Cedar Lake, the largest private provider of residential and community-based services for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities in the state of Kentucky, has closed on a $5 million property in Anchorage, Kentucky. The property formerly housed children, but the Louisville-based organization is exploring ways to support adults with intellectual disabilities and expand care for this underserved community.
The property consists of eight buildings and 16 acres, including an administrative building, school, and five cottages. “As we look to the future, continuing to support adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities is critical. This purchase will allow us to expand services and reach more individuals, including those in Louisville,” said Rick Davis, President and CEO of Cedar Lake.
Purchase of the Anchorage property is a crucial step as Cedar Lake seeks to support adults with disabilities who are aging and need additional care for generations to come. The purchase is also part of Cedar Lake’s broader effort to address the growing demand for services in the intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) community. Organization leaders say the expansion reflects a commitment from the Cedar Lake Board of Directors to take proactive steps to address the organization’s waiting list and ensure more individuals have access to the care and support they need.
“Like most boards, the Cedar Lake board is very conservative,” said Bruce Beickman, Chair of the Cedar Lake Inc. “We quickly recognized this was a very unique opportunity that rarely comes along, and I’m very proud of how our board responded and the enthusiasm they showed for what this means for the future of Cedar Lake.”
Board leaders acknowledged that purchasing and redeveloping the Anchorage campus represents a significant commitment. However, they emphasized that the decision reflects a long-term vision to expand services and ensure Cedar Lake can meet both the current and future needs of adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities across Kentucky.
“As a longtime Anchorage resident – and the father of a son with autism – Cedar Lake’s investment in this property is very meaningful to me. Representing Cedar Lake in the purchase of this campus, which has served Kentucky for over 160 years, made this work especially personal as the mission continues supporting adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities,” said Justin Baker, TRIO Commercial Property Group.
“Our Bellewood organization has been in Anchorage for over 176 years. When we made the difficult decision to sell the campus, we purposely sought out friends who would honor the history and impact of our mission. We feel we found that partner in Cedar Lake Lodge, and we know they will carry on the wonderful positive impact to Kentucky families at the Anchorage campus. We look forward to the great work they will do there!” said Chris Teeley, President/CEO Bellewood and Brooklawn.
Currently, Cedar Lake operates in five counties with supported living and staffed residences, family home providers, independent living apartments, specialized care homes (intermediate care facilities), and a day training program. It is not known at this time what care option will be provided at this new location or when the location will open. Renovations will be substantial to upgrade the property to meet the needs of the organization, and the organization will need community support to complete the project.