Relocation planning for alternative placements underway
Stroup said that Petersen is assembling a relocation team to work with residents and their families to find alternative placements. Those meetings will continue until all placements are complete. Mason Point employees will be able to transfer to other facilities owned by Petersen. The closure will not impact the three other locations in Sullivan. Petersen owns Sullivan Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center, Eastview Terrace, and Courtyard Estates of Sullivan.The history of Mason Point
Mason Point was opened in 1904 by the Grand Lodge of Illinois after Robert Miller left property to the Masonic organization. The facility would serve as a home for the indigent and their families. For the many years that followed, it operated as the Illinois Masonic Home. offering apartments, duplexes, and nursing care for the elderly, both Masons and non-Masons. In 2004, the facility was developing an assisted living program. However, in 2008, the Grand Lodge of Illinois sold the facility amidst declining interest in people traveling across the state to live there. Petersen assumed operations of the facility in 2009.No known future for Mason Point
Stroup said that Petersen is not making any final decisions regarding the future of the grounds. Any updates will be available, however, at a later date. Glazebrook said some local officials are hoping to find parties interested in purchasing the property. In addition, they hope for new uses for the facility. He adds that the city wants the grounds to benefit the community, even after the facility’s closure. “It’s an old building,” he said. “Its days of glory are over.”For more local news, follow Jake Leonard on Twitter @JakeLeonardJRN and Heartland Newsfeed @HLNF_Bulletin on Twitter. Additionally, you can follow Heartland Newsfeed on Facebook and Reddit among other platforms. You can now follow our news updates on Telegram, Flote, and MeWe. Support independent journalism. Become a patron on Patreon for as little as $1 a month. There are other donor options as well. Get the latest news updates on our radio network via Spreaker, TuneIn, and other platforms.
Jake Leonard, a broadcast media and journalism veteran, is the editor-in-chief of Heartland Newsfeed. Leonard is also GM and program director of Heartland Newsfeed Radio Network, wrestling editor and contributing writer for Ambush Sports, a contributing writer for My Sports Vote and Midwest Sports Network, and a former contributor to Bleacher Report and Overtime Heroics. He resides at home in Nokomis, Ill. with his dog Buster.