"The Kitchen Addition on the north side of the facility and the Office Addition to the southeast have both been fully enclosed and are in the process of receiving finish materials. The brick, stone and siding are being installed on the outside while the drywall, finished wall surfaces and ceiling tiles are installed on the interior. Painters have arrived and are moving room by room through these two spaces," said Architect Curtis Ehler of Wells + Associates. "Soon, the final carpet and tile surfaces will be installed along with many of the essential mechanical items, including furnace and hot water. The kitchen walk-in refrigerator and freezer are almost ready to be activated. Within a month, griddles, stoves, dishwashing equipment and other kitchen appliances will arrive."

"With our new facilities, we will provide services to include open dining for all meals with menu selections for each meal, improved beverage service, lunch service for Seeland Park residents, holiday buffets, expanded catering, monthly Sunday brunch, and themed evening dinners," said Culinary Director Don Schrack. 

The Social Center, which is home to many community events and seats up to 200 people, is open for partial use. The new kitchen will adjoin the social center and dining room, with anticipation of serving up to 10,000 meals per month.

"The existing Social Center has been entirely refinished, with new ceilings already installed and new wall coverings replacing the old look," said Ehler. "A new layout of down lights should add greater lighting and visibility while adding a formal feel to the original space. New carpeting will soon follow the ceiling installation along with rich wood trim and accent crown moldings."

The St. Francis Manor building project is financed by the USDA Rural Development with a $1 million community facilities direct loan and $50,000 community facilities grant to assist with the project. Over $300,000 has been raised through community support.

"We encourage you to drive by and see the progress being made on campus," said Dion Schrack, Executive Administrator. "With our new and expanded facilities we will be able to offer additional services on our campus which will benefit the community as well."

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