LUTHERAN HOME PLANS $12.5 MILLION EXPANSION HERE

The Lutheran Nursing Home announced Wednesday that it will expand with retirement-living facilities at a cost of approximately $12.5 million.

The expansion, called Saxony Village, will include 18 duplex apartments, 40 assisted-living suites and an apartment complex. The project will include living facilities of one- and two-bedroom apartments, a kitchen and dining room, and there will be a multipurpose facility.

"This has been a dream for us ever since we started the nursing home," said William Winkler, president of the nursing home's board of directors.

The architect, David Kromm of Kromm, Rikimaru and Johansen of St. Louis, unveiled the plan Wednesday.

A duplex display apartment is almost completed and construction of Saxony Manor is expected to begin in early 1995. The entire project should be completed by early 1996.

"This is an enormous project, and it's one to be proud of," said Kromm. "We plan to build to the south of the nursing home, taking advantage of the beautiful terrain we have here. And there's even room for future expansions."

The Lutheran Nursing Home, 2825 Bloomfield Road, was established in 1970 by approximately 20 Lutheran churches. The first construction consisted of 60 beds. After expansions, the nursing home contains 264 beds.

"I am amazed at the growth that has taken place here," said state Rep. Mary Kasten, R-Cape Girardeau, whose father-in-law stayed in the facility. "This is really wonderful for the home and for the community."

The construction on Saxony Village is privately funded. Future residents will buy their apartment or duplex and then pay a monthly upkeep fee similar to condominium living. The unit will revert to the Lutheran Home upon death.