Reporter staff

A $3.5 million renovation at north Auburn’s Neely Station apartments, formerly Brittany Lane Park, is nearing completion.

Matt Chestnut, investment manager for Pinnacle, which owns and operates the 190-unit complex, said the project recently passed the halfway mark. Exterior improvements include a resurfaced parking lot and landscaping. Interior work includes new appliances and other features to the units.

In addition, Pinnacle’s renovation involves a remodeled clubhouse, residents lounge, fitness center and pool area.

Neely Station is offering a program that will donate $50 to the new resident’s choice of three nonprofit organizations – Auburn Valley Humane Society, Auburn schools, or the Auburn Food Bank.

“We want to become a part of the community. We’re trying to get back to Auburn,” said Heather Lagat, business manager, of the enrollment program.

Neely Station apartments is at 1433 8th St. NE, Auburn. For more information, call 253-939-4846 or visit www.neelystation.com.

Elsewhere

Susan McConnell has joined Wesley Homes Retirement Communities and Health Services as the executive director for Wesley Homes Foundation. McConnell plans to raise the visibility of major fundraising endeavors of Wesley Homes, including a state-of-the-art health center on the Wesley Homes Lea Hill campus in Auburn. McConnell also will play a significant role in the expansion of Wesley Homes Retirement Communities into Puyallup and Renton.

McConnell comes to Wesley Homes from Ohio where she was the CEO of Make-A-Wish Foundation for Ohio, Kentucky and Indiana. She’s a Washington state native and was the director of production and special events at PONCHO (Patrons of Northwest Civic, Cultural and Charitable Organizations).

“I’ve worked with kids, and that was incredibly fulfilling. With Wesley Homes, I can be an advocate for another segment of the population that is sometimes vulnerable. I can help make a difference,” McConnell said. “There are people and communities out there who need what Wesley Homes can provide, and I want to keep the momentum of our mission going so we can continue to serve older adults.”