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DECORAH — For more than ten years, the board and leadership of Aase Haugen have been working to achieve the dream to provide the community's elderly with a new place to call home. They did not lose focus on the goal, and the dream is now becoming a reality. Construction has begun on Aase Haugen's new senior care facility, which has grown to over a $20 million project due to inflationary adjustments, post-COVID level costs and product availability. It will be located on Highland Drive in Decorah and provide 60 nursing care beds (some with double occupancy options) along with 18 CCDI (Chronic Confusion and Dementing Illness) memory care beds, all with private bathrooms. In addition, there are 12 apartments for assisted living, with room for expansion if donor support allows. The new 72,000+ square foot facility will replace the existing facility on Ohio Street and expand Aase's campus to include the existing independent senior living neighborhoods of Vennehjem and Nabotunet on Nordic Drive and Glen Barth Circle respectively. Aase Haugen Board of Directors President, Steve Langland, says, "This is a natural extension of our Continuing Care Retirement Community philosophy — to provide all levels of senior care in one organization. [And] now this will be accomplished on one campus." "This project was faced with adversity and challenges at almost every turn, but we persevered," says Langland. "We are proud to build a senior facility to care for everyone in our community, including those without the funds to pay. It has been a heart-warming and uplifting experience of faith." A $12.7 million loan from U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development was awarded to Aase Haugen Senior Services to help with the construction of the new complex. In addition, Aase earned a $1 million grant through ERHC funds and has self-funded nearly $5 million of the project. "Our capital campaign goal is $3 million," says Aase Haugen Executive Director, Sam Boeke, "We are at just $1.6 million of that $3 million dollar goal, which is now more important than ever. So, we are reaching out with a heartfelt request for community support for our aging population to reach our fund raising goal." "The new Aase Haugen facility will provide much-needed senior living options for our community — and, most importantly — give the folks who live with us now the new home they deserve. What a wonderful way to support those who built the community that we get to now enjoy," said Boeke. "We're hoping to see the same level of support for our community seniors and aging population that Decorah has so generously shown for our community childcare, public school systems, colleges and universities, tourism, parks and recreation, local hospitals and medical facilities, and the downtown and area business, all which make Decorah a great place to work and live." "We needed to be cognizant of the senior living market, and size the new facility appropriately to be both successful with meeting community needs, while sustainable for the future." "We've kept very busy working with outstanding staff at Brickl Brothers our general contractors, Align Architecture and the USDA to keep the project moving," continued Boeke. "And there are so many important and local groups who have supported this mission as well, but I'd like to specifically thank our Aase Haugen area church partners. What a fantastic feeling of faith and support." For those who would like to give to support "A New Place to Call Home," visit aasehaugen.com/aase-haugen-foundation. Stay informed, stay inspired! Newsletter sign up is free and join hundreds of free subscribers who rely on DecorahNews.com for trusted information and fresh perspectives.

Support your local businesses

Construction Begins on Aase Haugen's New Facility