Groundbreaking ceremony held for new healthcare campus in Altoona

Tuesday, May 12, 2015
Bridget Curran - WQOW reporter

Altoona (WQOW) - A groundbreaking ceremony was held Tuesday morning for Grace Lutheran Foundation's new healthcare campus in Altoona.  

Construction is already underway on the project and a grand opening is scheduled for the summer of 2016. The $18.5 million site will be located between Highway 53 and North Wilson Drive and will have three buildings, which will include a rehabilitation center. 

Mike Christensen, the CEO of the foundation, said it will create approximately 20 jobs. He said some residents will have private rooms and a bathroom, but most residents will have easy access to common spaces and the outdoors. 

"In the past, when you went to a nursing home you were part of an institution," Christensen said. "Your choices were taken away. This new building is going to provide you with choices, when you get up, what you want to eat, what you want to do - that aspect."

The new development will replace the Syverson Lutheran Home in downtown Eau Claire.  Christensen said they hope to continue to use that building for assisted living. 

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