HAMBURG — St. Francis Park is now open and leasing more than 35 studio suite apartments on its South Park Avenue campus in Hamburg. The opening follows the completion of the sale of the facility, formerly known as the Immaculate Conception Convent, by the Franciscan Sisters of St. Joseph to the Catholic Health System in January.

"We are very excited to be able to provide a very unique and vibrant housing opportunity for seniors in our community, while preserving the legacy and mission of the Franciscan Sisters of St. Joseph," said Joyce Markiewicz, executive vice president, Catholic Health; president and CEO, Home & Community-Based Care.

The facility features one bedroom studio suite apartments complete with mini-kitchenette, full bath, and ample closet/storage space. The "home within a home" concept includes spacious and comfortable common areas including beautifully appointed parlors, full-size common area kitchens, a chapel, a fitness center, and even an indoor pool with adaptive equipment. St. Francis Park accepts seniors aged 65 or older and offers single or double occupancy and a number of meal plans and optional services.

Constructed in 2010, the 104,000-square-foot facility was built to replace the original motherhouse of the Franciscan Sisters of St. Joseph which was significantly larger. With keen vision and foresight, the sisters commissioned a facility that would not only be appropriate for their diminishing numbers, but one that would also be able to perpetuate their mission by serving as a home for seniors in the community. True to the Franciscan tradition, St. Francis Park was built to the highest environmental standards, earning LEED Platinum Certification following its completion.

"There has been significant interest in the Hamburg and Southtowns communities," said Wendy Anzalone, community liaison. "We have had a number of tours come through already including both prospective residents and the adult children of prospective residents who are helping mom or dad downsize from the burden of home maintenance."
The first residents of St. Francis Park are the last residents of the Immaculate Conception Convent. More than 40 members of the Franciscan Sisters of St. Joseph continue to call St. Francis Park home. "Ensuring that the Franciscan Sisters of St. Joseph could continue to live out their mission and charism was an essential part of this project," said Markiewicz. "The sisters' independence is vital to them and has led to an innovative vision for the facility."

While offering a unique independent living option for seniors, Catholic Health is pursuing an opportunity to offer "enriched housing." The enriched housing designation would allow Catholic Health to provide a range of health care services to some residents as part of their lease agreement, while others can continue to live independently. The designation requires a Certificate of Need application and is subject to specific New York State Department of Health rules and regulations. The process could take 12 months or longer to complete.

More information is available online at SaintFrancisPark.com, where tours can also be requested.