Aspen Grove Properties constructed a new 14,000-square-foot assisted living and memory care facility in Chisholm.
Aspen Grove Alternative Senior Living opened last fall, has 30 beds and is at near capacity. It is located near the Delta Air Lines reservation center on Highway 169, which is across the street from the company’s first facility, Aspen Grove Assisted Living. Iron Range Resources & Rehabilitation supported the project with a $300,000 Development Infrastructure grant to the city that helped pay for utility work related to water, sewer, storm sewer and electrical. Total project investment was $3.2 million.
The new facility provides full-time care for residents with dementia. Owners Charles and Brenda Gargano operate the new center with 20 full-time and part-time professional health care employees. The Garganos reside in nearby Hibbing, and Brenda has been a registered nurse in the region for 40 years.
“Our first facility has consistently been at capacity for the past five years. We continually received calls for placement but had to turn them away,” said Charles. “There was a real need to expand and offer more beds. The facility allows families living on the Iron Range to keep their loved ones close to home and in their community.”
Charles explained that the need for assisted care facilities continues to rise nationwide. The two Aspen Grove facilities combined offer 60 beds and employ approximately 65 people.
“The grant from Iron Range Resources & Rehabilitation to the city of Chisholm became instant equity for the project,” said Charles. “The agency’s community development staff and the city officials were extremely responsive and helpful ensuring the facility was accommodated with the needed, modern infrastructure.”
