Shovel ceremony participants: Lawrence Steingold, Jay Kossman, Larry Siegel, David Abraham, Mayor Bobby Dyer, Fred Napolitano, Vincent Olivieri, Michael Olivieri, and Ramsay Smith.
Anyone who has traveled by the Pembroke Square area in the last few weeks might have seen exciting developments taking place on the corner by Target. Aviva Pembroke, the premier senior community that is being created in partnership by Beth Sholom Village and Pembroke Square Associates, is coming out of the ground.
The official groundbreaking event took place on a cold and sunny day, and it was a wonderful milestone for all involved. On Friday, Dec. 9 more than 200 community members gathered in the future site of Aviva Pembroke for a ceremony and ceremonial groundbreaking. With over a dozen local, state, and federal elected officials in attendance, the event marked a very proud moment for Beth Sholom Village leadership and staff.
Mayor Bobby Dyer of Virginia Beach noted that Aviva Pembroke is coming at a time when it is desperately needed. “By 2030, predictions are that 20% of the population of Virginia will be 65 or over,” he said. Dyer also spoke about his positive experiences at Beth Sholom Village when he worked as a physical therapist, stating that he is so glad that the BSV standards for excellence will be carried into Aviva Pembroke.
Fred Napolitano, founder and chairman of Pembroke Square Associates, gave a wonderful history of the property, sharing how the owners have always been innovative. When Pembroke Mall opened in 1966, it was the first enclosed shopping mall in the region and only the 16th in the nation. Napolitano said they never could have imagined then, the plans for the property now.
It was clear why Beth Sholom Village and Pembroke Square Associates are ideal partners in creating this new project, as both organizations have high standards for quality of service, believe in giving back to the community, and are reimagining the best way to serve the community.
Since the groundbreaking event, much has happened at the future site, and within the marketing of the Aviva Pembroke community. As of this writing, nearly 45% of available apartments (inclusive of assisted living and memory enhancement units) are spoken for—all with fully refundable deposits. Since the groundbreaking and more public mentions of the plans, BSV has received phone calls from Hampton Roads natives and out-of-towners looking to retire closer to their children. Future residents of Aviva Pembroke have started a bi-monthly book club, are welcomed to join a private group on social media, and will soon enjoy more events with the warmer weather.
The Growing Our Future Capital Campaign for Aviva Pembroke is also well under way, with funds raised totaling $2.1 million— 84% of the $2.5 million goal. Campaign co-chairs Jay Kossman and Lawrence Steingold continue to work closely with BSV staff to complete the campaign, looking to community supporters to assist in making this dream a reality. Final events for the Campaign are expected to happen this spring, with anticipated announcement about finishing strong before the end of the fiscal year.
With concrete poured, walls beginning to go up, and new progress daily, the excitement for the project is steadily growing. The teams at Beth Sholom Village and Pembroke Square Associates are working with S.B. Ballard as general contractor, Kahler Slater as architect, and Kimley Horn as engineers.
Visit avivapembroke.com for more information on amenities and apartments, as well as project and campaign updates.
-Amy Weinstein