The Stilwell Retirement Residence in Waco is pursuing $200,000 in charitable gifts to continue remodeling the facility at 5400 Laurel Lake and add a wellness center.

“We don’t yet have a timetable for getting the work done, but the board wants us to go ahead and get the majority of funds before we start,” executive director Joel Wright said.

The new wellness center would include an exercise and therapy room and space for a home health care agency. Health care employees should find it easier to work with residents, Wright said.

Stilwell, which is located near the Target Greatland store, opened in 1964 primarily to serve retired teachers and their spouses. It remains the only retirement facility for teachers in the state, though it now welcomes retirees from other professions. Wright said 90 to 95 residents live there at any given time.

Wright said the volunteer board of trustees that oversees Stilwell has prepared a master plan for improvements to the center that is addressed as funds become available.

“It is exciting to be entering the final stage of the comprehensive improvement plan we initiated several years ago,” trustee Linus Wright said. “Stilwell residents will benefit from this project for years to come.”

Other upgrades include construction of a new lobby and new front offices; the purchase of new furniture for the living room; and remodeling of the dining room.

Besides adding a wellness center, Stilwell will use the $200,000 to convert space in the activity center to a coffee bar; upgrade the beauty shop; and equip the guest suite to accommodate visitors with disabilities.

Crews also will place new public restrooms near the activity center.

Stilwell is a nonprofit organization with a $1.2 million annual operating budget. Residents pay a flat $1,275 a month, which covers three daily meals; housekeeping and maintenance; access to a 24-hour emergency call system; utilities that include cable TV and telephone service; and an array of activities.

“This is not subsidized housing, so we don’t have to get into working with state or federal agencies,” Joel Wright said, adding that Stilwell relies upon benefactors to pay for special projects.

Residents typically are in good health, he said, “and can come and go as they please.”

mcopeland@wacotrib.com

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