James E. Brett will tell you the staff, residents and warm ambiance of the Lodge at Ives Hill are some of the many reasons to consider the enriched housing facility home.

A self-proclaimed tour guide of the residence, 84-year-old Mr. Brett, a former city councilman, said there are many highlights to living in the 13,721-square-foot building at 1201 Jewell Drive. He knows first-hand, as he is one of eight residents.

“It’s relaxation,” he said during an open house Wednesday. “Ladies work very hard painting and making little novelties. I like to keep busy here and make sure we have a good staff, and we do.”

Donna S. MacPherson, Ives Hill Retirement Community executive director, said the number of residents is lower than what was projected when the Lodge opened in February.

“People moved in, but they needed more care, so they went to another facility,” she said.

The hope is to fill the enriched-living facility by the year’s end. There are 18 units, including 10 studios and eight one-bedroom units. Each is equipped with a small dining area, living space, a bathroom and a small kitchen area complete with a sink, a microwave and an apartment-size refrigerator. Residents also share common dining and living room areas.

Other amenities include a hair salon and an activities room that leads to an outdoor patio with a retractable screen.

Visitors are welcome at the Lodge from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily.

The center does not accept Medicaid or Medicare. Each unit costs about $4,000 to $5,000 per month and is self-pay.

After taking a tour Wednesday, Mary Lees, Watertown, said she thought the Lodge would give her 95-year-old mother some of her independence back. Her mother lives in a nursing home in the city.

“There haven’t been a lot of options here before,” Mrs. Lees said. “I’m impressed with the simplicity — it’s laid out in a very comfortable fashion. It’s tasteful, and the color on the wall is very soothing.”

Key elements to her liking include low-level lighting to help residents see the floor better, and round-the-clock available care from nurses.

Mr. Brett said he spent about a year at Ives Hill Retirement Community before moving across the street to the Lodge. Reluctant at first, Mr. Brett said he now enjoys his new home of two months and is happy to educate people about the facility.

The $3.5 million project was built by Purcell Construction Corp., and GYMO Architecture, Engineering & Land Surveying is the architectural and engineering firm. Both groups are based in Watertown.

Paula J. Edwards is the facility administrator and Dr. Chris Black is the medical director.

For more information, or to set up a private tour, call Mrs. MacPherson at 779-9590.

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