This project is going to completely transform the Southwest Valley. To be able to continue developing the historic land once owned by Mr. Litchfield and expand our offerings to residents in the area as well as provide a comfortable event space for the public to enjoy is monumental.”

Sun Health Chief Financial Officer Sharon Grambow

The much-anticipated expansion of Sun Health’s 322-acre La Loma Campus on the northwest corner of Camelback and Litchfield roads in Litchfield Park is happening.

The nonprofit organization announced Thursday, Sept. 10, it will build 70 new independent living residences and a community event center as part of The Orchard at Rancho La Loma on the campus. Sun Health currently operates La Loma Village independent living community, and the La Loma medical plaza, care center and outpatient rehabilitation center on the campus.

The property on what was the 365-acre winter estate that Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. President, CEO and Chairman Paul. W. Litchfield shared with his wife, Florence, and their daughters, Katherine and Edith, was donated to Sun Health in 1999 by Edith Litchfield Denny, and her husband, Wally.

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Ten years later, the Denny’s daughter, Pamela Denny Blackford and her husband, John, donated the 21-acre hilltop where the family’s 5,400-square-foot home is located, to the city of Litchfield Park. The Litchfield Park Historical Society is raising money and working with the city to transform the home into an 11,000-square foot heritage center featuring a museum, archive space, research library, meeting room, gift shop, gardens and community gathering spots.

The Orchard will be the first phase of the campus expansion, with construction to begin before year’s end and completed in summer 2021, Sun Health officials said in a news release. The community’s name pays homage to the citrus orchard the Litchfields operated on the estate.

“This project is going to completely transform the Southwest Valley,” Sun Health Chief Financial Officer Sharon Grambow said in a prepared statement. “To be able to continue developing the historic land once owned by Mr. Litchfield and expand our offerings to residents in the area as well as provide a comfortable event space for the public to enjoy is monumental.”

Three styles of residences — casitas, terraces and villas — will be available.

Casita Estates will have two floorplans and two residences within each property, the release stated.

Arboleda Terraces are a new style for Sun Health Communities. It will feature five residences per building, with three different floorplans including one- and two-bedroom options with individual garages.

Morada Villas will offer 16 residences per building with four floor plan options, both one and two bedrooms.

Residents moving into the community will receive the promise of life care, which guarantees that as a resident’s health and financial situation changes, they will always have a home within the Sun Health Community, the release stated. Additionally, they will receive an array of amenities and priority access to services.

The Orchard’s 17,000-square-foot community event center and fine-dining restaurant, scheduled for completion in 2022, will be open to the public. The event center will offer adjustable spaces to accommodate large ballroom or small classroom or boardroom-style meetings. It is expected to serve as a resource for the cities of Goodyear and Litchfield Park, as well as nearby Luke Air Force Base.

Those who think they may be interested in moving into the new residences can join the Founders Club for an obligation-free, fully refundable $1,000 deposit. They will be first to receive information about the residences and will have the ability to select their location prior to the general public (in order of when they sign up).

Founders also will receive the lowest pricing available including upgraded finishes within the residences, special invitations to member-only events, and members will have the opportunity to view floorplans and pricing before anyone else.

For more information about the project, visit rancholaloma.org or call 623-537-7555. For more information about Sun Health, its communities and programs, visit sunhealth.org.