“It (project) entails new services, updating existing facilities, creating and adding showers and more single rooms to meet today and tomorrow’s future senior needs,” Halverson said.

The estimated $13 million remodeling project got underway in the fall of 2015.

Woodruff Construction LLC, of Fort Dodge, is the general contractor for the project.

“We were successful in getting 90 percent of trade partners local,” Halverson said. “It wasn’t easy, but I think we did pretty good with it. Our general contractor and other local partners are doing a fantastic job with such complex, extensive remodel.”

-Messenger photo by Chad Thompson Tracy Gailey, director of nursing, left, Pamela Otto, activity specialist, center, and Eric Halverson, executive director, pose in front of the new chapel at the Marian Home, recently. The chapel was completed as a part of phase one of an extensive renovation project. Phase one was complete in 2016.

The project was divided into four phases — each with subphases.

Phase One, which includes a new resident wing, dining area, laundry facilities, spa room, administrative offices and the new chapel, was completed in the summer of 2016.

“Everything is currently on schedule,” Halverson said recently. “Phase One had minimal disruption to residents’ day-to-day activities.”

Halverson said Phase One was the largest of the four phases.

The new chapel is an addition Halverson is particularly pleased with.

“The renovations have provided the opportunity for greater independence and dignity with the dining experience and lastly the large new chapel to celebrate daily Mass, which is a very important aspect for the people that choose to live here,” he said.

Phase Two is in progress.

“One resident wing is shut down and is being fully remodeled,” Halverson said.

Two dining rooms and an elevator are being added.

Phase Three will consist of remodeling three more resident wings and adding another dining room, Halverson said.

Phase Four will include significant changes to the front lobby, kitchen, beauty shop, staff lounge and a new 3,000 square-foot in-patient out-patient therapy clinic.

The targeted completion for the remainder of the renovations is set for summer 2017.

“Since we are now in the remaining phases, the residents see, hear and interact with workers as they are in the building,” Halverson said. “For the most part our residents have been great champions with minimal complaints with the remaining phases. I am greatly appreciative of our residents, family members, and staff and their patience, knowing what we are sacrificing now is better for the residents going forward.”

Halverson said single rooms for residents is one of the best results from the work.

“I think the greatest thing in reponse we are getting from the current project is increase for single rooms, so people don’t have to share,” Halverson said.

According to Halverson, everyone involved in the project has done well to overcome obstacles.

“I have been very satisfied with the project, as complex as it is,” Halverson said. “There are things you can anticipate and things you can’t anticipate, of which we have had both. I think all parties involved have worked well together for great resolutions as challenges may arise.”

The Marian Home consists of two campuses. It is a 97-bed Medicare/Medicaid dually certified skilled nursing facility.

Twenty-eight independent living apartments are housed there.

The Marian Home will celebrate its 42nd year of caring for the elderly in May.