Creighton Lodge in Estevan remains on track to have its lounge expansion completed before the end of the year.
Co-manager Shelley Veroba told the Mercury last week the project is on time and on budget, and they hope it will be finished in November.
Much of the exterior work is already completed. The structure is up, and they have the windows and the doors installed. They were hopeful the stucco work would be underway before the end of September.
There has also been some work on the inside of the building.
“They have broken out the … wall that was part of the existing lounge, so now we have an orange tarp up that is covering up the progress,” said Veroba. “We recently had a tour, and it is all looking just marvellous.”
They are currently finishing up the work on the building’s interior frame. The electricians are installing the lights and the
other electrical work. The in-floor heating is already in place.
“We will have some heat in there once the cold weather starts coming,” said Veroba.
Gyproc work will begin soon.
The residents have handled the construction and the noise very well.
“We’re finding other, quieter spots in the lodge to congregate,” said Veroba. “They play cards in the evenings, and we still have our entertainment in the evenings, we
have just moved them further into the dining room area.”
They’re also excited the project is well underway, and that the expansion should be finished by Christmas.
“For a long time, we kept saying ‘We’re still raising money. We’re still out there pounding the pavement.’ And now we’re actually saying ‘Nov. 30, you’re going to see an expansion built,’” said Veroba.
Creighton Lodge’s staff and trust committee remain confident all of the funds are in place for the expansion. The Rural Municipality of Browning has committed $75,000 over three years to the lodge.
“That money is going to actually help us … to make sure that we have everything we need on the inside,” said Veroba.
They haven’t made any changes to the design, because Veroba believes changes often lead to the price going up.
The lounge expansion will add nearly 2000 square feet to the building. Not only will it create more space for its exercise programs, and for residents to gather and enjoy musical entertainment, but residents will also be able to bring a guest for suppers served on special occasions.
There will also be a sliding door in the new lounge, so an area can be closed off for private functions, such as an anniversary meal.
The estimated cost is between $600,000 and $650,000, which includes the cost of furnishings and decorations.
