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Unit C of the Rivers Walk Assisted Living Project on the campus of Columbia County Health System, called the Palouse, is near completion, anticipated sometime in September. It will be a memory-care facility. A grand opening is planned so the community can tour the building.
DAYTON–October, 2021, was the groundbreaking for the Rivers Walk Assisted Living Project, consisting of four cottage-style units to be constructed when the Columbia County Health System (CCHS) partnered with Tri-Cities developer Ron Asmus and his company, REA Commercial, LLC, along with architect John McLean, AIA, NCARB, of Blue Room Architecture. Now, less than a year later, the project is scheduled for a Grand Opening in September
Despite the challenges of the COVID pandemic, CEO Shane McGuire and CFO Matt Minor have been integral in the process of making the project a reality, and they will follow it through until the facility is fully operational.
Beginning in May of 2020, McGuire advocated to the Board to provide a home-like assisted living for the various needs of the increasing aging population in the community. Designs and concepts were provided in a presentation and the Board supported the project.
Near completion, Unit C, named the Palouse, is closest to being finished, needing only the flooring, trim, appliances and window treatments. The other three units are on target for completion by mid-September.
COO Stephanie Carpenter and CNA Joanna Huwe will oversee the operations of the facility. Once open, Booker residents will move first with other new residents to follow. In certain cases, some Booker residents will still require skilled nursing on Hall 1.
The Palouse unit will be designated for Memory Care and will include a safe, outdoor space. Booker staff will either work in the new facility or in another department. Positions are being filled for additional Home Care Aides and Nursing Assistants.
"We cannot wait to have the community take a tour," said Sean Russell, Director of Communications and Marketing for CCHS, looking ahead to the Grand Opening. "We plan to send out invitations and announce the event."
