For much of the past decade, Pleasantview, the long-term care facility in Kalona since 1958, has been planning for a major upgrade in facilities and options.

Last week, those plans moved a giant step forward with the approval of a major source of funding, combined with fundraising efforts of the past five years.

With plans to renovate Pleasantview’s original building into 28 Assisted Living apartments, members of the community will have the option to live the full continuum of care on one campus. With new construction to include 16 private Memory Care rooms — officially known as Chronic & Confused Demented Illness, or CCDI — residents with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia will have the opportunity to receive more specialized care. Pleasantview is also constructing six private Medicare suites, complete with increased therapy space, as more and more persons require rehabilitative care for a period of time.

Such plans also necessitate the construction of a stand-alone Friendship/Community facility; the relocation of the commercial kitchen to a more centralized location; and the relocation of dining facilities and the salon.

Pleasantview officials have long recognized the need for many of the services listed, and those plans will soon come to fruition.

“The baby boomer generation’s impact to Long Term Care Support and Services demands that we provide both comprehensive care and amenities that contribute to quality outcomes and quality of life, whether the resident is returning to home or becoming part of our community,” said Executive Director Jeffrey Schmidt.

In mid-November of 2021, some of the preparatory work began, as several Independent Living cottages along the north edge of campus were removed. Grading work to extend the west parking lot began, as did similar work in preparation for the new Friendship/Community Center.

This week marks the official commencement of work, with Cardinal Construction out of Waterloo providing oversight of the project and Pope Architects out of Minneapolis, Minnesota providing architectural services.

An official groundbreaking ceremony will take place on Sunday, April 24. The 4 p.m. ceremony will be outside the south entrance of the original building, weather permitting, and refreshments will be served following the groundbreaking. Alternate plans will be in place in the event of inclement weather. All are welcome to attend.

“We encourage all who, past and present, are connected to Pleasantview to attend. This project marks the latest in generations of progress and we are excited to share in this next step,” Schmidt said.

Building Campaign Committee co-chair Nyle Kauffman, who served as Pleasantview’s medical director for many years, also commented.

“This is wonderful news, and it speaks very effectively to the volumes of need there is in the community to give care to those residents with dementia,” he said. “We look forward to the day this project is completed in order to better provide that care!”

Built in 1958, major expansions took place in 1964, 1972, 1992, and 2002, when Miller Chapel and the Friendship Center were constructed. Of course, there are also many renovations and smaller — but equally important — projects that have taken place.

At the completion of the project in early 2024, Pleasantview will be licensed for 70 nursing beds (including those in CCDI and Medicare suites); 28 Assisted Living apartments (some one-bedroom, some studios); and 59 Independent Living units surrounding the nursing facility.

“This community is fortunate to have Pleasantview, and Pleasantview is fortunate to have this community,” said Schmidt. “We are grateful to work in partnership with the leadership and involvement of the City of Kalona, as well as the community at large.”

Pleasantview is a five-star facility across the board, one of just five in the state at this time. Star ratings include health inspections, staffing, and quality measures.

As the project unfolds, community financial support will continue to be solicited. Questions and requests for more information may be obtained by contacting Schmidt or Swartzendruber. Progress may also be monitored on the organization’s website: www.pvkalona.com and other forms of social media.