One year after a tragic fire destroyed a large portion of its complex, Barclay Friends Senior Living in West Chester is hoping to start rebuilding in early 2019, writes Bill Rettew for the Daily Local News.

The anniversary was marked on Nov. 16 with a Quaker remembrance. The fire killed four people, injured 27, and displaced 133 facility residents.

“We marked it here quietly, in the manner of Friends,” said executive director Linda Sterthous.

The existing facility that was not damaged by the blaze has 96 beds. Since the complex’s reopening on April 2, 197 residents have been admitted to the facility with occupancy currently 90 percent.

According to Sterthous, residents were overjoyed to be back.

“By and large, the residents who returned are doing well,” she said.

The building will have two stories and an underground basement and facility. It is hoping to add 60 more little apartments, including 20 beds dedicated to memory care, and will also include 12 additional units.

“We had so much support and help from the West Chester community,” said Sterthous.

Read more about Barclay Friends in the Daily Local News here.

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