The Renaissance Marquis Retirement Village, 3126 Cedartown Highway, will have ribbon cutting ceremonies for its new Alzheimer’s and Memory care unit, called The Harbor, this afternoon.

The new wing includes 12,700 square feet and 24 units that are earmarked specifically for clients with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia.

Administrator Renita Chambers said the new unit is the result of years of planning that included experts in the field of memory loss.

“We are thrilled to be open now and serving those in the ‘Greatest Generation’ who happen to suffer from memory loss. The Harbor has been designed to serve in a special and unique way, plus we have a great caring staff,” Chambers said.

All of the common areas feature a 1950s theme in a concerted effort to remind residents of their youth and happier days. A series of “Remembering Rome” pictures have been located throughout the addition with drawings of the Clock Tower, as well as East and West Rome high schools.

The large commons area is referred to as Town Center, which includes the Town Diner, Town Clinic and Town Theater, which was designed in a manner to remind clients of Rome’s historic DeSoto Theatre.

Renaissance partner Barry Ray said state-of-the-art technology would play a significant role in the delivery of service, care and quality-of-life issues. SimpleC technology, an electronic memory stimulation system, will be featured in The Harbor. The staff works hand-in-hand with the family of residents to choose stories, interests and recordings of trusted voices all designed to stimulate a client’s memory.

Ground was broken for the $1.9 million project in late February of 2012. Ray said the Renaissance Marquis project might serve as a prototype for other facilities in the Legacy Senior Services group.