By David J. Foster

Staff Writer

Katie Sartor is torn: She doesn't want to move. She has lived in Juniata for over 40 years. Her neighbors are there, her friends, her routines. "I'm very independent," said the octogenarian.

But that's who Gloria Dei Estates wants: The independent senior.

When it opens next summer on the long-vacant wooded lot at Rhawn St. and Dungan Rd., Gloria Dei Estates will mark another milestone in the work of Dr. Ernst Schmidt, and another outlet for the Northeast's rapidly expanding senior population.

Home to one of the oldest populations in the country, Northeast Philadelphia is thirsting for affordable senior housing. The only evidence needed are the 700 potential residents who called for information when Gloria Dei posted a sign at the site announcing its plan.

The informational trailer went up in February. Over 500 seniors stopped by. As of last week, almost half the 108 rooms were reserved. And ground breaking is still weeks away.

Once filled, project coordinator Richard Szerbin predicts, the waiting list will stretch five to seven years.

As Schmidt likes to point out, the residents of Gloria Dei Estates will not just rent an apartment, "but join a community," he said.

The Estates will feature an exercise room, beauty and barber shop, and a billiards room. "It's all for the private use of the residents and will be run by them," said Szerbin.

Each floor will house 20 one-bedroom and seven two- bedroom apartments. Each apartment will feature wall-to-wall carpeting, a fully equipped electric kitchen, and emergency call systems in each sleep area and bathroom.

Each of the building's four floors will contain trash chutes, washers and dryers, elevators, and a secured storage area.

Outside, the Estates will feature a sprawling garden courtyard east of the building and a large parking lot with enough spaces for all residents and their guests.

Open to anyone over 62 (the oldest resident, so far, is 90), Gloria Dei Estates is the sixth independent living complex inspired by Dr. Schmidt, the founding pastor of Gloria Dei church in Huntingdon Valley. This is his first venture in Philadelphia.

"We had always been in the suburbs. I felt we should try to serve those in (the Northeast). They've worked hard all their lives," said Schmidt.

The Gloria Dei commitment is to make life for seniors "happy and fun," Schmidt said. That's why the majority of the non-profit Gloria Dei Outreach Corporation's facilities are exclusively for independent seniors. They live life as they did in their homes, but with a security system and easy access to mass transit.

That's why the Dungan Rd. location proved ideal. Two bus routes and one rail line stop within blocks of the site. The corporation plans to meet with SEPTA on expanding at least one of those bus lines.

Reserving the building for independent seniors also keeps costs down. Add nursing care, and costs skyrocket.

Also suppressing costs is the entrance fee: $29,000 for a one-bedroom apartment, $39,000 for a two-bedroom apartment. Two-thirds of that fee is returned when the resident moves out. "There are numerous payment schedules available, so no one has to pay the whole fee upfront," said Szerbin. Monthly rent is expected to be around $595 for a one-bedroom, $745 for a two-bedroom. That includes all utilities, except phone and cable TV.

By keeping costs low, Schmidt is able to target middle class and lower middle class Northeast seniors who may only get $40,000 to $50,000 when selling their homes. Without a sizeable retirement nest egg, they have no place to go.

Gloria Dei Estates is modeled after Schmidt's first housing complex, Gloria Dei Towers, built in 1971 with the same purpose. That was followed by the Manor, the Farms, the Plaza, and the newest facility, the Manor Court, a cluster of 21 cottages near the Manor.

Luther Park is the corporation's 60-bed personal care facility on the grounds of Gloria Dei Farms.

Schmidt understands Katie Sartor's apprehension. It's common among seniors, he said. "They are skeptical. After all, this is a new way of life for them.

"But they will never be alone. They'll make new friends. They can play cards, go on trips, whatever they want to do. We'll have so much ancillary space, even space for a wood-working shop."

If you believe the Estates could be right for you or a loved one, call Szerbin at 728-0300 to set up an appointment. Szerbin is also available to speak before your senior group.