Members of the Signal Mountain Design Review Commission (DRC) on Tuesday night approved plans for changes at Alexian Village. Alexian's master facility plan calls for a new health and rehabilitation center to be constructed on the campus.
The memory care program will also be located on the mountain "allowing a full continuum of care for residents," Alexian officials said.
The meeting was a follow up to an initial presentation made by representatives of Alexian to members of the town's DRC on April 24.
At that meeting, the commission approved the concept of the new facility, but asked Alexian to return to present additional information related to lighting, parking, housing for the on-site generator, the embankment at the main entry, a retention pond, incorporation of field stone and other exterior aesthetics.
John Turongian, vice president of senior ministries for Alexian, said that the Alexian team "immediately went to work on particulars" after the April 24 meeting.
He said, “We are pleased to obtain the DRC’s approval to move forward with plans that will allow us to continue to meet the needs of present and future residents. We are very grateful for the support we have been given from our Signal Mountain neighbors."
The plans call for construction to begin in mid-summer with a completion date set for 2014.
The $30+ million investment will promote “neighborhoods” within the campus that will also provide private bedrooms for residents, it was stated.
No new beds will be added to the facility.