Assisted Living Center Moves Forward with $2.25 Million Loan

By Chris Sorensen

KCP Staff

October 1, 2004

Former State Senator Gigi Dennis, who is currently State Director for USDA Rural Development, presented mock checks representing more that $2 million in projects being undertaken in Kiowa County. The presentation was made at the Southeast Colorado Rural Issues Forum held in Eads last Thursday.

A check for $10,000 was accepted by Craig Newman, representing the Brandon Water Association. The grant will be used to pay for a preliminary engineering report for repairs to Brandon’s water storage tank, distribution lines, and water meters.

The second check, for $2,250,000, was accepted by Kiowa County Commissioners Vern Harris and Rod Brown, and Eads resident Vivian Gifford. The loan proceeds will be used in the construction of an assisted living facility on four acres of donated land just south of Eads. Gifford has long been an ardent supporter of the project, and has plans to take up residency at the facility when it is completed. In addition to Rural Development, Dennis also recognized Kiowa County, Valley State Bank, and Colorado East Bank and Trust as partners in the project.

Commissioner Harris stated after the presentation that groundbreaking should take place in early November of this year. In October last year, when the decision was made to move forward with the project following an exceptionally strong show of public support at a community meeting, it had been hoped that the facility could be open by August of this past year. Aspects of the planning and financing details resulted in the year delay.

When completed, the assisted living center will include 20 units of varying sizes, some of which could become home to couples. In addition, plans include a library/reading room, TV lounge, dining room, and meeting/multi-function room. The entry area includes a fireplace and large amount of seating. An enclosed swimming pool and hot tub are also planned. The design allows for a second 20-unit addition if demand warrants the additional space. Initially, the facility is expected to employ 10 to 12 people.

The Brandon Water Association study and impending construction of the assisted living facility are the latest in string of projects over the past four years to upgrade or improve communities across Kiowa County. Projects undertaken by the county, individual towns and other entities have exceeded five million dollars, and are part of a coordinated effort to rebuild the county’s economy and prepare for the future impact of such things as the opening of the Sand Creek Massacre National Historic Site and designation of the Ports-to-Plains trade route along highway 287.