(This is the first in a two-part series on new housing in Hazen and Beulah. Part two will on Monday's Dakota cover.)

HAZEN - Something like a condo rush took off when Hazen announced plans to build more retirement units in a nice location over the winter months.

No sooner was the word out, it seemed, than nine new units were either sold or spoken for, said Ed Grunett, who chairs Hazen Promotions, the project developer.

The units are under construction now and the first batch of three should be ready for occupancy in early spring.

They're going fast, because the original nine Patio Homes condominiums have proved to be a popular housing alternative for folks ready for a maintenance-free lifestyle.

They fit into a range of housing options for people age 50 and older who no longer want home ownership, but who may have years before they need one of the assisted living apartments in town, or nursing care.

It's been nearly 15 years since the first nine were built, and they sell fast when they go on the market.

Hazen Promotions, an investment group that was started in the '60s to boost commercial projects, stagnated during the '80s coal boom, when money was rolling in.

Grunett said the group wanted to reactivate its role by building and selling retirement condo units, using the same basic one-level, open plan design as the first nine.

The condos free up other housing in town and attract people who want to move back, or go south for months without worrying, Grunett said.

"It mushroomed so fast that it became a $1.5 million project and we couldn't handle it anymore," Grunett said. "We were overwhelmed by the response."

The group turned the project over the LB Homes of Bismarck, which works with buyers to customize the interior design and materials, as well as to arrange financing.

Folks can get into one of the new units for between $135,000 and $200,000, depending on whether they choose a one- or two-bedroom unit and if they want to upgrade choices like cabinets and flooring.

"Folks will be allowed to change what they can change," Grunett said.

Esther and Archie Grosz will move from one retirement condo to another, when the new units are complete. They're all on the same city block in a good location near the Senior Citizen center, the school and athletic fields, a popular church, a separate apartment complex for seniors, and three blocks from downtown

They like their condo, but they want to use the interior space differently, now that Archie Grosz is in a wheelchair.

She's head of the Patio Homes association, which meets at least annually to discuss business of mutual concern to all the condo owners.

"This is like a community within a community, yet it's very private," said Esther Grosz.

The Groszes are listing their existing condo for more than their purchase price, pleased that its value has continued to increase over the eight years they've owned it.

They're also looking forward to more neighbors when the new units are complete.

"This was a great idea when they thought of it and it's still a great idea," Esther Grosz said.

(Reporter Lauren Donovan can be reached at 888-303-5511 or lauren@;westriv.com.)