and innovaor, Dr. Bagne has been planning
Magnolia by the Lakes since she sold her
practice in 2006.
She had owned, developed and operated
the largest privately owned conglomerate of
cancer centers in the United States. One of
the conditions of selling her company to 21st
Century Oncology was an agreement to not
establish competing cancer facilities, so it was
time for something new.
"I truly appreciate seniors. I genuinely love
and respect them. Working with seniors for
many years, I developed a bond with them,"
said Dr. Bagne. "So it was time to use my skill
and energy to create a senior village that has
never been seen before."
Her vision was to develop a better option
for seniors of means who are facing the dif-
ficult choice of moving to a warmer climate
or staying close to family.
"With Magnolia, you don't have to move
from the Midwest to achieve a better
lifestyle," said Dr. Bagne. "It's easier on the
family to visit grandma or grandpa here than
to try to arrange a trip to Florida or Arizona.
"Magnolia by the Lakes is not by any
means just for people who need assistance.
It's for anyone who enjoys a full and rich
active life. Magnolia lifestyle will be very
different than what people are used to when
they think of assisted living."
Dr. Bagne's vision includes the finest life
experience.
"What will distinguish us from other senior
communities is the level of service we will
give to our residents. Our motto is: Whatever
you ask for ... done! With that in mind, we're
going to attract seniors who have spent their
lives working hard, raising children, assist-
ing their community and are ready to start a
new chapter of a truly new life. We're giving
seniors a lifestyle with complete concierge
service — anything they want, we will pro-
vide. And that's unique."
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Chauffeur-driven transportation will be
part of the Magnolia by the Lakes experience.
"We are creating a campus atmosphere," she
said. "When we were young and in school,
we didn't have to worry about mortgages. All
we had to do was take care of ourselves and
enjoy our lives. And that's what we're going
to be doing here."
Location, Location, Location
Finding the right location for Magnolia by the
Lakes was challenging.
"I thought about the times I've been to
Florida," she said. "Looking out over the
beautiful Gulf of Mexico, no matter how
bad the weather is, you enjoy it. So I wanted
something with a water view, with sunsets
and sunrises."
She started to buy parcels and properties
on Cass Lake Road between Cass and Sylvan
lakes.
"It took me six years to put all the land
together. I worked with the architect firm
of Stucky Vitale to develop the plan, and
then we went to the City of Keego Harbor
to get the go-ahead. We've had an excellent
cooperation from Keego Harbor and Oakland
County. Mayor Sid Rubin has been most
instrumental in facilitating this project. I am
truly indebted to him."
At the groundbreaking event last Septem-
ber, Mayor Rubin described the project as "a
dream that will have immeasurable positive
effect on Keego Harbor forever. We are cel-
ebrating a visible beginning of a new journey
for our city."
Oakland County Executive L. Brooks Pat-
terson also spoke at the groundbreaking. "Dr.
Bagne is a wonder woman," he said. "The
things she has accomplished are admirable.
This $48 million investment in Oakland
County will enhance the quality of life for
our region. My administration is delighted to
work with a visionary like Dr. Bagne to ensure
that our seniors have the best quality of life
anywhere."
A Chance to Give Back
Also at the groundbreaking, David Feldman,
head of the Roeper School, talked about a
planned partnership with Magnolia by the
Lakes. "At Roeper, we are a school that be-
lieves in the importance of mixed-age learn-
ing. There is wisdom, knowledge, passion
and insight to share. The Magnolia by the
Lakes project gives us a chance to live that
philosophy as we develop multi-generation
mentoring programs."
Planned are opportunities for Magnolia
by the Lakes residents to become honorary
grandparents to Roeper students, following a
child from kindergarten through college.
"Honorary grandparents will be invited to
graduations, grandparents' day, piano recit-
als and sports events. When students write
school reports, they can ask their honorary
grandparents about their experiences and
insights," said Dr. Bagne. "In other cultures,
every wrinkle is a badge of honor and re-
spect. That's what we'd like to bring here."
A celebration of cultures is also planned
for Magnolia by the Lakes.
Each month will be dedicated to a coun-
try, highlighting its culture, history, religion,
books and movies," she added. "At the end
of the month, we'll have a party with food
and music to celebrate that culture."
The attention to detail in the planning
effort included working with a nationally
known consultant to bring in chefs from
resorts and cruise ships.
"Food is the most important aspect that
makes or breaks a facility," said Dr. Bagne.
"We will have internationally known chefs
preparing the food, as well as arrangements
with the best local bakeries."
For more, visit www.Magnolia4me.com or
call (248) 681-8000.
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CASS LAKE ROAD
Renderings of Magnolia by the Lakes
February 2014 • BOOM Magazine
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