Waltham, MA-based Benchmark Senior Living is building a 10-story assisted living and mind-and-memory-care community in Alexandria, VA. The project mark’s Benchmark’s first in the DC area and 65^th overall; its 64^th community, Benchmark at Hanover, is currently under construction in Hanover, MA.

Benchmark at Alexandria will have 89 modern assisted living and 26 memory care apartments plus a wellness center with on-site healthcare services, such as physician visits. Common areas with amenities include multiple dining rooms, club room, casual bistro, wine tasting suite, penthouse level café and rooftop deck for social gatherings, educational events and other programs designed around residents’ interests.

Benchmark at Alexandria will be contiguous to 100,000 square feet of retail space, including a Harris Teeter grocery. Multi-family condominiums and apartments and office space share the same West Alex site.

“This project is really exciting because not only is Benchmark expanding into a new market, but this community will be an integral part of a lively mixed-use development,” said Tom Grape, founder, chairman and CEO of Benchmark Senior Living.