Assisted Living Facility Construction Underway

The long-awaited start date for the much-debated Assisted Living Facility at the corner of Heathwood and San Marco road has actually commenced. The completion of construction on the rebuild of the seawall along the western boundary of the property has been completed and the site work has begun on the much-anticipated ALF facility. Plans were finalized in late 2021 and the project is now moving forward. 

NCH earlier this year announced that it was proceeding with permitting and plans for the replacement of the older Urgent care facility which was constructed almost four decades ago. The older facility will remain open and operational until the new facility is ready to be opened. The new facility will be state of the art and provide move services for residents, including additional offices for doctors.

 After completion of the new facility the older facility will be removed. The present facilities for rehab and physical therapy will also get a facelift as part of the updating of the campus.

As part of the negotiation with the city and the ALF developer a new passive park will be provided for residents along the waterway.

A quick overview of the plans for the new facility include the following:

• Density reduced from the original plans for 200+ units to an 86-unit/92-bed assisted living and memory care facility.
• Elimination of independent living units, significantly reducing traffic concerns.
• Total project size reduced to 10 acres overall.
• City to be deeded a public park and public waterfront access.
• Total height of ALF building to be 35 feet +1.
• ALF Building to be 300 feet from nearest Waterside Condominium Residence.
• Concerns over consistency with City’s Comprehensive Plan to be addressed.
• A commitment from NCH to have the proceeds be earmarked for either a new Urgent Care or upgrades to existing services.

“The combination of the new Assisted Living Facility in addition to the new upgraded NCH Urgent Care Center will be a big plus for our residents,” said Council Chairman Erik Brechnitz.