Auglaize Acres has a long-standing presence in Wapakoneta, Ohio, historically serving as a nursing home and assisted living provider in Auglaize County. Originally owned and operated by the county, significant changes occurred in 2018 when the facility and its bed licenses were privatized, with ownership transferring to J-Dek Investments. For several years thereafter, the nursing home continued operations under the name ODEM at Auglaize. However, in April 2024, the facility ceased operations. Upon its closure, ownership of the property was returned to Auglaize County, as J-Dek Investments gifted the site back to its previous public owner.
With the property now under county control, attention has turned to the future of the site and the potential for new development that would serve the community’s assisted living and nursing care needs. Auglaize County officials are actively seeking to revitalize the area, including by applying for a state Brownfield Grant. This grant funding, if awarded, would cover approximately 75% of the costs associated with the remediation and demolition of the existing structures—a project expected to require over a million dollars. The local government would provide the remaining 25%, allowing the county to responsibly clear the way for new possibilities while managing public expenditure.
The vision for the site involves the development of a brand-new assisted living and nursing care facility. Plans are in motion to allow the transfer of bed licenses to a new provider. Furthermore, there are discussions about the sale of the acreage associated with Auglaize Acres at a rate of $20,000 per acre, with an option agreement in place to facilitate this sale upon approval. Should these plans come to fruition, the new development is projected to create around 87 full-time jobs and offer expanded housing opportunities for the Wapakoneta community. This initiative represents a significant effort to not only repurpose an important property in the region, but also to maintain and grow essential services for residents in need of supportive care.