LA CROSSE, WI (WXOW)—Bethany Lutheran Homes announced plans to build a new, $30 million facility in La Crosse.
Eagle Crest South with be similar to the facility in Onalaska, Eagle Crest North.
With five years under their belt in Onalaska, Bethany Lutheran decided now was the time to expand their Eagle Crest services to La Crosse because they predict over the next 20 years the number or people over 85-years-old will more than double.
"That population will sustain itself over the next 20 years," Todd Wilson, CEO Bethany Lutheran Homes said. "So we need to be in a position to provide the care and services that people need to enjoy an active, vibrant lifestyle."
The facility will be located on 7th Street South between Gundersen Lutheran and Bethany Riverside campus on Swift Creek.
Bethany is leasing the land from Gundersen Lutheran.
"Certainly this facility and the services that it will provide will go a long way in filling some voids that we have in continuing of healthcare being a partner in that is great," Jerry Arndt, Gundersen Lutheran, VP of Business Services said.
Besides the 165 apartments, Eagle Crest South will have a movie theater, club lounge and billiards room among it's amenities.
The facility is designed to be like a luxury hotel so seniors don't have to give up the social aspects of life.
"It's an alternative to nursing home care for people who may have been in a nursing home for a long period of time otherwise," Wilson said.
At Eagle Crest, seniors will be able to age in their own private homes and the level of care they receive can change with their needs rather than having to move.
Bethany will break ground on the project this Fall and hope to open it's doors to residents in November or December 2013.
Bethany will hire 80 new people to help run the facility.
The $30 million project will be funded through Bethany equity and bonds.
