By Anthea Passmore
Lackawanna, NY – Construction is beginning at the former Our Lady of Victory Hospital in Lackawanna. The old hospital is being converted into a thriving Senior Neighborhood in a $27 million project.
The directional signs to the cafeiteria and the trauma wards remain on the walls. The only people in this building are 12 construction workers on the fifth floor. A transformation is starting to take place which will turn this former hospital into an 84 bed skilled nursing facility alongside a program for all inclusive care for the elderly.
Aimee Gomalak Brace, vice president of Strategic Redevelopment, said that with any vacant space there were a number of ideas considered.
"The vision for this project came from input from literally dozens of people," Gomalak Brace said. "When the hospital was closed, people came forward with ideas on the myriad of ways the building could be used. Ideas ranged from an educational institution to a hotel, pending the sainthood of Father Baker. We selected senior housing because the needs of the community reflected that desire."
This extensive development project follows an increasing trend in assisted -- living community care for the elderly. These types of initiatives often bring many unanticipated benefits to the community at large, explains Gomalak Brace.
"This project has been touted as a large economic development initiative," she said. "When it's completed, this project will create 235 jobs. That's really important for the Lackawanna community."
It is anticipated that the future Our Lady of Victory residents will be able to move in to their new homes in 12 months time.