Published: July 04, 2008 09:10 pm            

Muir Manor could expand with help from HUD grant

Mary McKercher, president of the board of directors for Muir Manor, will be anxiously waiting for the mailman’s daily delivery this fall.

The anticipation is for the hope the senior-living apartments — located at 1302 E. Spring St. in New Albany — will be notified of approval for a U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development grant.

The board plans to use the money to provide more apartments for seniors, age 62 and older, adjacent to Muir Manor’s facility at 1318 and 1320 E. Spring St.

“We started thinking about this last year,” McKercher said.

The apartments are a ministry of Central Christian Church and offer affordable living for seniors that are still able to care for themselves. Admission is based on income and McKercher said the new facility would operate under the same guidelines.

Her husband, Bruce McKercher, owns the two houses that sit where the board hopes to add the expansion. He said they would raze those homes in order to build 17 more apartments. Muir Manor has 23 units and a waiting list, a product the McKercher’s credit to hard work and support from the community.

“We haven’t had any problems keeping them full,” Mary McKercher said. “This gives (residents) a nice place to live.”

The senior apartments opened in April 2003, after receiving help from local businesses, the city and a HUD grant. They also have received assistance from United Church Homes, but Muir Manor Manager Faye Banet said Mary McKercher’s hard work has been the backbone of the operation.

“She wears me out,” Banet said fondly of the 84-year-old McKercher.

Similar to the expansion, Muir Manor required the removal of dilapidated houses, though Mary McKercher said it wasn’t easy because some parties claimed the homes held historical importance.

“I told them they were more hysterical than historical,” she said.

With the help of then-Mayor Regina Overton, Mary McKercher said they were able to clear the land for Muir Manor. She added the city has been a friend to the nonprofit cause ever since.

Banet said the proximity of Muir Manor will be one of the selling points for the possible expansion.

“The location of this project is on the bus lines, near a drug store and near nearly every denomination of church — there’s also a grocery store close by,” she said.

Muir Manor has received 16 surveys from interested persons that are looking to move into the new facility. Banet said the atmosphere and living conditions encourage people to want to stay.

“It’s kind of like one big family,” she said.

Mary McKercher plans to send the grant application within two weeks. The expansion prospects of Muir Manor likely will be determined by the HUD grant, she said. In order to have a good chance at being lodged in the expansion, Banet said potential residents should not wait to submit an application.

By turning in one now, they will be considered first, as Muir Manor’s waiting list is determined by date of application submittal.

To apply, stop by Muir Manor or call 812-948-1483 for more information.

        

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