Fort Smith, AR — Brownwood Life Care Center of Fort Smith opened a new $6 million Intermediate Care Facility at Chaffee Crossing on Friday, October 28, 2016. The 42,000 square-foot building is located at 7500 Wells Lake Road, Fort Smith, Ark. It will accommodate 50 children and adults with intellectual disabilities.
In addition to providing residential and around-the-clock health services for the past 30 years, Brownwood provides habilitation therapy and educational services through contracted therapy specialists and special education teachers. Unique features of the building were designed to accommodate residents and instructors such as larger classrooms, larger resident rooms, and access to outdoor recreation areas. Compared to the existing 60-year old Brownwood facility on South U Street in Fort Smith, the expanded client rooms and classrooms exceed state standards for special education and represent a big improvement for teachers and students. The layout of the facility is also much more efficient for staff and residents. In the 1200 sq. ft. chef’s kitchen, staff will prepare three meals a day with easy access for residents and staff, a necessity for the 24-hour operation.
Construction of the new facility began in August 2015. Owner David Broaddrick says this new facility represents a continuation of his dream to provide Brownwood residents a warm, homelike atmosphere. “We are proud to open our doors to our clients and their families. Greg Keller and our staff have worked very hard to make every aspect of this building like a custom home for our residents. They have taken every detail into account from the planning to the completion of the project. This represents a gift from our hearts to our clients.”
Fort Chaffee Redevelopment Authority executive director Ivy Owen sees Brownwood not only as a commercial facility, but also as a residence for disabled members of the community. “Brownwood Life Care Center represents all the best aspects of Chaffee Crossing. This is a beautiful place that people can call home and that their family members will enjoy visiting. It combines education and amenities to provide a good quality of life for the most challenged members of the community and it creates good jobs for skilled workers. Fort Smith, Barling and surrounding rural communities will all benefit from having them located here.”
Mr. Broaddrick would like to recognize these businesses and professionals for their assistance in making this dream come true:
- Citizens Bank and Trust Company – Keith Hefner, Darla Brown and Jenny McGrew, Van Buren, AR
- Rick Mooney Construction, Inc., Van Buren, AR
- HDMS Inc. – Architects, Tim Dowty and Jan Hicks, Little Rock, AR
- Hunt Design – Tracy Hunt
- Envision Real Estate Group, LLC – Tammy Morse and Norma Hopkins, Fort Smith, AR
