Messiah Lifeways is planning to build a new campus in northern York County, with a groundbreaking slated for October.
The campus will occupy 85 acres of farmland tucked into a bend of the Yellow Breeches Creek in Fairview Township, about 10 minutes from Camp Hill.
Based in Upper Allen Township, Cumberland County, Messiah paid $5.9 million last year for the property, which is at 100 Spanglers Mill Road,, according to county deed records. It had been owned by the Hetrick family since the 1940s.
The Messiah campus will be called Fernecrest, in honor of Hetrick family matriarch Ferne Hetrick, who in 1972 became the first woman to chair the state Historical and Museum Commission. She died in 2013.
What’s on tap: The first phase of the roughly $65 million project will feature 131 units, including apartments, courtyard homes, cottages and estate homes, according to a press release.
Fernecrest also is expected to feature walking trails, a restaurant, a lounge, a fitness center and access to the creek for fishing and kayaking.
“We anticipate the work we’re doing at Fernecrest will expand our mission — providing current and future residents with a unique living experience that leverages amenities while offering access to the security of our acclaimed healthcare continuum,” Alicia Titus, the nonprofit’s chief experience officer, said yesterday in a statement.
Vendors on the project include RLPS Architects, RGS Associates and Benchmark Construction, according to Messiah spokesperson Molly Pavlovich.
Why is this happening: According to bond-rating service Fitch Ratings, Messiah has been working to reduce its dependence on revenue from skilled nursing and other healthcare services while expanding its residential options.
Fitch considered the transition a positive one for the nonprofit, noting that it has a long waiting list.
Messiah is projecting revenue of $53.9 million for the fiscal year that ends June 30, 2025, according to bond disclosures.
The budget also calls for $3.7 million in capital expenses related to Fernecrest: $1.3 million for design and engineering and $2.4 million for initial site work, including construction of a model sales cottage.
The background: Founded in 1896, Messiah has campuses in Cumberland and Lancaster counties.
