Lakeview Manor is marking its 20th year of operation with another step forward.

Lamar Allen, co-owner and operator, is preparing for an open house and ribbon cutting to be held Jan. 3 at the Springfield retirement home.

“We’re the only assisted living center in the county,” he said.

Lakeview Manor opened in November 1989 with 12 beds and added five more in 1994. Four independent units were added in 2006 and six more assisted living beds were added this year. Lakeview Manor’s ribbon cutting Sunday will be for its new addition.

Since Lakeview Manor opened its doors, it has had 155 residents. All but one of them, Allen said, had a tie to Effingham County.

Allen, co-owner and operator with his wife Bobbie, saw a void between  home and nursing home when he decided to open Lakeview Manor.

“There was nothing but a nursing home for the residents of Effingham County when they got older,” he said.

Allen also said he was thankful to the community for its support.

“We’ve gotten support from the school system, from the churches and from the community itself,” he said. “From the school system, we’ve gotten its time and talent they have shown our residents.”