Work on nursing facility near completion

Sept. 07--A skilled nursing facility that has been in development since 2015 is expected to be finished by the end of the year, said Athens Economic Development Corporation Executive Director Lisa Denton.

"They are slated to be completed in December and doors open," Denton said.

Relocation of a Virginia Hill water line has been in discussion, slowing the project.

"We've been working back and forth on that and I think we've finally come to an agreement on how that can be done," Denton said. "Once they get that completed, they can get their 911 addressing."

The $10 million Advanced Health Solutions facility was the largest of the eight building permits issued by Athens officials in 2017. Denton said she recently toured the building.

"It's really going to be nice."

The Green Oaks nursing home will be consolidated into the new facility south of UT Health East Texas

"We were excited to see that project happen," Denton said at an Athens EDC meeting. "It was a large capital investment and was retaining 86 jobs and adding 20 new jobs over and above that 86."

Advanced Health Solutions manages 50 nursing and rehabilitation centers in Texas.

Athens officials hope it will drive more businesses to the hospital area, such as professional offices and perhaps some quick-service restaurants.

EDC officials partnered with Athens Municipal Water Authority to cover the expense to extend the sewer line down south Palestine Street to the Advanced Health Solutions location.

The city of Athens was also involved in the sewer line project. The line will become city infrastructure at the end of that project.

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