STURGIS (9/25/2012) – Construction began this week on the Aspen Grove assisted living facility located on Moose Drive in Sturgis. The $3.2 million, 22,000 square foot facility will provide 33 apartment suites offering assisted living services. It will create 15 full time jobs, as well as several part time positions. Aspen Grove will be ready for occupancy in 2013. Gustafson Construction from Rapid City is the general contractor.
A public ceremony will take Tuesday, October 30, at 10:00 am, at the Boulder Canyon Convention Center, Sturgis.
Paul Contris and Tom Boerboom are the owners and developers of the project. They have over 50 years of combined experience operating senior housing facilities in South Dakota, Minnesota and Wyoming under the Mission Healthcare umbrella. Locally, Mission Healthcare also operates Belle Fourche Healthcare and SunPointe Assisted Living in Belle Fourche, David M. Dorsett Healthcare in Spearfish, and Fountain Springs Healthcare in Rapid City.
“Mission Healthcare provides progressive healthcare and specialized services in the communities we serve. Our warm, welcoming environments and compassionate, skilled caregivers encourage residents to feel comfortable, safe and empowered to live life. Families enjoy peace of mind, comforted to know their loved ones are cared for with the utmost respect and dignity,” said Tom Boerboom, Chief Operating Officer of Mission Healthcare.
“Mission Healthcare is excited about the opportunity to serve the residents of Sturgis. We believe in making a difference every day,” added President Paul Contris.
In addition to the assisted living facility, Contris and Boerboom intend to build approximately 18 duplex units or comparable retirement apartment units over the next few years. These units will serve the senior residents who desire retirement living, but do not need extensive services.
Aspen Grove will allow local residents requiring daily assistance to remain here rather than moving out of town as many of them do now. Sturgis Mayor Mark Carstensen states, “The City is extremely pleased to partner in this housing project, as it fulfills one of the goals of senior housing outlined in the Sturgis Comprehensive Plan.” SEDC President Pat Kurtenbach adds, “This is an excellent example of public and private groups working together to promote both quality of life and economic health. It should positively impact our residents and area for years to come.”
The City of Sturgis, Greater Sturgis Lifecare Foundation, and the Sturgis Economic Development Corp (SEDC) donated all of the land for the project, valued at $270,000. Meade County commissioners established the Meade County Economic Development Fund to contribute $100,000 in revolving loan financing for the project. Additionally, the project qualifies for Meade County’s 5-year zero percent property tax discretionary program. The project was also funded through the Governor’s Office of Economic Development SD WORKS program, Wells Fargo Bank, BH Community Economic Development/SBA 504, West River Foundation for Economic and Community Development, Sturgis Economic Development Corp., and a personal contribution from Dr. George Jenter, Sturgis physician.
“This is an excellent use of our SD Works Program,” said Pat Costello, Commissioner, Governor’s Office of Economic Development. “The funding on this project would not have been possible without the partnership between the state, the local bank, and the local agencies. It’s this type of collaboration that makes economic development happen in South Dakota.”
