Tim and Elaine Anderson's lifelong dream became reality Monday.
The Dilworth City Council approved the couple's request to build an assisted-living center on Oakview Drive off of Fourth Avenue Northwest.
"It's a need that hasn't been filled in Dilworth," said City Administrator Ken Parke. "We're anxious to get them into town."
Construction on the two-phase project will begin in two weeks, and the Andersons hope to have the center - Serenity Assisted Living - up and running by June.
Ten units will be built during phase one and 10 to 15 during phase two.
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The one-level complex surrounded by single-family homes will feature 24-hour staffing, banking services and scheduled medical visits.
The Andersons also considered building in Fargo or Moorhead, but they chose Dilworth because of its small-town feel and the need for another assisted living facility.
"We're excited, ecstatic. It's part of a dream becoming reality." said Elaine Anderson, who along with her husband has cared for 25 foster children on their farm in rural Halstad, Minn. "It's a compliment that the city thinks it will be a nice fit."
The Andersons set their proposal in motion July 4 when they began surveying land throughout the F-M area for a center. They applied for a conditional use permit in early September and gained approval from Dilworth's Planning Commission last week.
Serenity Assisted Living will cater to people ages 55 and older with disabilities who don't qualify as low income.
There's only one other center in Dilworth, which is for low-income residents, Elaine Anderson said. "If they don't fit that income bracket, where were they going to go?"
She has been a licensed social worker for more than 30 years and plans to continue working at Lutheran Social Services of Dilworth when the center is operational. Tim Anderson, a 25-year farmer, will devote most of his time to Serenity Assisted Living.
The couple plan to live at the center, "for a hands-on approach," Elaine Anderson said.
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Readers can reach Forum reporter Joe Whetham at (701) 241-5557
