A Groves nursing home is moving to Port Arthur, leaving an empty building behind to be filled while building in a location close to Southeast Texas Medical Center.

Construction of the new Magnolia Manor Nursing Home is expected to begin in late October or early November 2016, and anticipated to be completed about a year later, in late September or early October 2017.

At its new location on Professional Drive behind the Sonic off of FM 365, the new building will be in close proximity to the hospital — one of the driving reasons to make the move, Brian Bendert, vice president of Can-Tex, the nursing home’s parent company.

“Everything is shifting toward creating partnerships with hospitals; this too good of a location to pass up,” Bendert said.

The new 68,000 sq. foot building will have 140 rooms with a mix of private and semi-private rooms.

At its new location, Magnolia Manor will feature numerous amenities including a beauty salon, living room, chapel and large therapy room for physical, occupational and speech therapy.

The building’s design will feature two courtyards that are open to some of the private rooms.

A large dining room will offer three meals a day while smaller cafes offering juices; drinks and desserts are also part of the design.

Residents can also enjoy a small gift shop.

Bendert said the building project is still in the early design state, but is expected to feature an exterior coastal theme.

“It will be a first class facility inside and out and the quality of care on the inside matches the outside,” Bendert said.

Because the employment is census drive, there could be added jobs provided all the rooms are occupied.

While Port Arthur will reap the rewards of a brand new business, Groves is left with an empty building that City Manager D. Sosa hopes won’t go vacant for long.

“This is another major employer leaving the city. It is a business decision for Can-Tex, but it will not be fun for us,” Sosa said.

Most recent tax rolls indicate Magnolia Manor is valued at $177,000 with an annual tax payment made to Groves for $4,874.

“Groves is growing so fast lately, that it is not the loss of property tax that worries us as much as the loss of jobs,” Sosa said.

The city will also lose a great corporate neighbor — one that opened its doors after the hurricane to city, police and fire workers.

Magnolia Manor Director Kenny Blanda will also be missed, Sosa said.

“I consider Kenny Blanda one of my personal friends. He has been Chamber president a couple of times. We hate to lose them, but understand,” Sosa said.

The city is hoping to see a prospective buyer, and will be looking to Can-Tex to help shepherd a company that will be good for Groves.

A sale will also be easier because the building is in good shape, Sosa said.

“It would be a great place for a new assisted living facility, a technical school location. It would be a great learning facility. It would be a great place for Lamar to open a campus,” Sosa said. “We will be hopeful and will be working with Kenny and Can-Tex for their exit strategy, while hoping to keep the job loss at a minimum.”

409-721-2428

Twitter: sgsturdivant