Architect selected for Elders' facility; Construction to begin early next year

Observer Staff

1/25/2005 12:00:00 AM

The Seniors Facility Committee for District 1 has been meeting for several months to further the development of their new Elders' facility.

The efforts of the planning committee have revolved around creating a solid foundation of planning that will ensure that the facility and programs are designed to meet the needs of growing Elders' population.

The committee has developed four major focuses of service for the design of the facility and the creation of services which include: independent living, assisted living and dementia care, home health care services, and the seniors center program.

The Seniors Facility Planning Committee has recently developed a five-year strategic plan that includes an internal and external analysis of the project's strengths and weaknesses.

The architect selection process was completed with the award going to the Michigan architectural firm of London and Associates, who specialize in the area of long-term care facilities such as assisted living and nursing homes.

The architectural design phase will take about one year to complete and construction will begin the early part of 2005.

The Planning Committee meets every Thursday afternoon to discuss programs, needs as well as to develop plans. The committee consists of Seniors Program Director Lisa Kennedy, consultants Paul Johnson and Jennifer Carver, as well as the following Elders Advisory Board member-Harold Gould, Gerald McDonald, Lorna Call, Barbara Krause, Eleanor Ebright and Delores Laban

Former EAB members-Oliver Leaureaux and Josephine Jackson-are also members of the committee, along with Shirley Day representing District 2.