VINTAGE VILLA NURSING RESIDENTS TO GET NEW HOME

Residents of Vintage Villa Nursing Center will be getting a new home within the next two years.

Americare Systems Inc. of Sikeston -- the parent firm of Vintage Villa -- has announced plans to develop a new nursing center off Business Highway 60. The site is located on Bailiff Drive near Taco Bell.

Vintage Villa Administrator John Langley said Americare is seeking final approval for the new nursing facility from the Missouri Health Facilities Review Committee. Langley said because the proposal involves replacing the current nursing center with a new one, Americare officials don't anticipate any problems winning state approval.

Plans call for a new building with an estimated cost of $2.3 million. The new center would include private and companion suites, a large restaurant-style dining room, an expansive therapy area and several well-appointed lounges.

A secure outdoor recreation area also is part of the project.

Langley said the community's support of Vintage Villa gave Americare the confidence to pursue such a major investment. "The people of Dexter and surrounding towns have always supported the work we do here at Vintage Villa," said Langley. "We haven't had the most modern physical plant in the market for years now, but our reputation for quality care has kept our services in demand. With the new facility, we will be able to combine quality care with a gracious living environment. It should be a winning combination." Pending state approval, work on the new facility is scheduled to start in May with completion projected in early 2001.