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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