Oxford Senior Living has entered into a contract to purchase the former Kansas Masonic Home.
According to a news release, the transaction is expected to close by the end of 2023. The campus, located in Wichita at the intersection of Maple and Seneca, will be rebranded Oxford Vista.
“We see an unmet need in the market for affordable senior housing,” Chris Dennis, President of Oxford Senior Living, was quoted as saying. “This acquisition provides an opportunity to offer Oxford’s first-class senior housing services at more affordable prices. With Oxford Vista, this beautiful campus will be a desirable location for many seniors looking for housing options.” Oxford Vista will offer Independent Living, Assisted Living and Memory Care on the 17-acre campus just after the first of the year. Oxford Vista will have a total of 137 units at 402 S. Martinson. Oxford also plans to partner with a skilled nursing operator in the future, so that the campus can eventually offer a full continuum of care.
Many Wichitans know the campus by its signature Spanish style architecture and red tile rof. The historic property includes a chapel, originally built in 1906, with the most recent addition to the campus added in 2013. The campus has been closed since December 2022. “We are very pleased to be able to revive this iconic piece of Wichita’s history,” Dennis said. “We plan to create approximately 75 new jobs in Wichita with this acquisition.”
In addition to the existing buildings, Oxford is also planning to develop some of the vacant land along the east and south sides of the property. The entire project will be a joint venture involving Oxford and Murfin, Inc. Fidelity Bank, of Wichita, will be providing the debt financing of the purchase and renovation of the campus.
Oxford Senior Living was founded in Wichita in 2010 and currently operates 23 senior living communities in 5 states. Three local Oxford Senior Living communities include: Glen Carr House Memory Care in Derby; The Oxford Grand Assisted Living & Memory Care and Oxford Villa Active Senior Apartments in west Wichita.