WORK BEGINS FOR MAJOR CHATEAU GIRARDEAU EXPANSION

Chateau Girardeau has begun work on a major expansion. Site preparation is under way for 34 cottages, which will be built to the east of the current facility.

Paved streets and sidewalks will be installed, along with all utilities, street lights and sewers. The site construction will be completed this fall.

A model cottage will also be built on the site this fall. Formal groundbreaking ceremonies will be held at the start of the model cottage construction.

Barbara Calvin, administrator at the Chateau, said this project represents "an extremely significant expansion, and a natural progression for our state-of-the-art continuing care retirement community."

The cottages will be constructed as they are reserved by future Chateau Girardeau residents. "They could all be reserved in six months, or several years. Construction will depend on demand," she said.

Calvin added, "This has been part of the plan for our full-service continuing care retirement community since the beginning. The board actually adopted our long-range plan in 1983, and this project was Phase II of that plan. Phase I was the addition of our assisted living facility, which we opened in 1988."

This project will complete the four levels of living that has been planned for the facility from the start, she said. Chateau Girardeau opened July 2, 1979.

Chateau Girardeau currently employs 150 staff members, who serve more than 200 residents. The facility is owned and operated by Cape Retirement Community Inc., a local non-denominational, not-for-profit corporation headed by a 13-member board of directors. Kenneth E. Bender serves as president of the board.

Calvin said the cottages offer the same advantages enjoyed by residents in the 151 apartments, but will appeal to those who desire to remain more independent.

The cottages are expected to contain two bedrooms, full kitchens, living and dining areas, two bathrooms and two car garages. They will each be separate units.

The cost of the entire project, or individual units, has not been determined because the design is in its final stages. Details about the costs of life occupancy fees, services to be provided and projected occupancy dates will be provided to the public when the plans are completed.

John Boardman is the architect for the expansion, and Kiefner Brothers Inc. is the general contractor.

Calvin pointed out that Chateau Girardeau is the only full-service continuing care retirement community of its type between St. Louis and Memphis. It serves residents from Southern Illinois, Southeast Missouri, and many other parts of the country.

The center offers completely independent living, said Calvin. The Medicare-approved health center and the assisted living center are available if residents need more assistance and care later in their lives, regardless of their financial status.

"This project is really exciting," Calvin added. "The board of directors, the staff and prospective residents have all been waiting for this. It is a major expansion and we're very, very pleased."