WS Chronicle

Photo by Tevin Stinson

BY TEVIN STINSON

THE CHRONICLE

Last week dozens of residents and employees of Salemtowne came together for a “topping out” ceremony to commemorate the construction of their new innovative Health Care Community Center.

“Topping out” ceremonies mark the moment when the final roofing piece is placed on top of the tallest building on a construction site. Residents of Salemtowne, a non-profit retirement community, signed the plank of wood before it was set into place atop the 127,000 square foot building which will house a variety of new health care spaces for residents.

According to president and CEO Mark Steele, once the center is completed around this time next year, residents will be able to receive treatment from trained professionals without the hassle of leaving the comfort of their living quarters. He also mentioned the new center is three times larger than the community’s current health care center.

“It’s a great day here at Salemtowne,” said Steele. “This healthcare center is going to offer every amenity you would have in a household. A kitchen, a living room, a dining room, these private apartments are designed to meet the needs of our residents.”

During the ceremony, Salemtowne board of trustees chair Peggy Carter said she was delighted to see how far construction has come in just a year’s time. Carter mentioned the completed center will be a real asset to the community.

Salemtowne is a nonprofit continuing care retirement community in Winston-Salem that promotes the well-being of its residents by providing a caring environment. Salemtowne is an ecumenical community that reflects the Moravian values of individual respect, hospitality, life-long learning, and love of the arts.