Gilroy Today 2013 06 Summer | Page 59

Celebrating A Second Life

By
Larry J . Mickartz

Wheeler Manor today is a senior residential center . In its previous life it was the one and only hospital in Gilroy and the precursor to South Valley Hospital , which has since become Saint Louise Regional Hospital . A block in size , it is bordered by Hanna and Princevalle streets and Fifth and Sixth Streets .

On April 10 , 2013 , Wheeler Manor celebrated its 20th Anniversary as a senior residential center . South County Housing ( SCH ) manages the facility and has its main offices on the grounds . There are 109 residential units in the Manor with 22 in the original hospital building . There is always a waiting list for openings .
The celebrations focused on a lunch for Manor residents and an interesting group of community folks . Notable among the invited guests were current Gilroy Mayor , Don Gage and former mayor , Roberta Hughan . In addition to their link as a mayor of Gilroy , Don and Roberta shared a connection to Wheeler . Both were born at Wheeler Hospital !
Wheeler Manor started out as Wheeler Hospital , which opened in 1929 . It is the distinctive William H . Weeks designed Spanish revival building facing Fifth Street . In 1962 , an extension , the now familiar building on Sixth Street , was added . In the late 80 ’ s , as South Valley Hospital was being built , several developers were looking to rework the site . Community rejection of the developers plans , a push for the preservation of the historical structure and the need for more senior housing resulted in the redesign of the facility into the Wheeler Manor , and the senior residential center it is today .
Many residents of Wheeler Manor attended the luncheon on April 10 including three long-time residents Frances Traynor since 1994 , Eva Savor since 1995 , and Manuel Darias since 1999 . Local restaurants and merchants donated the lunch . The event was organized by a committee of Manor residents , including Carole Chiles , President of the Wheeler Resident Council , and staff from South County Housing .
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