RHINELANDER - Driving north on Highway 17 you may notice a large construction site across from the Oneida County Sheriff's Department.

It's the new location for the Rennes Group Nursing home.

This location replaces the Lillian Kerr Facility in Phelps.

That facility has parts that are more than 70 years old.

Better access to medical facilities and an aging population forced the move to Rhinelander.

The location gives the owners future flexibility too.

"This will house 72 residents," Project Supervisor Kevin Joyce said.

"There are provisions being built into the building to add on smaller sections of it to increase the capacity if that would ever be needed."

The looming retirement of baby boomers means the need for new nursing homes could increase.

This new facility focuses on comfort.

"The design of the resident rooms is something that we have evolved with our facilities," Joyce said.

"We learned from mistakes and enhanced the good things we've done. This one will be our premier home."

Construction is ahead of schedule.

It's supposed to be done by Feburary 2013 with residents moving in March 1.

Story By: Matt Doyle