Bell Tower Residence Assisted Living & Memory Care, a trusted pillar of elder care in north central Wisconsin, has launched its first capital campaign in two decades — a $2 million effort for critical upgrades to its historic senior living campus.

The campaign, “Together We Preserve: Securing the Future for Our Seniors,” will fund essential renovations and infrastructure improvements that ensure Bell Tower continues to provide compassionate, high-quality assisted living and memory care for older adults in Merrill and surrounding communities.

Thanks to a generous $1 million cornerstone gift from the Bierman Family Foundation, this campaign is off to a powerful start. Their leadership support makes this campaign—and the future of Bell Tower—possible.

“This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to invest in Bell Tower’s future,” said Joseph Breaman, Campaign Chair. “For over 30 years, Bell Tower has delivered exceptional care in a setting rooted in faith, dignity, and community. Now it’s our responsibility to preserve that legacy for generations to come.”

Originally built in 1946 by the Sisters of Mercy of the Holy Cross and converted into an assisted living residence in 1990, Bell Tower has cared for over 1,000 seniors and remains a vital employer and community anchor. With demand for senior care rising, Bell Tower’s mission is more critical than ever.

Funds raised will support:

Replacing four aging elevators to ensure safety and accessibility

• Renovating the Memory Care Center
• Upgrading the emergency call-light system for quicker response times
• Renovating neighborhood kitchens and common areas to enhance resident experience
• Installing new vinyl flooring throughout the building for safety and durability
• Improving energy efficiency while preserving the building’s historic integrity

“This campaign is not about expansion,” said Kris McGarigle, Administrator of Bell Tower. “It’s about preserving what we have and making it work better for the people who live and work here every day. These upgrades will directly improve quality of life, staff efficiency, and long-term sustainability.”

These aren’t cosmetic improvements—they are the physical foundation of dignity for residents who may no longer be able to advocate for themselves.

Dignity in senior care means more than kindness. It means clean, functional spaces that affirm residents’ worth. It means safe environments that reduce disorientation and allow caregivers to work with respect and efficiency.

With the Baby Boomer generation entering retirement, the need for high-quality assisted living is projected to rise sharply. To meet this growing demand, Bell Tower must ensure it has the resources, space, and staff to continue delivering exceptional care. 

At the same time, the healthcare sector faces a national staffing crisis. Since early 2020, nursing home employment has declined by 6%, with nearly 95,000 workers needed nationwide to restore pre-pandemic staffing levels (Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2020-2024, AHCA/NCAL data). To remain competitive and attract skilled caregivers, Bell Tower requires infrastructure improvements that foster a welcoming, supportive environment for residents and staff alike.

Bell Tower is operated by Wisconsin Illinois Senior Housing Inc. (WISH), a nonprofit organization dedicated to enhancing the lives of older adults and disabled individuals through quality housing, memory care and health services. 

Campaign details, giving opportunities, and naming options are available at:

https://www.wisconsinillinoisseniorhousing.org/senior-living/wi/merrill/bell-tower-residence-assisted-living/capital-campaign

Donations may also be mailed to:

Bell Tower Residence – Attn: Capital Campaign

1500 O’ Day Street

Merrill, WI 54452

Bell Tower is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization. Federal Tax ID: 36-4016275. To learn more or to schedule a conversation, contact mfranich@carriagehealthcare.com or call 715-536-5575.