Immanuel Lutheran begins $14 million project
Immanuel Lutheran Communities of Kalispell has begun site preparation for a $14 million project including a state-of-the-art rehabilitation center for therapy and recuperation following hospitalization or surgery.
Completion is projected for late winter to early spring in 2012.
The city of Kalispell issued tax-exempt revenue bonds to finance the 16-bed facility as well as a new assisted living commons area, six new assisted living apartments and eight new independent living apartments for Buffalo Hill Terrace.
Immanuel Lutheran hired Hammerquist Casalegno of Kalispell as the general contractor for the project.
The architectural design was provided by AG Architecture Inc. from Wisconsin with Marco DePalma with the Belaire Group of Texas serving as development consultant.
Designed using greenhouse model concepts, the rehabilitation center on the corner of Crestline Avenue and Claremont Street will have 16 large private rooms. Each has a bathroom and European-style shower to create a resort atmosphere.
Architectural renderings refer to the new facility as a Rehabilitation and Therapy Cottage.
Other amenities include Wi-Fi accessibility, full-service menu with meals on demand, discovery room, library, game room and a theater. The idea is to provide short-term patients aesthetically pleasing surroundings designed to heal mind, body and spirit.
“There was a great deal of planning involved in developing the rehabilitation center, which incorporates some of the latest tools and equipment,” said Glen Sargent, director of rehabilitation.
“We already have top-notch therapists and a caregiving staff. Now we will have the most up-to-date therapy equipment available to match their talent.”
The rehabilitation area features an underwater treadmill for low-impact exercises to improve strength and stability as well as a non-weight-bearing system that helps patients regain the ability to walk without full weight on their legs.
Other equipment includes a balance machine to help patients improve their balance and coordination following a stroke or other medical event. Patients also benefit from a full-scale apartment with a working kitchen to simulate activities they will perform when they return home.
“It is our intent to utilize the best technology and therapies available, so individuals will have shorter rehabilitation time and improved outcomes,” Sargent said. “Patient-centered care and one-on-one therapy are just part of what we offer at Immanuel Lutheran Communities.”
A site map of the new construction shows the Buffalo Hill Terrace additions on the north end of the complex.
Kathleen Larson Phillips, interim chief executive officer, said the rehabilitation center raises the bar in Immanuel Lutheran’s services for their residents as well as the community at large.
“We have been part of Kalispell for more than 50 years, and these projects are meeting a growing need for senior housing and services, while reaffirming our commitment to the area’s older adults,” Phillips said.
Immanuel Lutheran Corporation is a nonprofit, charitable corporation that was chartered in Montana in 1953.
The first phase of Immanuel Lutheran Home was built in 1957 with three additions since that time to care for people needing skilled nursing and other special assistance.
Buffalo Hill Terrace, a 100-unit apartment complex, was developed in 1986 to meet the need for congregate independent living for retirement-age seniors.