Area residents descended this past week on a 64-unit independent and assisted-living retirement community that opens this week in Austin.

The open house at Primrose gave residents a chance to see some of the 40 units that will solely be for those seeking an independent living lifestyle, said Primrose co-owner Clark Thares. The remaining 24 units, for those wanting assisted living, will open in a few weeks.

The complex, located on Austin's southwest side, will provide 20 jobs, with most of those being full time, Thares said, noting that the manager of the facility is Laura Pybrun.

This is the eighth facility that has opened for South Dakota-based Primrose. Being around for 14 years has helped the company make continual improvements.

"We looked at what was out there and we felt we had a new product. We're bringing a product to Austin that has been refined," Thares said. "And I think we're bringing something to Austin that has a lot of neat things."

Some of those items include lower windows for easier outside viewing and easy-to-read thermostats.

Each facility has a patio or balcony, central air and heat, large windows, emergency pull cords in both assisted and independent living units, individual washer and dryer hookups and noise reduction, to name a few.

"We have a layer on concrete in between the first and second floor. It deadens the noise," Thares said.

There will also be a computer room and a ice cream parlor/sunroom available to the residents. Garages are also on site at the complex.

For information on Primrose, located at 1701 22nd Ave. SW, call 434-0600.

Dan Fields can be reached at 434-2230 or by e-mail at dan.fields@austindailyherald.com