The new owner of a Holme Circle nursing home formerly operated by the city’s Roman Catholic archdiocese wants to expand the Immaculate Mary Center for Rehabilitation and Healthcare, but many neighbors don’t seem sold on the idea.
Representatives for Center Management presented their plans publicly for the first time during a joint meeting of the Holme Circle and Winchester Park civic associations on May 25. Members of the two groups did not vote whether to support or oppose the company’s application for city zoning approval, but leaders of the Holme Circle group announced afterward that they expect a vote to occur as soon as their next regular meeting on June 22.
Zoning attorney Matthew N. McClure told residents that the facility sits on almost six acres at 2990 Holme Ave. The building covers about 14 percent of the parcel. It is four-stories tall. The addition would increase the coverage to about 23 percent and also rise four stories.
In addition to long-term nursing care, the facility offers sub-acute, inpatient rehabilitation services for people recovering from major medical procedures.
The new addition will include 88 new single rooms and will allow the owner to convert existing double-occupancy rooms to singles.
Neighbors expressed many concerns about the project. Some said that the addition will be too close to the street and, as a result, too close to their homes. Others said that the current structures on the property are largely obscured by trees and other natural features, but the new construction would change that natural aesthetic.
Other potential issues raised during the meeting included trash and litter management, noise and parking.
McClure said that Center Management bought the facility in 2014 and, as part of the purchase agreement, continues to operate it in the “Roman Catholic tradition.” The property is zoned for residential use, so the owner needs a special exception from the city’s Zoning Board of Adjustment to operate a nursing and rehab facility. Further, the owner must obtain a variance from the ZBA because the addition would be taller than permitted in the code.
There will be no new vehicle entrances or curb cuts on the property. There will be no additional parking spaces created. The total number of beds will remain at 296. Construction would last about 14 or 15 months, according to the project’s architect. The attorney said that the plan is scheduled for a public hearing with the city’s Civic Design Review Board on July 5. A ZBA hearing may be held later in July. ••
