A new "age-restricted" community on 40 acres in Kapolei will be unlike any other project geared for seniors in Hawai'i, its developers said yesterday.

Leihano will offer both skilled nursing and assisted living services for those who need it and a mix of condominium and independent living options.

"The idea of aging in place is really what this community is going to provide," said Jeffrey Prostor, president of Brookfield Homes Hawai'i.

The project is a joint venture between Brookfield, which has developed a number of housing projects at locations across the state, and Kisco Senior Living, a California-based company that has put up 25 senior living communities across the United States.

Brookfield will develop Maile at Leihano, which will consist of 344 fee simple condominium homes.

Designed for "active adults," the facility is for families with at least one person 55 or older. The first phase will consist of four-story structures with four units on each floor served by elevators, a lobby and enclosed parking. Homes will range from 1,600 to 2,100 square feet and contain one to three bedrooms.

Meanwhile, Kisco is developing 'Ilima at Leihano, featuring 240 independent living units in duplexes and apartments. Units will range in size from 660 to 1,650 square feet. There will also be up to 52 age-restricted rental apartments, 78 assisted-living apartments and 68 private and semi-private healthcare units where nursing care will be provided.

The developers did not separate the range of prices available for each style of living, stating only that both the traditional fee simple homes of Maile and the entry fee, or equity interest, to buy into 'Ilima would both fall in the $300,000 to $800,000 range.

Those living in 'Ilima could be refunded up to 90 percent upon moving out but would also be charged a monthly service fee of between $2,500 and $3,500, which would include meals and other services.

Maile residents will have the option of using 'Ilima's services "ala carte" from meals to cleaning as they see fit.

"Almost like a concierge situation," said Mitchell K. Brown, Kisco executive vice president of development.

Maile residents will get first crack at the 'Ilima offerings as their needs arise.

The project design by Group 70 International also incorporates a small town and a tree-lined "main street" of shops, restaurants and other accommodations.

The centerpiece will be a 20,000-square-foot clubhouse and fitness room that Group 70 chairman and chief executive officer Francis Oda said was inspired by the architecture of the Pacific Club.

Residents will be able to access four dining venues, multiple pools and exercise options. There would also be two other fitness centers onsite.

The developers declined to give a project cost estimate.

Groundbreaking is expected to take place early next year with the first occupants moving in around early to mid-2009. Full buildout is to take four to five years. A sales office is slated to open in the next two months.

Reach Gordon Y.K. Pang at gpang@honoluluadvertiser.com.