Because the construction site was  soaked, a ground breaking without shovels was held along Wildwood Drive in Picayune to commemorate the construction of a new business in town.

The business is called BeeHive Homes, and when complete will provide a “home-like” setting for senior citizens looking for assisted living services.

Co-owner of the soon to be completed facility Lance Newman said the facility will provide care for at least 15 senior citizens. He said if a couple would like to occupy one of the rooms the facility could accommodate up to 16 people.

That’s because each resident gets his or her own room, complete with a half bath. 

When it opens, the 9,000 square foot facility will be staffed by 12 total employees who will work in shifts of three or four. Newman said he is still in the process of hiring those employees.

Meals will be homemade, not from a commercial kitchen. The facility will also feature activities throughout the day for the residents, and the community will be invited to provide some of those activities.

Raised gardens will provide a place for residents to spend time outside, a salon will also be on site and should they need it the staff will provide transportation to and from doctor appointments.

The facility is being built a short distance from Highland Community Hospital should a resident need medical care.

Co-owner Coby Smith estimates the facility will be ready to open by March, weather and construction time schedules permitting.

While BeeHive Homes is a franchise with locations in several states, eight of which are in Mississippi. Smith and Newman own only one other franchise other than the one being built in Picayune, which is located in Brookhaven, Miss.

Applications are being accepted for residency. To apply contact Newman at 601-754-8782.

The facility is located at 4000 Wildwood Dr., in Picayune.