The largest capital improvement project in the 46-year history of Rock Island’s Friendship Manor is expected to be completed this fall.
But the public can get a sneak peek at the major renovations in the independent living section of the senior community, 1209 21st Ave., from 2-4 p.m., Thursday, April 24.
Heather Stancliff, director of sales and marketing, said all 90 of the community’s independent living apartments are being fully remodeled, “like down to the studs.”
Renovations include the addition of laundry appliances in each apartment, new ceilings with canned lighting, all new appliances, and new woodwork, cabinets and countertops, she said.
The C and D buildings, which house independent living apartments, are being rebranded as The Terraces at Friendship Manor. The area also will include a new Sapphire dining room, a lounge/pub area and new activity spaces.
“Now, they’ll still have those amenities in the main building. But they’ll also have amenities nice and close to them,” she said.
Reservations for the open house are appreciated but not required. RSVP to Ms. Stancliff at [email protected] or by calling (309) 794-4123.
“We will have a delicious spread of hors d’oeuvres made by Chef Donnie (McDuffy) so that will give us an idea of about how many to plan for,” she said. There will be a larger public event in the fall upon completion of the renovations.
Other projects that are a part of the overall $12.5 million project include a state-of-the-art fitness center that will house a physical and occupational gym as well.
“So, it’s just a whole wellness center,” she said.
Also being added to the complex are two end-of-life suites that will be licensed by and a part of Silver Cross, the skilled nursing care component of Friendship Manor. Those suites will be in a separate and more secluded area, Ms. Stancliff said.
“The rooms will be different from our normal Silver Cross rooms,” she said. “They will be spacious enough to have loved ones spend time in the suite, and will have lots of features for comfort for both the resident and loved ones at end of life.”
Friendship Manor is the only faith-based, charitable continuing care retirement community in the Illinois Quad-Cities. The community includes independent living villas and apartments, assisted living, memory care, skilled nursing and rehabilitation, and long-term care.
