Suffolk’s newest retirement community will almost double in size within the next two years.

Lake Prince Woods, which opened with 130 homes and apartments three years ago, is planning to expand by more than 100 new homes for seniors, said Lexa Barnes, the center’s marketing director. Construction will begin in spring 2006.

The retirement community has contracted with Rodriguez Ripley Maddux Motley Architects to design the residences.

Lake Prince Woods and RRMM will share preliminary plans for the expansion with Suffolk’s Planning Commission and City Council in the coming weeks, Barnes said.

The new homes at Lake Prince Woods will offer two bedrooms and two baths, eat-in kitchens and options like garages and sunrooms, Barnes said. The homes will be located near the community center, which features dining and fitness facilities and a range of social activities, she said

Residents will also have the security of nearby healthcare services like assisted living and nursing care.

Kevin Deck, the director of RRMM ‘s Seniors Design Studio, will oversee planning at Lake Prince Woods.

For the last decade, he has specialized in designing senior communities up and down the East Coast.

&uot;I enjoy the opportunity to find creative ways to really serve the changing needs of seniors,&uot; says Deck.

&uot;These homes will offer flexibility for changing lifestyles – adequate storage, additional rooms that can be a home office, den, or convertible to a small bedroom for the grandkids.&uot;

The proposed expansion also caters to the recreation desires of seniors, Barnes said.

Plans include new outdoor recreation space and extensive landscaping. Residents already enjoy large gardens, extensive walking trails, picnic areas, a putting green, and gazebo on Lake Prince.

&uot;One of our primary goals as we grow is to preserve that wooded, secluded neighborhood feeling,&uot; said Celia Soper, executive director at Lake Prince Woods. &uot;We want our new residents to enjoy the outdoor spaces just like residents today – with gardening, walking, or fishing in Lake Prince.&uot;

allison.williams@suffolknewsherald.com