NORTH CAPE MAY — In October 2006, 98 residents and 154 employees of Victoria Manor Nursing Home received the news they all would have to find new places to live and work when the nursing center closed it doors to undergo construction to replace the roofing system.
An investigation into the building’s roofing system started when cracks appeared in the dining room ceiling in August 2006. Three engineering firms traced the problem to a fire retardant chemical used to treat the wooden roof trusses and plywood. The chemical treatment, containing inorganic and organic salts, was popular in construction during the 1980s. However, when wood is treated in this material, it can crumble in just a few years.
A large red “R” sign was installed on the building’s front to serve as a warning to firefighters that there are wooden trusses that often fail during a blaze.
In March 2011, Victoria Manor will reopen following $5 million in repairs, which began in June, including a new roof and sprinkler, heating and ventilation systems.
Genesis Health Care, the parent company of Victoria Manor, offered a hardhat tour Thur. Dec. 2 to local officials and media.
Dennis Gregory, regional vice president of operations for Genesis Health Care, said the refurbishment took longer than anticipated. The building sat empty for four years. He said there were some issues with financing the reconstruction.
Gregory said along with the structural work, the interior would have all new finishes and furnishings.
Overall, the 19-year old building is being modernized, he said. The facility has the appearance of a new structure inside.
It will house 120 beds, said Gregory. The rehab space has been doubled.
Victoria Manor Administrator Linda Glick said the facility would employ 120 persons when it reopens in March.
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