The developer of a master-planned, mixed-use community on 1,300 acres in Pender County is seeking input from the community on a portion of the project that would serve older residents.

Trask Land Co., the firm planning Blake Farm in Scotts Hill, and Cary-based Peak Resources have invited local residents, mainly those who are 55 years old and older, to participate in a series of focus groups.

The first focus group meeting regarding the Blake Farm senior living community, Edisto at Blake Farm, will be held at 6 p.m. Wednesday at Scotts Hill Baptist Church, 185 Scotts Hill Loop Road.

“We always want to learn as much as we can about our market, and it’s a good way for the market to get to know us also,” said Raiford Trask III, president of Trask Land Co.

His firm announced earlier this year that Trask Land Co. has partnered with Peak Resources on Edisto at Blake Farm, which includes a luxury apartment complex for seniors.

The first phase of Edisto will likely involve the construction of 120 independent living units, Trask said.

The mission of Peak Resources, according to the company’s website, is to serve the nursing and rehabilitation needs of the communities where the firm’s facilities are located.

“We want to get a good feel from the community of what they’re looking for and be able to provide that the best way possible,” said Mandy Reutter, operations assistant with Peak Resources, of the Edisto focus groups starting this month.

Trask said his company in the past has organized focus groups for single-family, multi-family and retail developments, “but we have not done a senior project, so we’re excited about what we’re going to learn.”

Trask said Edisto will be “largely a social gathering area built around good dining experiences and amenities” that will also incorporate the outdoor living focus of Blake Farm. He said he expects crews to break ground on the apartments in March.

In addition to Edisto Senior Living, Blake Farm will also include single-family homes, YMCA facilities, additional apartments and commercial space.

Those who want to attend the focus groups can (but aren’t required to) register at edistoseniorliving.com.