St. Bernards Villa Has Grand Opening

The four-year phase from construction to completion of a $16.5 million, 28-acre facility to help people with Alzheimer’s disease and dementia culminated Tuesday when the doors opened for people to see.

St. Bernards Villa, at 2217 West Parker Road, had its grand opening Tuesday with officials cutting the ribbon to open the buildings.

Brian Rega, director of senior services/housing for St. Bernards Villa, said the idea to build came after a conversation with his boss.

“Four years ago, my boss asked, ‘Have you got it in you?’” Rega said.

The work then began.

Rega said he and several other officials with St. Bernards traveled to 11 different facilities in five states to try to create an idea of what was needed at the Villa.

Ground was broken in 2013 while officials hosted a topping off ceremony last October (2014). At least 200 construction jobs were created to help build the facility while 36 new jobs were created to help operate it.

The 83,000-square-foot facility has room for 116 people and has 75 apartments. At least 45 of the apartments are for people in assisted living while another 30 are for people in the facility’s memory care program.

The memory care program is named after the late Bill Rainwater Sr., a longtime businessman and supporter of St. Bernards Healthcare, officials said.

The facility also has an activity room, a theater, chapel, barber shop, ice cream parlor and areas for physical therapy among other amenities.

During a May 29 media day, Rega said the chapel will be available for people to participate in religious services as well as for prayer.

On Tuesday, Rega said the four-year odyssey was a labor of love for people to help build.

The comments were echoed by St. Bernards Healthcare president and CEO Chris Barber.

“It is unique. This is an extension of the sister’s ministry created nearly 115 years ago,” Barber said.

Rega said the facility not only offers care to people facing difficulties but also an opportunity for people to build a strong network.

“Socialization is the best thing we offer. They get to see and meet people who are in the same boat. Perhaps they have lost a spouse,” Rega said, noting many people move to Jonesboro for healthcare needs. “It is like a self-contained community.”