Marion Council approves pair of nursing home plans

Marion Council approves pair of nursing home plans

Willowbend move, Angelo’s Grove project get green light

news@theeveningtimes.com

Marion City Council has approved conditional use permits for two nursing home facilities.

The first permit was for Arkansas Elder Care Outreach of Little Rock Inc.

for Willowbend Nursing and Rehabilitation “They are applying to relocate their facility in Marion,” said Mayor Frank Fogleman. “They will be adding some more beds.”

Willowbend will build a new 55,000 square foot facility. The new building will be constructed on six acres on Canal Street and will replace their existing facility.

The newly constructed facility will offer 118 skilled nursing beds and will include a designated wing of private rooms that will accommodate individuals requiring short-term rehabilitation stays.

The project will also be a boost to the city’s economic development, employing 110 full-time and part-time employees.

The second permit was issued to W.M. Crittenden Development LLC for a unique cottage-style nursing home facility in Angelo’s Grove.

The owners plan to build seven cottages which will house up to 12 residents with room for expansion for another two to three cottages on the site.

“It’s a new approach to nursing care,” said developer Kenny Farrell of Angelo’s Grove, where the facility will be built.

The facility will employ about 100 people with a payroll of about $2.5 million.

“They’re good projects,”

said Marion Chamber of Commerce president Mike Demster.

By Mark Randall