Team Information

Owner/Developer: Farnsworth Development

Craig Ahlstrom is the President and CEO of Farnsworth Development Company, a 4th generation family business, since 1998. Farnsworth Development is known for developing active adult retirement communities in the East Valley since 1958. The success and achievements of the company are due to the vision and keen business sense of the Founder and Chairman of the Farnsworth Companies, Ross Farnsworth, Sr., an Arizona native.

Prior to becoming President in 1998, Craig Ahlstrom was responsible for three major retirement communities in Mesa, Arizona, where he oversaw the land development, marketing, and sales. Craig Ahlstrom has served on numerous civic boards over the years and has volunteered his time with the Mesa Chamber of Commerce, the East Valley Partnership, and the Mesa United Way, and many others. Craig has also been involved with the Central Arizona Home Builders Association, the Boy Scouts of America, and the United Way Leadership Giving Society. He believes that a successful business must be integrated into the community in which it operates. Craig Ahlstrom believes that Farnsworth Gardens will be able to meet the needs of an aging population and provide its residents a comfortable, secure, and affordable retirement. "We have been developing active adult communities in Mesa for over fifty years.  We feel that by developing a Continuing Care Retirement Community such as Farnsworth Gardens in the heart of our first development, Dreamland Villa, it will not only enhance the lifestyle options for the surrounding residents, but also be a great new addition to the Dreamland Villa Community.  We look forward to continuing the Farnsworth tradition of quality and excellence in senior housing for another fifty years."

Craig Ahlstrom Jr. is the fourth generation of the Farnsworth family. He works for Farnsworth Development Company assisting with the development needs of Sunland Springs Village. Craig Jr. has completed his Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Management from Utah Valley University as well as his Masters in Real Estate Development from Arizona State University.

Craig Jr. has spent most of his professional career working with Sunland Springs Village, Farnsworth’s fourth active adult retirement community. He enjoys finding the best ways to serve active adult customers. He remains an active member of the Urban Land Institute (ULI), one of the biggest real estate organizations in the world organized to help create communities that thrive and are sustainable. Craig looks forward to continued service to seniors as Farnsworth Gardens is opened. Craig believes that Farnsworth Gardens will be a remarkable project and he is excited to be a part of the development team. “My Great Grandpa, my Grandpa, and now my Dad, have created a special legacy serving seniors through hard work and ethical business practices that I am excited to carry on.” Craig and his wife Veva Ahlstrom have a beautiful daughter named Millie.

Consultant/Operator: Milestone Retirement Communities, LLC

Web Site: www.milestoneretirement.com

Milestone Retirement Communities, LLC is located in Vancouver, Washington. Milestone is a privately owned company founded by Paul Dendy, Mark Wiesner and Don Anderson. With over 70 years of combined experience in senior housing and related fields, Milestone has the depth and practical knowledge necessary to lead its communities and meet the needs of seniors.

Milestone’s primary focus is providing the customer with options and choices in senior housing and retirement living accommodations. Milestone believes that its success as a company depends on its efforts and involvement in each and every one of the communities it owns and/or manages. Milestone’s philosophy is that this personal approach creates a strong foundation to provide its customers with a wonderful experience as a resident of a Milestone Retirement Community.

As a small, privately held company, Milestone has a distinct advantage in developing very close relationships with employees. Milestone believes that its employees are its greatest asset. Milestone understands the uniqueness of each and every one of the many communities where it is located. It is this intimate understanding of Milestone’s communities that allows it to create new and unique programs that provide the many options and choices in lifestyle that meet your needs.

Milestone believes the Farnsworth Garden Retirement Community represents the best in design and programs for its intended residents.  Milestone is excited to be involved in helping to create this state-of-the-art community and looks forward to making Farnsworth Gardens home to hundreds of seniors in east Mesa.  Milestone is working with Farnsworth Development and the rest of the project team to ensure that Farnsworth Gardens provides independence, choice, envigorating programs and a casual, supportive lifestyle that is reasonably priced.  In addition, it is pleased that the community will provide employment opportunities for approximately one hundred people in a variety of fields and experience levels from professionals to entry level positions.  Milestone believes Farnsworth Gardens will become a landmark in east Mesa and that it will carry on the traditions of quality, customer service and satisfaction that are associated with living in adult communities created by Farnsworth Development for over 5 decades.

Milestone’s Mission Statement
“The mission of Milestone Retirement Communities is to serve our residents, their families, the owners of the properties and the building staff with a caring regard for their needs and reasonable expectations.  We do so with integrity, good stewardship and recognition that all stakeholders are equally important.  To be successful at this, we promote good communications, fair dealing, creativity, accountability and rewarding exceptional performance.”

Architect: KKE

Web Site: www.kke.com

About the Design Team

KKKE is a full service architectural firm that provides a wide range of architectural, interior design and planning services.  KKE is a firm of 250 employees with offices in Phoenix and Tucson, Arizona, Las Vegas, Nevada, Irvine and Pasadena, California, and Minneapolis, Minnesota.  KKE has grown to become one of the top 50 architectural firms in the country as ranked by building Design & Construction, July 2007. 

Founded in 1968, KKE measures success based on exceeding client expectations.  KKE’s philosophy is to have architects and designers initiate relationships with clients and maintain a hands-on approach through the project’s completion.  KKE has eight design teams, each with its own focus and expertise.  This format allows for a healthy exchange of ideas, research and development.

KKE finds strength through diversification and its ability to adapt to new markets and opportunities.  KKE’s strategic markets include: aging, housing, justice, workplace, learning, healing, retail, mixed-use, recreation, and entertainment.

KKE has been in the Designs for Aging market since the inception of the firm in 1968.  The Studio is led by Greg Woollums and has 6-7 individuals who have specialized in this market for much of their careers. Farnsworth Gardens was designed by Greg Woollums and Todd Young.  Greg and Todd have worked together on all types of senior care facilities throughout the country.  Their experience and knowledge about senior living has made them a valuable part of the Farnsworth Garden team.