Dove Healthcare announces plans to expand

TBL has learned that Dove Healthcare Nursing & Rehabilitation is in the process of finalizing the purchase of the property and assets of the former Unity Health & Fitness Center, 3656 Mall Dr., Eau Claire, from Royal Credit Union. The business was previously known as the Eau Claire Athletic Club. Terms of the deal have not been disclosed. The transaction is expected to close within a few months.

"RCU has accepted our offer to acquire the entire property...which includes the facility, parking lot and the neighboring wooded area. We're continuing the our regional expansion that started in 1997 and are excited about the opportunities to add yet another quality short- and long-term care facility which will offer private rooms and a state-of-the-art rehabilitation gym area to seniors," said Dove Healthcare CEO Jim Deignan, who added that about 85 jobs will be created and construction is scheduled to begin this spring.

"The primary focus of the new facility will allow us to expand our "Transitions" program, which we introduced a few years ago, and offer a new model of long-term care in a private room setting to those in need," he said.

Dove Healthcare, which owns and operates its present facility on Eau Claire's west side, is owned by Tommy Davidson. The firm also operates Orchard Hills in Eau Claire and Rutledge Home and Wissota Health and Regional Vent Center in Chippewa Falls. The company has more than 500 employees and cares for approximately 300 short- and long-term residents. TBL