LUXURY LIFESTYLE: “We’re a newer concept because all our units are rentals. This was a market need. People are enjoying the benefits of not having to be responsible for all the things that go with running a house.” Ken Butler, MA, CCM, general manager of Ovation at Riverwalk in Plainsboro, is enthusiastic about this new active adult community. Shown is the sophisticated, state-of-the-art modern new building.

By Jean Stratton

Ovation at Riverwalk is a unique rental community for active adults, ages 55 and up. Located at One Riverwalk in Plainsboro, it is operated by SageLife, a developer of adult communities, and it is expected to open for residents in 2021. Applications and deposits are being accepted now.

“We are set apart from other adult communities,” explains Ovation General Manager Ken Butler, MA, CCM. “One, we are a rental community with flexibility, offering short term and long term leases, Two, we have fully-staffed amenities and services, a professional team of housekeepers, maintenance help, fitness and lifestyle coaches, and concierge service.

“In addition, the Ovation membership program offers a lifestyle that is like that of a private club. Our clubhouse, which is just for residents and their guests, offers all the services and amenities people will welcome. Our services and hospitality will be like a country club.”

Another important feature of the new community is its location very near the Penn Medicine Princeton Medical Center campus just off Route 1 in Plainsboro. It is just a short walk away from the Merwick Care & Rehabilitation Center, and is situated alongside the Millstone River, with an opportunity for many scenic walking trails along the river.

Perfect Match

“It was actually part of the grand view of the hospital community campus to have a different grouping of buildings and living spaces,” points out Butler. “Part of it will be townhouses, Merwick is there, and an assisted living facility is also planned.”

For those looking forward to a new lifestyle, free of the demands of home ownership, Ovation at Riverwalk may be the perfect match. And for many prospective residents, the fact that it is a pet-friendly operation is a real plus.

With 260 apartments, including studio, and one- and two-bedroom units in a variety of styles and layouts, it offers new opportunities for easy living.

The well-appointed apartments feature high ceilings, designer bathrooms, plenty of closet space, washer/dryers, high-end appliances, an abundance of light coming through oversized windows, and a private balcony. A housekeeping staff cleans the apartments free of charge.

Dining at Ovation offers a myriad of opportunities. Multiple dining venues and private event spaces are available, reports Butler. They are all on-site, but are individually branded, he notes.

“Our restaurants include the 609 Piano Bar & Lounge, which also offers dining; the Garden Restaurant, a sort of smart-casual cafe, with informal dining for breakfast, lunch, and dinner; Classified, our upscale steakhouse, featuring an Art Deco-style motif; The Second Room, with a demo kitchen for tastings and classes with our executive chef and also guest chefs; and the Riverwalk Coffee Company, sort of like a Starbucks or Panera Bread, offering fresh-roasted coffee, pastries, and sandwiches.”

Fitness Center

A library, card room, fully-equipped fitness center (with fitness coach and personal trainer), yoga studio, year-round swimming pool, virtual-simulated sports center for golf, hockey, and other sports. a real putting green, and bocce court are some of the amenities at Ovation.

A full-time concierge will help with tee times at nearby golf courses, arrange for theater tickets, reservations, and more. “Our concierge will always be at the front desk for deliveries, to give directions, to arrange for dry cleaning, gift wrapping, private car transportation, etc.,” says Butler. “Everything is dedicated to making life easier for the residents. It really is like country club living.”

In addition, parking spots are available in a secure nearly 700-car, temperature-controlled garage.

The proximity to Princeton and its cultural, educational, and shopping opportunities is an attraction for many, he adds. “We have partnerships with McCarter Theatre, Grounds For Sculpture, and other organizations for cultural and sports activities.

“We also have many opportunities for outdoor living,” he continues. “Whether for walks along the river, spending leisure time on our two outdoor courtyards, or on the rooftop sun decks, there is something for everyone.”

Ovation at Riverwalk can also be a bonus for the increasing number of individuals working from home, reports Butler. “We are very well-equipped for home offices. This is a very smart technology building. People have been leaving the cities during COVID, and are contacting us.”

MUSIC AND MORE: The variety of restaurants and bars at Ovation at Riverwalk includes the 609 Piano Bar & Lounge, where residents can enjoy an informal meal, a drink, and listen — or sing along — to a favorite tune.

Appropriate Time

In fact, this can be a particularly appropriate time to look into living opportunities at Ovation, he notes. “People will be coming into a brand new building, to an apartment no one else has ever lived in. There is no mold, no lingering virus.

“Also, there are five floors and seven elevators, and in the beginning, there won’t be so many residents here all at once, and people can spread out. We are following all the state regulations about sanitary and safety precautions, wearing masks, etc.” 

He points out that many applications and inquiries have been coming in, and he is optimistic about Ovation’s future.

“We look forward to having a robust, active, engaged population here. I guarantee people will be saying, ‘I wish I had done this years ago,’” says Butler.

“I’m enjoying this opportunity so much. This is a new concept of combining resort living with a private club and an up-to-date recreation package, and all within our rental active adult community. I have a great professional staff here, and this is also a new adventure for me in the sense that I am involved from the ground up.”

“We have so much to offer,” adds Butler.  “With our flexible renting terms, residents are not tied down. I really enjoy making people happy, and Ovation is all about choices and opportunities.

“We are also dedicated to being a contributing part of the community. This is a very important priority for us.”

For more information regarding applications and arranging a tour, call (609) 537-8000. Website: ovationatriverwalk.com.