Murray House Executive Board ceases pursuit of building purchase
The Coastline - July/August 2007
Mobile, AL
The Murray House Executive Board has decided to not continue its pursuit to purchase the Franklin Medical property next door to the main building. Earlier this summer on June 22, 2007, David Jeffries, Treasurer of the Murray House Board, presented to the Standing Committee the idea of purchasing the property for a possible expansion of Murray House for a Specialty Assisted Living Care Facility. The Standing Committee approved a resolution to proceed with making an offer on the property, subject to finding no asbestos and subject to approval of the final terms by the Standing Committee and Bishop. An offer was made and was accepted with a tentative closing date of August 30.
An environmental study by Committee members Jackie McKrackin and Jack Godwin, along with other professional inspections and estimates exposed asbestos in the building as well as an excessive amount of rotted wood in the 15 dormers and roof. The projected renovation would have cost a minimum of $105,000, almost $70,000 over budget. Within a short time, it became apparent that most of the funds for the property would have to be from a loan to be serviced from the Murray House operating funds. The majority of the Murray House Executive Board felt that they simply could not ask the current residents to pay this debt service for future expansion and decided to not purchase the building.
"I offer my sincere thanks to members of the Acquisition Committee. the Murray House board, the Standing Committee of the Diocese, the Diocese Staff and other supporters," says David Jeffries. "Your prayers and words of encouragement have been truly uplifting. The need for MH to expand our level of resident care still exists and possibly can be reconsidered in the future."
Murray House is an assisted living residence located in Mobile at 1257 Government Street and is an agency of our Diocese. The residence houses 42 apartments with many amenities for its residents. Murray House has been full for the last six years. The proposed purchase of the building would have allowed enough space for 12 residents needing skilled nursing services.
Find out more about
Murray House
History of Murray House
Reporting: Cindy McCrory/David Jeffries
e-mail: coastline@diocgc.org
