Officials of a non-profit corporation are calling it a “substantial expansion” project at Parker Oaks in Winnebago.
Patrick Rafferty, John Dettloff and Mike Trossen of Heartland Senior Living updated City Council members Monday night on a $3 million, 16,000 square-foot addition set for next year.
“We are hoping to take public bids in January and begin work late spring or summer,” says Trossen, architect for the project.
Trossen says the 12 assisted-living units will all be on one level and built on the west side of the current facility. He says the new addition also will provide offices for administration and staff as well as space for the community to hold events.
Heartland Rural Services was approved for two loans totaling $15 million from the USDA last August. Of that amount, $7 million was used to buy Parker Oaks, Truman Senior Living in Truman and Parkview Care Center in Wells from ElderCare of Minnesota.
Dettloff, a consultant and facilitator for Heartland, says sale of the three facilities is expected to be finalized by Dec. 20.
“The puzzle pieces are being put in place,” he says. “Some people have worked very hard on this.”
In addition to the Winnebago project, Heartland plans to purchase land in Wells to construct a $3 million facility and do $1 million in remodeling at Truman.
Rafferty, who oversees operations at the three care centers, says Parker Oaks will have, “a great opportunity for new and ever-changing senior care.”
Dettloff asked council members if the city might be able to provide any financial assistance, such as a Tax-Increment-Funding (TIF) district or an Economic Development Authority (EDA) loan.
Continued community support and “local control,” says Dettloff, are important for the future success of Parker Oaks.
Heartland officials asked the council for a letter of support to show lenders that local residents are backing their efforts.
“It’s an important piece to give some type of thumbs up so we can move on,” Dettloff says. “This facility has an opportunity to prosper and grow.”
Trossen says the project will not have a negative impact on the Genesis Classical Academy.
He assured Councilman Scott Robertson, one of the school’s founders, that the Parker Oaks site plenty of space if they also decide to expand.