St. Peter, Minn. - The site for the new senior housing project of the Benedictine Living Community of St. Peter was blessed and ground was broken on June 16.

Father Phil Schotzko, pastor, Church of St. Peter, presided over the ceremony, which was coordinated by Sister Mary Christa Kroening, Benedictine Health System senior consultant, liturgical and ritual services. Program participants included representatives from the facility, Benedictine Health System and the city of St. Peter.

Turning a ceremonial shovel of the earth to mark the official ground breaking were Senior Housing Project Team members Dr. Gene Kind, Merton Wenner, and Bruce Gray; Benedictine Living Community of St. Peter Board chair Tim Grabow, St. Peter Mayor Tim Strand and Father Schotzko.

The facility honored four residents and two employees during the ground breaking ceremony. Residents Harry Aune, Ginny McMullen, former mayor Jerry Hawbaker and Grace Paquette who recently celebrated her 100th birthday, and employees Becky Puchta with 34 years of service and Jack Coltrain with 21 years of service, all participated in the shovel ceremony.

Benedictine Living Community of St. Peter senior housing will feature 46 apartment-style units and will offer one bedroom, one bedroom plus den and two bedroom apartments. The project will complete the development vision established by the St. Peter city council and will serve those who enjoy residential living without the maintenance, who need supportive services and home care to enhance their living.

The integrated campus will offer independent housing, assisted living and skilled nursing care together with a spectrum of health care services and care options tailored to individuals needs. The campus will accommodate full interior access to the Benedictine Living Community of St. Peter, River’s Edge Hospital and Clinic, Mankato Chiropractic and Healing Touch Clinic, Live Well Fitness Center, St. Peter Clinic – Mayo Health, and Quality Care Pharmacy. A full range of health care services for St. Peter’s community are offered on one campus, all connected; a resident need never to step outside to access any of the different care options.

Linda Nelsen, administrator/CEO, anticipates moving into the new building in October 2011.

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