From STAFF REPORTS

AMERICUS —  Striving to enrich and improve the lives of its residents, Magnolia Manor has announced a  major renovation and new construction projects on three campuses. “It’s always great to share good news,” says Mark R. Todd, Magnolia Manor president and CEO. “Renovation and construction mean improvement, and any time we can impact the lives of our residents in a positive way, we consider it a privilege to do so.”
The first of the three projects, Magnolia Manor South in Moultrie, is nearing completion. This $350,000 refurbishment includes renovation and expansion of the dining room and kitchen, allowing for a much-needed food prep and storage area. A new section of the dining room will host activities and small-group gatherings, including worship services led by staff chaplain and volunteers. Also added is essential office space. New doors for the parlor will provide families privacy during visits. New LED lighting installed throughout the building will lower utility costs. Expected completion date is May 31. Pickle Construction from Americus is in charge of the project.
In the second project, Magnolia Manor of Marion County will undergo a $3.5 million renovation and expansion. This project is designed to renovate unused space for new programs to be offered in the community, as well as to update key areas in currently occupied space. In addition to much needed administrative space, Magnolia Manor announces the addition of a new rehab area and a specialized memory care unit.
Asbestos removal and demolition begins this month, with completion scheduled for the end of the year. Major renovations will include the following.
Renovate 9,631 sq. ft. of the 38,818 sq. ft. in the building.
Create a 3,138 sq. ft. addition to the existing building.
Add 14 specialized memory care private resident rooms with private baths.
Create a rehabilitation gymnasium with outpatient entry, a garden area for activities and training, and a new covered entry for outside access to the rehab area.
Create a new main entry and lobby.
Upgrade the administrative area to make it more functional and provide more privacy for resident and family consultation.
The new Memory Care unit will have a secured courtyard for outdoor resident activities.
Glenn Griffin is the project architect, with Barnes Gibson Partners of Columbus and Christy Kovac from Sheridan Construction of Macon, providing construction management services for the project.
The third and largest project is a four-phase $11.5 million renovation and construction project at the Americus campus. Now providing independent living, personal care, memory care, skilled nursing and rehabilitation services, Magnolia Manor opened in 1963, with only one program. This project will help the organization to continue to look for ways to enhance the work environment for staff and the living environment for residents. With the help of many partners in the community, the Phoebe Sumter Hospital Authority, community leaders, donors and board of trustees, as well as through careful planning, saving and work over several years, the project is moving forward.
Phase I encompasses improvements to the Retirement Center. Highlights are the creation of several new multi-room suites; the reconfiguration of apartment closet space including new closet doors; fresh paint, bathroom upgrades; refinished walls and hallway doors; the addition of energy efficient lighting; new carpet throughout the building and the installation of new hall handrails. Parlor areas and sunporches are also being improved with the addition of new cabinetry and other extras. A much-needed portico and drop-off area is being added to the front of the building to protect residents and visitors from the elements. Expected completion is by August 2017. Pickle Construction from Americus is in charge of this part of the project.
Phase II involves the demolition of Section One of the Retirement Center to make way for an entirely new, state of the art, Mattie H. Marshall Memory Care Center. Asbestos removal and demolition is scheduled to begin in May and June, with a projected Phase II completion date of May 31, 2018. This new construction will enhance and improve the already outstanding service being provided at the current Mattie Marshall Center. The entire group of current residents, staff and services will be transferred to the new location upon completion.
In Phases III and IV, the current Mattie Marshall building will undergo a complete transformation into a modern rehabilitation center. Following that, the existing Nursing Center will then undergo its own extensive improvements and renovations. This process will produce a substantial addition of private room space throughout the building.
The entire Americus campus project is expected to be completed by July 2019. Clark Nexsen Architects and Piedmont Construction Group, both from Macon, are in charge of this phase of the project.
It is also worth noting that Magnolia Manor on the Coast in Richmond Hill has recently undergone a $250,000 roof replacement following damage by Hurricane Matthew. According to Todd, “The enormous impact of the storm on our budget is very real, and we appreciate your continued financial and prayerful support. To date, we have received more than $55,000 in gifts to help defray the $770,000 financial impact Magnolia Manor incurred from the hurricane. Despite these unplanned setbacks, we are excited to move forward on these planned renovations and new construction projects.”
“As always, we cannot thank our donors and supporters enough for their generosity,” says Todd. “Every amount, large or small, has enormous impact on the work we do and the mission we strive to fulfill. We are committed to be good stewards of the resources we have and will always work hard to make every dollar count. These new projects will help everyone and allow Magnolia Manor to continue to have a positive impact on the communities we serve. Our communities are about life and living. Your donations and support go a long way in helping us fulfill that vision.”