New owner shares vision of development
Managing editor
After setting empty for years, a former nursing home in Florence will have new life.
David Weseloh of Midland, Texas, recently purchased the building from Red Brick Properties LLC. He plans to renovate the building, calling it Sunshine Residential Center, to become a hotel that caters to senior citizens.
“It will be a cross between an assisted living center and a hotel,” Weseloh said.
He explained there would be no nursing personnel on staff. However, there would be personnel available for planned recreational activities, access to an exercise room, and meals will be served.
The Kansas native has spent the past 43 years in real estate ventures, developing properties. This unique plan has proved to be successful in Texas, Weseloh said.
The concept is to offer living facilities for those who do not want to do their own cooking and cleaning but aren’t ready for a nursing home.
Tenants can pay by the day, week, or month.
The facility will be remodeled, providing 32 rooms for guests.
“I’ve set up apartments and hotels for older people in Texas, Colorado, and San Diego, Calif.,” Weseloh said.
When he first started these projects, he owned and managed them himself. These days, he owns the facilities and hires managers to collect rent, perform light maintenance work, and oversee day-to-day operations of the facility. Recently he purchased a former school building in Woodbine and was closing a deal Thursday on a similar property in Lucas.
Weseloh also purchased a residence north of the former Florence nursing home, which will be renovated.
So, how did the Texas man end up in Florence?
Weseloh was traveling on U.S. 77 and as he drove by Florence, he noticed the Holiday Inn Motel. When he returned to Midland, he tried to work out a deal with the motel owners. When that didn’t pan-out, the owner told Weseloh about the vacant nursing home building and gave him information to contact the owner.
“The building is in pretty good shape,” Weseloh said. “It just needs a good scrubbing.”
The entrepreneur now is looking for someone to manage the facility.
“We’re still finalizing details,” he said. “It will take about two weeks to complete renovation when everything else is done.”
The Lincoln native has a doctorate in philosophy and human behavior with business training.
He became interested in helping the elderly when he tried to help an elderly neighbor in California.
Approaching 70, Weseloh said at some point he may need communal living and plans to retire in Kansas.
“Most Kansans are honest, ethical, and hard-working people,” he said, which is why he decided to return to his home state and invest in communities like Florence.