Johnson Memorial Health Services (JMHS) held their groundbreaking celebration on Tuesday, October 4. A large crowd was on hand to help celebrate the building of a new care center in Dawson.
JMHS CEO/Administrator, Stacey Lee, opened the event thanking the crowd for coming and for their continued support. Said Lee, “Today’s seniors have more active lifestyles than previous generations. However, they also have different expectations when it comes to their long-term care needs. As an integral part of our community, we have a responsibility to adapt and change so that we can continue to provide excellence in healthcare for present and future generations.”
JMHS’s new care center features 56 private rooms that include a private handicap accessible bathroom and shower. It incorporates the popular neighborhood concept, which provides a homier atmosphere and quieter living areas.
Visitors will enter the care center through the Town Center, which is the “hub” of all activity. Located at the entrance, the town center includes a large group area/chapel as well as a Café/Pub. Resident rooms are split into two neighborhoods of 23 residents. Each neighborhood houses a kitchen with dining areas, library, media room, spa and quiet spaces designed with more privacy for visiting.
JMHS is working with Architects Horty Elving. The respected company is known for creating inspired environments that celebrate life, promote patient and resident dignity and well-being in a homelike environment.
Hasslen Construction Company has been hired to manage and build the new facility. Based out of Ortonville, Hasslen built the new hospital and is just finishing building the new senior living facility in Ortonville. Hasslen has reached out to local contractors and plans to work with several of them during the construction process.
The new care center will be 58,206 square feet and is projected to cost $16.5 million dollars. JMHS is using loans and cash reserves to finance the project. Also, they will receive $10.7 million dollars over the next 20 years from the State of Minnesota.
To ensure the project is completed to its greatest potential, the JM Foundation has set a fundraising goal of $1.4 million dollars. At the groundbreaking ceremony, JM Foundation Board Chair, Dean Solem announced that the “Caring for the Community Campaign” has already received a very generous anonymous donation of $100,000 and a corporate donation of $50,000. JMHS Employees have pledged to donate over $21,000 to the care center project over the next year! Said Solem “We are beyond thrilled at the extremely generous support we have already received from our community. And look forward to making future announcements of support.”
Construction of the new care center is set to begin this fall. The construction is estimated to take 18-24 months. More information will be made available as construction begins. Visit www.jmhsmn.org for the most up to date information on the construction project and “Caring for our Community Campaign.
