by Denise Massie
Pharos-Tribune
LOGANSPORT —
When Ted Franklin purchased the former Cass County Children’s Home, he was simply hoping to save the neighborhood.
“The older portion was deteriorating and I didn’t want to see that happen to this,” he explained. “I wanted to do something the neighborhood could be proud of.”
His plan came through and residents will soon move into his catered living facility, Pleasant Escape at 1339 Pleasant Hill.
Franklin has lived in the area since he was 2 years old.
After he purchased the building early last September at a county auction, Franklin began working on the exterior.
“I wasn’t sure what I was going to do with it,” he said. “Every day we crossed a new bridge. This has definitely been a learning experience.”
Once the weather started to turn cold, Franklin began interior renovations. While completing the work, the idea of starting a catered living housing facility for seniors came to mind.
“I feel there’s a need for this,” he said. “A lot of seniors need help with everyday living, but they don’t need a doctor, a nurse or a nursing home.”
Pleasant Escape offers a dimension of security and the opportunity to socially interact with other seniors living at the facility, Franklin said.
“This is not a nursing home,” he said. “It’s an option to enjoy life more, with less work and less hassle.”
The original portion of the home was constructed in 1867 and was purchased in 1882 by the Orphan’s Home Board. Improvements were made in 1903. The main portion of the building was destroyed by a fire in 1906, which county commissioners agreed to rebuild in 1907.
The new wing, which houses the catered living facility, was added in 1994. Children moved into the new wing in 2001 and lived there until 2003. At that point, the wing was made into the county home, which closed in 2008.
Although Franklin would have liked to see the historic section restored, he said it wasn’t feasible for the cost and the amount of return.
The assisted living facility includes 15 living units and is completely energy efficient. It has a common area with seating for 20 people, a large television and fireplace. There are a dining area and kitchen next to the common area. Franklin also incorporated an auxiliary kitchen.
“If we have a party here, we can cook in two places,” he explained.
An additional room near the front of the building remains empty.
Franklin said it could be used as a fitness or activities room.
Each of the living units include a refrigerator, flat-screen television, bathroom with a custom-built shower and a closet. The rooms are ADA compliant.
The rooms are also equipped with a phone line, which can be used to make phone calls to anywhere in the United States, Mexico and Puerto Rico, for no additional cost.
There is one double unit in the building, which can be used by siblings or other family members.
Franklin said he tried to salvage as much from the original building as possible to use during the remodeling.
The entire interior was renovated and a new heating and cooling unit was installed.
“Keep in mind when the building was bought, it was a disaster,” Franklin said. “Even though it was only around 15 years old, almost every wall came out.”
Ceilings were redone and ceiling fans added. The kitchen area was remodeled into a larger space, in order to accommodate enough room to cook for at least 15 to 20 people.
A new fire system was installed with flashing strobe lights and an alarm.
Residents will be able to come and go as they please, whether they are able to drive, go with someone else, or use public transportation.
In addition, residents will be able to enjoy the backyard view of trees from a deck and see a variety of animals.
Pleasant Escape will provide its residents with laundry services and will clean and dust rooms and supply them with fresh towels every three days. Three meals a day will be provided and they can eat in the dining area or in their rooms. Leftovers can be saved and taken back to the rooms too.
“They really shouldn’t have to do anything,” Franklin said.
He added that meals to accommodate those with special dietary needs will be offered.
According to director Lisa Terry, all people should do is show up for life.
“We want them to make the golden years the best they can be,” she said.
Franklin said the minimum age requirement is 55 years old.
“I imagine we will have a pretty diverse group here,” he said. “We want them to feel like they are at home.”
The facility will be staffed 24/7. Terry added those living at Pleasant Escape need to be ambulatory without any health restrictions.
Terry is in charge of activities offered at the living facility. Pleasant Escape plans to partner with the Senior Center for a number of activities.
The goal of Pleasant Escape, she said, is to cater to seniors and make the living space feel like a hotel setting.
Activities planned will follow the likes and hobbies of the residents.
“As people change, the activities will too,” she said. “It’s all up to what they want to do.”
Terry is planning to hold lively debates, book clubs and discussions.
Staff will also make sure everyone makes it to voting polls and the church of their choice. Terry would also like to incorporate the performing and visual arts. Her plans include a possible traveling art display and perhaps live performances by the junior and adult civic association.
“We want the residents to be active and engaged,” she said.
The business is accepting applications for residents and Franklin hopes to have residents moved in by July at the latest.
Franklin hasn’t ruled out the possibility of expanding in the future. An additional 10 to 15 units could be built where the Children’s Home once stood.
The business has allowed Franklin to help clean up the neighborhood and put another building back on the county tax roll.
“This is a win-win for everyone,” Franklin said. “Even though it was a lot of work and money, the timing was right, the need was there and the building was available.”
• Denise Massie is a staff writer at the Pharos-Tribune. She can be reached at 574-732-5151 or denise.massie@pharostribune.com
New business
Name: Pleasant Escape
Address: 1339 Pleasant Hill
Phone: 574-516-1567
