The Mail-Journal, Volume 23, Number 8, Milford, Kosciusko County, 19 February 1986 — Page 48

Today And Tomorrow —Wed., Feb. 19,1986

Miller's Merry Manor unique in design

A new health care facility in Syracuse, with a unique concept in design, will become a reality about mid-summer when Miller’s Merry Manor is completed. Groundbreaking for the $1,650,000 health facility was held in December on the north side of Pickwick Road, east of Old State Road 13 by Syracuse Lake. Construction time will take approximately six to nine

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\ A New Facility Merry Manor, Inc. In 1986 I -For I €, Syracuse r - “fc 1 * j *s> ■ ,-V •Jr & WW 6 j The Health Care Professionals With The Hometown Touch

months and will then serve northern Kosciusko, southern Elkhart, and western Noble Counties. “It is really unique in design and does not look like a nursing home,” related Tom Teghtmeyer, director of marketing and planning. “The floor plan is a ‘pod’ concept designed with three pods much like a ‘fourleaf clover.’ There will be 22 beds in each ‘pod’ making up the 66 bed facility. ” Each circular pod offers 10 semi-private rooms (two-beds) and two single rooms, one at each end. All floors in the main areas will be carpeted and also partially up the wall to the wood trim, hand rails, and grab bars. This not only serves a purpose but also adds a soft appeal to the decor, Teghtmeyer explained. The facility, a completely different approach in design, will allow the residents to come out of their room into a central core area rather than directly into a hallway. Halls will lead from this “center lounge or activity area” to the nurses’ stations, dining rooms, and offices. The special design also allows the nursing staff to be within view of all three “pod areas.” Skylights will also brighten the 23,850 square foot facility. Plans also include a non-denominational chapel and a beauty/barber shop. V. Richard Miller is chief executive officer of Miller’s Merry Manor and also serves as an Indiana State Senator from Plymouth. The family owned nursing homes and health care centers began in 1964 when his parents, Wallace T. and Connie, purchased the old Kosciusko County Home on County Farm Road south of Warsaw. They began with 58 acres of land and a 76-bed facility which they remodeled, then added a new building on the grounds. Over the years, the Millers have expanded in local surrounding areas with facilities in Columbia City, Wakarusa, Wabash, Plymouth, and LaGrange. The new facility will staff 45-50 new employees with an estimated payroll of five to six hundred thousand ($600,000) dollars including nursing staff, dietary, laundry, and housekeeping personnel. It will provide

care for 22 needing skilled care and 44 intermediate care residents. Miller, at the groundbreaking, related, “Our philosophy of operation emphasizes professional quality health care personalized to meet a resident’s individual needs.” The new Syracuse facility will offer a convenient living quarters yet with a home-like atmosphere where residents are allowed to br-

• I wjL .. 'X v ■ r I • % afl Kfin Bl 1 ; T < 9 nfl IB £ GROUNDBREAKING FOR NEW FACILITY — Shown are the principals in the December 3, 1985, groundbreaking for the new Miller’s Merry Manor at the corner of Pickwick Road and Old State Road 13, Syracuse. From left are realtor Harlan Steffen; Joe Gray, president of the Syracuse-Wawasee Development Company; V. Richard Miller of Plymouth, CEO of Miller’s Merry Manor in charge of finance and development; Miller’s mother, Connie Miller; his sister, Beverly Stevens, both of Warsaw; Robert Westfall, president of the Syracuse-Wawasee Chamber of Commerce; and Nancy Myers, the chamber’s executive secretary.

ing some of their own small personal treasures to enjoy in their own room. Bridgeport, Inc. of Fort Wayne is construction manager with Designmasters, Inc., of LaGrange being the architectural firm. Financing will be by Summit Bank of Fort Wayne who will purchase all the Economic Development Bonds issued through the Town of Syracuse.