COLDWATER, MI (WTVB) – The expansion of the Maple Lawn Medical Care Facility won’t cost as much as first thought. The Branch County Board of Commissioners decided during their work session Thursday to bring forward a final resolution to next week’s meeting which authorizes the Branch County Building Authority to finance the expansion at a cost of $9.96 million which is down from the original estimate of $11.25 million.
Bond Counsel John Axe said they have not sold the bonds yet so the figures were based on conservative estimates. He said interest rates are lower than they were in April and the project costs could go even lower after the bond sale in late August.
The facility will expand by nearly 18,000 square feet which will mean an increase in private rooms from 22 to 80. There would also be 17 semi private rooms as well as major renovations to the main kitchen.
Family meeting and conference space for the dementia and rehabilitation units will also be created. The current facility was built in 1989.
Funding will come through a 30 year bond issue through the Branch County Building Authority.
