In early July, the sale of property on Friend Court in Pandora from the Hilty Home to Pandora Contracting was completed. 

A part of Mennonite Home Communities of Ohio (MHCO) since 2012, Hilty Home is a senior living community that includes Independent living villas, assisted living apartments, and a skilled nursing facility. 

Behind the main building is Friend Court, a neighborhood established by Hilty Home in 2004, when the street, infrastructure and two independent living duplex villas (four total living units) were built. The existing villas and land they are on remain property of the Hilty Home as independent living villas. 

Plans to further develop the neighborhood have been investigated over the years, but ultimately limited interest in additional independent living units has prevented new construction.

According to MHCO Acting COO Elizabeth Kelly, “This is a property we have been maintaining for some time, and after careful deliberation we have decided it is in the organization’s best interest not to develop it further.”

Sale allows a local contractor to develop the neighborhood
Kelly added, “This sale allows a local contractor to further develop this neighborhood, which will enhance both the Hilty Home property, as well as the Village of Pandora.” 

Additional information about independent living options at Hilty Home and in Bluffton at Maple Crest and the Mennonite Memorial Home can be acquired by calling Daren Lee at 419-358-1015, extension 101. 

Pandora Contracting is owned and operated by Greg Amstutz of Pandora, and has been building in the Pandora and Bluffton area since 2008. 

Since that time the company has undertaken many projects, including building villas for MHCO on the Maple Crest campus. 

In discussing future plans, Amstutz said, “My current vision is to build units very similar in construction and design to the villas that are already built in this neighborhood.” 

While floor plans may vary, a popular option would be a 1,600 square foot, 3-bedroom plan that is ADA accessible. 

Considering duplex/condo-type community
Amstutz added that he is considering making this a duplex/condominium-type community, with additional services available such as lawn care and snow removal.

 “With a location near the Pandora-Gilboa schools and walking path access to the park, it is a desirable location for a home,” he said. 

“A couple of people have already expressed interest in moving to the neighborhood.” he said. Current ground-breaking plans are for spring of 2021. Persons interested in more information  may contact Amstutz at 419-303-4698.