CHAMPION — Meadowbrook Terrace Administrator Joseph W. Millard said his phone's been ringing frequently with calls from potential residents and staff members.

But they'll have to wait at least six more months before they can reside or work in the 60-bed assisted-living facility, at 21957 Cole Road.

“We're getting a lot more calls; people are seeing it now,” he said. “We're working on a waiting list with people interested and making contact with them, discussing where we are on our construction schedule. I even had a family calling from Florida because their mother lives up here and they wanted information on her living there.”

Job applicants, he said, have been inquiring about the 30 to 40 open positions, including licensed practical nurses, registered nurses, home health aides, dietary and housekeeping personnel, social work service officers, activity leaders, maintenance staff, a receptionist and a business officer. Mr. Millard said the hiring process will begin later this year, through Carthage Area Hospital.

People who pass the nearly 10-acre property, which was purchased by Carthage Area Hospital for $1,066,000, can see shells of two wings of the K-shaped structure near completion.

Mr. Millard said people have yet to see much progress since construction began in the fall because much of the work has involved underground utilities. As people walk or drive by, they now will see the roof being put on two wings and steel beams going up to create the shell of the other wings.

“It's full construction now,” Mr. Millard said. Contractors “are on site five days a week. We're really on schedule now, and they're telling me it's moving along.”

Meadowbrook Terrace is a 42,000-square-foot project and was designed by Nelson Associates, Clinton.

The project will have 60 beds, which will be occupied by people with Medicaid and those who will pay privately. Forty-eight 322-square-foot studio apartments and 12 one-bedroom, 433-square-foot apartments will be constructed, as well as an ice cream parlor, a store, a lounge area, a utility room, a data room, an activity room, a chapel and an employee work area in the one-level facility.

Physical, occupational and speech therapy services will be included, as well as health and wellness programs and help with daily living activities, such as cleaning and bathing.

Carthage Area Hospital will put up $500,000 for the $9.5 million project, and the remaining funds will come from a state grant. Samaritan Medical Center, Watertown, is the lead on the $34 million Health Care Efficiency and Affordability Law for New Yorkers grant, of which $9 million is to go to Carthage Area Hospital for the construction of Meadowbrook Terrace. The remaining $25 million is helping Samaritan construct a 288-bed assisted-living and nursing home complex behind Washington Summit, off Washington Street, Watertown.

Mr. Millard said the grant has worked well since the state agreed to monthly vouchering. Once Samaritan gets the money, Mr. Millard said, Carthage Area Hospital receives its portion.

In November, the state Health Department approved a $3 million loan from the Dormitory Authority to Carthage Area Hospital to help finish construction of Meadowbrook. Construction nearly halted in November when the hospital, Jefferson County and local elected officials became aware the Health Department's funding reimbursement schedule for the project had changed from four to six weeks to about 10 weeks.

“I pay contractors with that money, and when HEAL money comes back, it pays that Dormitory Authority loan back,” Mr. Millard said. “This is like a bridge loan, and a lifesaver.”

Murnane Building Construction, Whitesboro, is the general contractor, and there are several subcontractors, he said.

The project is expected to be completed by year's end. After the facility opens, Mr. Millard said, there is plenty of space around the building to expand, if need be.

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