Wichita company closes on purchase of historic building; renovations begin
Wichita’s Oxford Senior Living has closed on its purchase of the former Kansas Masonic Home and is beginning renovations to the building on 17 acres at the southwest corner of Maple and Seneca in Delano.
In November, The Eagle reported the sale was imminent.
“I have been looking for opportunities that I thought might benefit the more affordable side of assisted living,” Oxford president Chris Dennis said at the time.
The new facility will be known as Oxford Vista and initially will have 137 units — 54 for independent living, 63 for assisted living and 20 for memory care.
There will be a soft opening by early March.
With this purchase, Oxford now has 24 communities in five Midwest states.
Eventually — likely later this year — the company will partner with a skilled nursing provider to offer 90 nursing home beds.
Oxford is now hiring for about 75 positions at www.OxfordVistaWichita.com.
The Oxford Vista is a joint venture with Wichita’s Murfin Inc. Oxford operates four of Murfin’s senior living facilities in Oklahoma.
Oxford also is working to create space at Oxford Vista for veterans groups to be able to meet there and hold events.
Previously, Dennis said research shows that by 2029 when the last of the baby boomers turn 65, 54% of them won’t be able to afford senior housing.
“My generation has not saved enough for retirement,” he said.
Part of that is the lack of pensions these days, Dennis said.
“There’s a great need for something that is more affordable for senior housing, and that’s what we’re hoping to provide.”
Dennis said Vista made sense for the name since it means view, and “there’s a great view out of some of the apartments.” He said the grounds have a lot of trees, too.
“It’s just beautiful.”
The public will be invited to see the space for a grand opening in April.
