Construction begins on Teresa Adams House in Quincy
Volunteers and community leaders broke ground Monday, March 14 for construction of the Teresa Adams House in Quincy, the replacement to the 70-year-old Quincy Hospitality House. Construction is expected to take six months with the House available soon after to provide discounted daytime and overnight accommodations to guests in Quincy seeking healthcare from any area provider, or for other related needs.
The Teresa Adams House will stand at 11th and College on the Blessing Hospital campus, just north of the SIU Center for Family Medicine. It will be ADA compliant and larger than the original Hospitality House, consisting of eight bedrooms with private baths, gathering and conference spaces, laundry facilities and a snack area.
“As a volunteer, I know the current Quincy Hospitality House is a true blessing to our guests and their families,” said Amy Looten, volunteer, Board member, and Chairperson of the Capital Campaign Fundraising Committee.
Since opening in 1998, the original Hospitality House has welcomed more than 14,000 guests from across the United States and internationally.
“However the charm of our current home can no longer camouflage its shortcomings,” she continued.
“The Teresa Adams House will offer guests both the warm and welcoming atmosphere for which we are known and the modern amenities they need,” Looten concluded. “We cannot wait to welcome our guests to this beautiful new home.”
Maas Construction is the Teresa Adams House project general contractor, assisted by the following local sub-contractors: Royalty Electric, Sparrow Plumbing, Keck Heating and Air, Vonderhaar Masonry, ME Mechanical and Architecnics.
The new facility will be named in memory of Teresa Adams. She was well-known in the Quincy area for her exceptional hospitality and warm and welcoming personality. Teresa lost a 12-year battle with cancer in 2019, coming to know the importance of “home” and “comfort” in the process of receiving healthcare.
“The new Teresa Adams House will provide a warm and contemporary environment for patients and family members who appreciate convenient access to Blessing Hospital and to their healthcare providers,” said Brad Billings, Building Committee Chairperson.
In addition to those seeking healthcare from any area provider, people in town to attend a funeral or who are visiting someone in an area nursing home or at Chaddock School are welcome to use the House.
“As was the case with the Quincy Hospitality House, volunteers will welcome and assist guests during their stay at the Teresa Adams House,” said Jayne Pieper, president of the Quincy Hospitality House.
“A larger house means the need for more volunteers. As the pandemic has eased, people are looking for ways to reengage with community,” she concluded. “We welcome them to consider becoming a Teresa Adams House volunteer.”
Those interested in volunteering can go online to blessinghealth.org/volunteer, or can request a paper volunteer application by calling 217.430.0958.
A capital campaign continues to accept donations for the $2.3 million needed to build the Teresa Adams House and purchase furnishings and appliances. The Blessing Foundation serves as the project’s financial trustee and continues to welcome donations. Gifts can be mailed to the Blessing Foundation, 4939 Oak Street, PO Box 7005, Quincy, Illinois 62305 or made online at https://www.blessinghealth.org/giving. For more information, contact the Foundation at (217) 223-8400, ext. 4800 or email blessingfoundation@blessinghealth.org.
