Leaders, Residents Dedicate Mount Carmel Bluffs Senior Living Community
DUBUQUE, IOWA (August 17, 2023) — Leaders playing key roles in the redevelopment of Mount Carmel Bluffs gathered with residents to dedicate the senior living community. A shared ministry of the Sisters of Charity of the Blessed Virgin Mary (BVM) and Presbyterian Homes & Services (PHS), the community serves BVM as well as older adults of all faiths in the greater Dubuque area.
LaDonna Manternach, BVM president, addressed the impact the beautiful campus has on area residents. “We are grateful to be part of and to share in the PHS mission of compassionate care for seniors at Mount Carmel Bluffs,” said Manternach. “May the natural beauty of this sacred place, which served as our congregational home for over 120 years, continue to inspire and generate peace for all who live here for many years to come.”
Located at 1040 Carmel Drive on the scenic bluffs of the Mississippi River, Mount Carmel Bluffs offers a continuum of care, including 16 townhomes, 116 independent living apartments, 40 enriched living apartments, 21 memory care apartments and 60 care center suites. This array of living options enables Mount Carmel Bluffs residents to enjoy the quality of life they desire with the assistance they need. Daily life at Mount Carmel Bluffs offers desirable social programs and convenient amenities for a comfortable and engaging lifestyle.
Geri Schilling-Johnson, Mount Carmel Bluffs campus administrator, welcomed 100 guests to the dedication. “Our mission of enriching lives and touching the hearts of older adults is made tangible through the efforts of our incredible, caring staff,” Schilling-Johnson stated. “We seek to empower our community to connect, grow, thrive and celebrate the gift of each new day.”
City of Dubuque Council Member Katy Wethal thanked both BVM and PHS for their work in revitalizing the community. “The presence and service of BVM has been transformative and touched people and projects everywhere you look in Dubuque,” observed Wethal. “We are so blessed that Presbyterian Homes & Services has joined in [providing] community and care for citizens for decades to come.”
David Palmer, project developer, Senior Housing Partners, credited the important contributions of project partners who brought the redevelopment to fruition. MidWestOne Bank, Dubuque Bank & Trust, and Fidelity Bank & Trust provided financing; Pope Design Group, Saint Paul, Minn., served as architect; and, Conlon Construction, Dubuque, served as the general contractor. “Our team was tremendous and this bright, beautiful campus is a credit to their professionalism,” Palmer shared.
The Rev. Monsignor Thomas Toale, moderator of the curia, Archdiocese of Dubuque, closed the celebration with a blessing. “As we gather to bless this beautiful space,” he stated, “we give thanks for all the hands and hearts, the gifts and skills which built this place. … May the blessing of our loving God be upon this place … and upon all who live and work here.”
In addition to Mount Carmel Bluffs, PHS operates four additional senior living communities in Iowa, including: Highland Ridge, Williamsburg; Mill Pond, Ankeny; Prairie Gate, Council Bluffs; and Walnut Ridge, Clive. In addition, HallMar Village, Cedar Rapids, will open this fall.
About Mount Carmel Bluffs
Mount Carmel Bluffs, a shared ministry of the Sisters of Charity of the Blessed Virgin Mary (BVM) and Presbyterian Homes & Services, is located on the scenic bluffs of the Mississippi River in Dubuque, Iowa. The amenity-rich, wellness-focused community offers independent living apartments, enriched living apartments, memory care apartments and long term care suites. At the heart of Mount Carmel Bluffs is the BVM Motherhouse, a landmark preserved and remodeled as the “Town Center.” Mount Carmel has been in the care of the BVM sisters since 1889. Now open to all older adults, the campus includes a barber shop, beauty salon, café, chapels, library, outdoor walking paths, private family dining rooms, restaurant-style dining rooms, and the Roberta Kuhn Center for adult learning and leisure opportunities. Learn more at: www.mountcarmelbluffs.org.
About Presbyterian Homes & Services
Presbyterian Homes & Services (PHS), based in St. Paul, Minnesota, is a non-profit, faith-based organization providing a broad array of housing choices, and care and service options for older adults. Over 7,300 employees serve more than 24,000 older adults through 61 PHS-affiliated senior living communities in Minnesota, Iowa and Wisconsin, and through Optage® home and community services. PHS is also co-owner of Genevive, the largest geriatric primary care practice in Minnesota, providing comprehensive care for 8,500 older adults. Established in 1955, PHS has earned the reputation as an innovative leader dedicated to promoting independence, purposeful living, and overall well-being for those they serve. Learn more at www.preshomes.org
About the Sisters of Charity of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Founded in 1833 by Mary Frances Clarke, the Sisters of Charity of the Blessed Virgin Mary is a community of women religious whose members, in response to a personal call from God, have chosen a vowed life of prayer, ministry, and community. BVMs express their mission of being freed and helping others enjoy freedom in service to God’s people through their core values of freedom, education, charity, and justice. To ensure their legacy, BVM Ministry Partnership Grants and scholarships have been established. They are committed to joining with others to work for justice and care for Earth. Located in Dubuque, Iowa, Mount Carmel is the home of nearly 180 retired sisters and the administrative headquarters of the Sisters of Charity, BVM. For more information, visit www.bvmcong.org.
About Senior Housing Partners
Senior Housing Partners is the development arm of Minnesota-based nonprofit Presbyterian Homes & Services and serves as a development consultant to other not-for-profit sponsors, owners, and operators of senior housing, assisted living, memory care, and skilled nursing communities across the country. As a full-service developer, Senior Housing Partners (SHP) provides turnkey project development services. From strategic planning and product positioning to site selection, zoning and regulatory compliance, SHP works through all the details. In addition, SHP’s marketing team is available to complete pre-leasing and occupancy of the project units once construction is complete. Formed in 1995, SHP has developed or repositioned more than 100 senior living communities across the country and has been in the capital markets for more than $3.5 billion of development. For more information, visit www.seniorhousingpartners.com.
