Dorothy Love upgrades lobby

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SIDNEY — Tom Milligan, of Sidney, owner of Western Ohio Cut Stone, has been involved in Ohio Living Dorothy Love about as long as he’s been alive.

Looking further back, Ohio Living Dorothy Love was established in 1922, the same year the predecessor business to his company was founded by his grandfather and great-grandfather. His mother is a resident. His wife was a recent member of the community’s board of directors and his father once was chairman of the board of Ohio Presbyterian Retirement Services, predecessor organization to Ohio Living.

These ties recently resulted in some remarkable upgrades for the residents of the apartments at Ohio Living Dorothy Love.

“We began with plans to improve the resident lounge, which was just a small room with a few chairs,” said Tricia Atwood, executive director. “We had already redone the Oak Tree dining room, but the rest of the lobby and common areas of the apartment building still needed a facelift. Our old lobby was not inviting and not a good use of space. It had a long 1980s hotel desk with no real purpose. There were two staff offices off the lobby with more space than the resident lounge. And everything had the old mauve and blue color scheme.

“When residents move in, they choose the paint, carpet and upgrades to their apartment; our lobby and shared spaces needed to match the quality of our apartments. We knew that making this a comprehensive project was the best thing to do,” she said.

The former lounge room was expanded to create the Aspen Club, a multi-purpose space that includes tables and club chairs, TVs, a large gas fireplace, kitchen with granite counters and a bar counter for BYOB entertaining. Residents use the space to host small groups, friends and family gatherings and even Bible study.

Natural stonework is used throughout the spaces, including the floor-to-ceiling fireplace facade.

“When I heard that stonework was planned for the renovation, I offered to help,” said Milligan. “I wanted to make sure they could afford the quality of natural stone, something local and lasting.”

The project, which totaled more than $350,000, was paid for with capital funds as well as donations by several generous residents and staff. Western Ohio Cut Stone donated the stone, and Tom Milligan and his family also made a financial gift toward the project.

“Ohio Living Dorothy Love has become a tradition for Sidney families,” said Milligan. “There’s a real comfort in knowing that there’s a quality place in town with the capabilities they have that allows folks to grow older and families to stay connected. And Ohio Living Dorothy Love is faith-based, with Presbyterian roots. I really appreciate that.”

“Feedback from residents, families and visitors has been very positive,” said Atwood. “We are continually grateful for our relationships with the families and organizations of Sidney that help us provide the best for our residents and patients.”

Ohio Living Dorothy Love residents enjoy a program in the Aspen Club, the newly renovated lobby at the retirement center.
http://www.sidneydailynews.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/47/2019/02/web1_Dorothy-Love-lobby-1.jpgOhio Living Dorothy Love residents enjoy a program in the Aspen Club, the newly renovated lobby at the retirement center.

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