(Milford)– A company that owns several nursing homes in the region, including Hilltop Care Facility in Spirit Lake and the Milford Nursing Center in Milford, wants to build an assisted living facility in Milford.
Doug Johnson of Hawkeye Care told the Milford city council Monday the company wants to build an 18-thousand to 20-thousand square foot assistant living facility adjacent to the Milford Nursing Center.
Johnson says the facility would have 18 to 22 units. He says each would have a kitchenette, living area, bedroom, and bathroom with handicap accessible shower.
Johnson says the facility will also include a central kitchen within a commons area; a central dining area; library, spa and laundry facility.
Johnson says a second phase of the project would consist of adding six private rooms onto the nursing facility.
He says a third phase of the project would involve the construction of four to six duplexes, which would also be adjacent to the Milford Nursing Center. Each would be 1,500-2,000 square feet with double garages. Snow removal, lawn care and maintenance would be provided. Johnson says there would be an arrangement where people could buy the duplex with an option for Hawkeye Care to buy it back once the occupant(s) moves out or transfers to the care facility or assisted living.
Johnson said they’ve identified a need for an assisted living facility in Milford, with the only such facilities in the area currently located in Spirit Lake and Spencer.
Johnson added Hawkeye Care is requesting some assistance from the city in the form of Tax Increment Financing, such as a TIF rebate program. They’re also requesting the city’s assistance with utility hook-ups.
Council members were receptive to the plans and directed City Administrator Brian Reed to continue talks with Hawkeye officials.
If things go accordingly, Johnson said they could break ground on the project yet this summer.
