown area. John Anaya Sr. was anxious to get his move underway. “As soon as they give me a key, I’m ready to go!” He laughed and added, “I feel so blessed to be able to move into a place like this. I have been given a great opportunity to upgrade my quality of living right here in my hometown of Colton. This is a great day for seniors!” Anaya will be moving into a third floor apartment at the Villas. Colton City Manager Stephen Compton was there to celebrate the project’s completion. “I saw this project before all of this was here. I saw the other old buildings leveled, and here I am today, seeing the whole thing come to fruition. I will say this: This project is a monument that testifies to the determination of the people of Colton to build a good destination for downtown. We will continue to build public buildings in this style, and people will be amazed at how beautiful Colton has become.” As people gathered to take walking tours of the available apartments in the lobby areas of the office entrance, many of the area dignitaries walked in to join them for the brief grand opening ceremony that marked the official opening of the complex. Joe Baca Sr. and his wife Barbara, along with his son Joe Baca Jr. were in attendance. State Senator Norma Torres, Assemblymember Cheryl Brown, Colton Mayor Sarah Zamora and Colton City council members David Toro, Frank Gonzales, Frank Navarro, Susan Oliva, Deidre Bennett and Mayor Pro Tem Issac Suchil gathered together to celebrate The Villas Grand Opening. With help from the Colton Community Services group, a buffet of appetizers was served in the spacious community lobby section of the new facility. After quite a large crowd gathered, they were called to attention by Randy Friend, who began a short recognition ceremony of those who had helped to make The Villas a reality. “The City was very clear about what they wanted,” Friend said, “They wanted a place they could be proud of, and they wanted it done quickly.” He added, “Once you begin touring The Villas, you will notice the great attention to detail in the project. It is something we are proud of, something that the City insisted on, and we thank and acknowledge all of the City’s effort to bring a project like this to their home.” Friend said that it was due to the leadership, vision and clear policies for excellence laid forth by Mayor Zamora and the council members that made the project a success. Wynn Holmes of Eagle Real Estate called out to City Manager Stephen Compton in recognition that the contract for The Villas was the first contract signed by Compton in his position as Colton’s new City Manager. The Santa Barbara Mission style of the apartment complex was chosen by the Colton council members due to it’s timeless style and appeal, Friend also shared with the crowd. “The City Council liked it, saying ‘It looks like it’s been here forever, but it’s new and beautiful.” Adding that the Eagle Real Estate Group was fully committed to this project, Friend promised the company would be making sure they will see that things go well for the residents of the senior community. After acknowledging members of the Eagle Real Estate Group and their contributions to the project, Friend also acknowledged consultants, engineers, landscapers and many people who were instrumental in the completion of The Villas project in under a year. Presentations of certificates of appreciation in celebration of the Grand Opening of The Villas were made by Senator Norma Torres and Assemblymember Cheryl Brown. A few short words were also spoken by Joe Baca Sr., Council member Frank Gonzales, Council member David Toro and long time Colton resident Fred Cordova. Colton Mayor Sarah S. Zamora recognized Eagle Real Estate Group, and thanked everyone for their help in continuing the vision of her late husband and Mayor of Colton, David Zamora, in bringing a quality senior living center to the city. "This project has become a gem for downtown Colton," said Zamora, "and it is just a beginning for this city on the move." With all of the appropriate pomp and circumstance completed, tours of the one and two bedroom apartments were given to those interested in seeing the facilities up close and personal. As the event wound down, the first group of approved applicants were excited to get their new house keys and become official tenants of The Villas. Frank Gonzales, current Colton City Council member and former Mayor of Colton said, “When the old senior housing was closed, our community was forced to send their loved ones to neighboring cities. Today marks the day when our loved ones, our family members will be coming back. We’re not only bringing pride back to Colton with this beautiful new facility, we’re bringing our family home.”