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Brandon Oaks in Roanoke plans 25-bed expansion

The facility's parent company has applied to the Roanoke City Council for a $7 million revenue bond.

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David Ress | 981-3253

Wednesday, September 11, 2013

Virginia Lutheran Homes wants to expand and renovate its Brandon Oaks Retirement Community in southwest Roanoke, a $7 million project that will eventually add 25 beds and create 14 new jobs.

The retirement community’s nursing and rehabilitation center will grow from 62 beds to 87, Virginia Lutheran said in an application for revenue bond financing through Roanoke’s Economic Development Authority.

Of that total, 25 beds are to be converted to assisted living slots, which are meant for people who need help moving around, bathing, eating or other daily activities but who don’t need the more intensive care that nursing home residents require.

Nursing and rehabilitation center administrator Lucas Snipes said Tuesday that as part of the project, the retirement community also will boost its rehabilitation services, adding space and new equipment .

“Needs have changed quite a bit since the facility was opened, and we want to meet them,” Snipes said.

The project also will allow Brandon Oaks to offer more private rooms, in response to demand from the community.

The project will add about 33,900 square feet to Brandon Oaks’ nursing and rehab facility and includes a renovation of kitchen and dining facilities. The nursing facility was built in 1993, and was expanded in 2006, 2007 and 2010.

Brandon Oaks currently employs about 230 people and spends about $15.8 million a year in wages, benefits and local purchases. The expansion will boost that total by about $790,000, Virginia Lutheran estimated.

It hopes to complete the work next year.

Roanoke’s Economic Development Authority will consider whether to recommend the bond offering next week.

The bond sale is subject to approval by the Roanoke City Council. The tax-exempt bonds are not obligations of the city, and interest and principal are to be repaid with funds from Brandon Oaks’ operations.

Saturday, September 14, 2013