Groundbreaking held for facility

Sprenger renovating former Amherst school

Sprenger Health Care Systems hosted a groundbreaking Nov. 28 of its new facility at the site of the former Central Middle School at the corner of Church Street and Franklin Avenue in Amherst.

“The renovation of the school has gone very well so far,” said Kevin Kauffman, executive vice president of operations for Sprenger. “Obviously, it’s an exciting day for us, taking a building that hasn’t been used for around 30 years and creating a higherend independent living facility.

“The proximity to downtown was very appealing during the process. It’s also a building that means a lot to a lot of people that went to school here. People have been talking about what was going to be done with the building, so it’s great to reveal the plans.”

Kauffman said Amherst has been very supportive during the whole process.

“City Council and Mayor (Mark) Costilow have been great every step of the way,” he said. “They were excited to see what we would do with it. They’ve been a big help and have made it a very fun project.”

Kauffman said the time table for completion is not definite.

“You can never tell with older building like this,” he said. “Problems can arise that you simply haven’t planned for.

“But everything has gone well so far. We are eyeing first quarter next year, but that is not definite at this time.”

Amherst Exempted Village Schools Superintendent Steve Sayers said the project is a winner all the way.

“Amherst will definitely benefit from this,” Sayers said. “It’s great to see something done with this building that has not been used in a while.”

Costilow said he was very impressed with what Sprenger has accomplished with the building.

“They have done more than I thought they would be able to do by this time,” he said.

“I really can’t believe what they are going to be able to do with this building; they are exceeding expectations.” Costilow said building will become a downtown jewel.

“This will be one of the nicest things I’ll be a part of during my administration,” he said.

“It’s perfect timing because people are beginning to ask about it.

“It’s really great to see what a company like Sprenger has been willing to do for a building that was a public school.”

ZACHARY SRNIS - THE MORNING JOURNAL Members of Sprenger Health Care Systems, Amherst officials and community members pose during the groundbreaking.

ZACHARY SRNIS - THE MORNING JOURNAL The remodeling process is currently underway at the old Central Middle School.