The Story of Eagle Crest Communities
Rooted in compassion, growing towards the future.
1946
A Vision Becomes Reality
Bethany Lutheran Homes was founded by a group of visionary Lutheran pastors and compassionate community volunteers who believed in creating a place where older adults could live with dignity, purpose, and care.
1956
Bethany on Cass Opened
Seven years after purchasing the property in 1949, the vision came to life with the opening of a 123-bed skilled nursing facility dedicated to serving seniors with compassion and care. In 1982, the facility was thoughtfully converted into a 60-apartment Assisted Living to better support the evolving needs of older adults in the community.
1982
Bethany Riverside Opened
Bethany Riverside opened on the south side of La Crosse at its current location, continuing the mission of providing exceptional care for older adults. The 123-bed facility is now known as Riverside Transitional Care and remains a trusted place for skilled nursing and rehabilitation services.
1990
The First Hearten House Opened
The vision for Hearten Houses began with Linda O’Connor, a dedicated social worker at Bethany Lutheran Homes. As the nation’s first alternative living option for Memory Care, Hearten House quickly gained national recognition. A grant-funded study of the Hearten House model was published and laid the foundation for memory care standards nationwide. In fact, memory care as we know it today began right here at Bethany Lutheran Homes. Hearten House II opened in 1992, followed by Hearten House III in 1994.
1994
Our Holmen Campus Begins
Our Holmen campus first opened with Hearten House III (Memory Care) and Bethany Heights Independent Living—now known as the Heights Townhomes. The campus featured spacious two-bedroom townhomes and one-bedroom apartment buildings, providing independent older adults with a comfortable and welcoming place to call home.
1999
The Willows Expands Our Riverside Campus
The Willows, a 30-apartment Assisted Living community, was added to the Riverside Campus, along with The Faith and Life Center. Both are attached to Riverside Transitional Care, enhancing care options and community amenities.
2007
Eagle Crest North Marks a Pivotal Moment in Aging in Place
We broke ground in Onalaska on Eagle Crest North, marking the biggest expansion in our history. This new “Aging in Place” community offers multiple levels of care—including Independent Living Plus, Assisted Living, and Memory Care—all conveniently located in one place, providing residents with comfort and continuity as their needs evolve.
2015
Eagle Crest South Brings Aging in Place to La Crosse
After the success of Eagle Crest North, we set out to create an “Aging in Place” community in La Crosse. Thanks to years of collaboration with Gundersen Lutheran, we secured 8.4 acres along Swift Creek. Groundbreaking followed soon after, and in June 2015, Eagle Crest South officially opened its doors—our proud 10th community, offering Independent Living Plus, High Acuity Assisted Living, and Memory Care options.
2019
Introducing Eagle Crest Communities
We introduced Eagle Crest Communities to unite our campuses under one trusted name and reduce confusion with similarly named organizations. While our legal name remains Bethany Lutheran Homes, Inc., the Eagle Crest brand reflects our strong identity, continued growth, and deep commitment to faith-based care, community service, and personalized support for every stage of senior living.
2020
Eagle Crest South Expands to Serve More Seniors
Eagle Crest South expanded to include 180 new apartments, featuring Senior Living, Assisted Living, and Memory Care apartments. This growth enables us to offer even more personalized care and comfortable living spaces—designed to support our residents’ evolving needs within one vibrant community.
2026
Looking Ahead: Eagle Crest North Expansion Opening Soon!
We’re excited to announce the expansion of Eagle Crest North, set to open in 2026. This addition will bring 87 Senior Living apartments and a variety of new amenities, further enhancing our commitment to providing comfortable, supportive living for our residents.
2020
Eagle Crest South Expands to Serve More Seniors
Eagle Crest South expanded to include 180 new apartments, featuring Senior Living, Assisted Living, and Memory Care apartments. This growth enables us to offer even more personalized care and comfortable living spaces—designed to support our residents’ evolving needs within one vibrant community.
1982
Bethany Riverside Opened
Bethany Riverside opened on the south side of La Crosse at its current location, continuing the mission of providing exceptional care for older adults. The 123-bed facility is now known as Riverside Transitional Care and remains a trusted place for skilled nursing and rehabilitation services.
1990
The First Hearten House Opened
The vision for Hearten Houses began with Linda O’Connor, a dedicated social worker at Bethany Lutheran Homes. As the nation’s first alternative living option for Memory Care, Hearten House quickly gained national recognition. A grant-funded study of the Hearten House model was published and laid the foundation for memory care standards nationwide. In fact, memory care as we know it today began right here at Bethany Lutheran Homes. Hearten House II opened in 1992, followed by Hearten House III in 1994.
1994
Our Holmen Campus Begins
Our Holmen campus first opened with Hearten House III (Memory Care) and Bethany Heights Independent Living—now known as the Heights Townhomes. The campus featured spacious two-bedroom townhomes and one-bedroom apartment buildings, providing independent older adults with a comfortable and welcoming place to call home.
1999
The Willows Expands Our Riverside Campus
The Willows, a 30-apartment Assisted Living community, was added to the Riverside Campus, along with The Faith and Life Center. Both are attached to Riverside Transitional Care, enhancing care options and community amenities.
