After dissolving a development deal with United Gulf Developments in February, the Sisters of Charity in Bedford have teamed up with businessman Joe Shannon’s company Shannex, and building is finally back on track.The priority of the project has always been retirement residences and administrative offices, said Ruth Jeppesen, communication director of the congregation, which includes more than 500 nuns “sprinkled” across Canada, the United States, Bermuda, the Dominican Republic and Peru.
Originally development was slated for the Motherhouse, but the Sisters had ample time to re-evaluate what they wanted and a new building will be erected on the same property, said Ms. Jeppesen. The nuns have had a relationship with Shannex since 2002, when several of them needing skilled nursing care moved into Parkstone, a Shannex nursing home. Soon after, the Sisters began leasing a wing at the home, called de Paul Hall.
The Shannex company could not be reached for comment.
Nuns living in Parkstone will move into the new five- to six-storey building, which will house 90 to 100 nuns, in both independent-living and assisted situations.
About 60 Sisters who still reside in the Motherhouse will also move, to the upper floors of the new building, which will be equipped with a wellness centre.
“They’ve been looking forward to getting into a more user-friendly space, something that’s built more for their needs,” said Ms. Jeppesen.
The main floor will feature a large dining room and a chapel that will seat up to 125 people.
The Motherhouse was built to accommodate 900 people, and its chapel, a landmark in the community, seats 800.
The future uses of the Motherhouse and the rest of the property have yet to be decided, but members of the community will still be able to come to the chapel as guests.
The administrative space will include offices, archives and a heritage room, which Ms. Jeppesen hopes will inspire the public to learn more about the order.
The cost of the project is still unknown, she said, but it is on the right course.
