Cornerstone Rehab Center Property Purchased

By Dottie Evans

According to property transfer records filed with the town clerk, the Lutheran General Behavioral Health Corporation based in Oak Brook, Ill., has sold a 23-acre parcel off Albert’s Hill Road abutting the McLaughlin Vineyard.

Purchase was completed May 20 for the amount of $1,375,000.

The property and its seven buildings, formerly known as Cornerstone at Eagle Hill, had been used over the past 25 years for a drug and alcohol rehabilitation center.

The facility was closed a little more than two years ago after a series of regulatory issues and patient emergencies hindered its operation.

The new owner is Pinecrest Estates Inc, a New Canaan-based corporation with a Park Avenue, New York City, address.

Although a company representative was not available for comment, other sources have indicated that the property might eventually be subdivided. Footprints of the original structures will not change and the lamp-lined walkways that connect the site’s seven buildings will be retained.

The surrounding landscape is rural and peaceful. John Gaynor, Newtown painting and restoration contractor, has been active on the property renovating buildings, cleaning the general area, and removing underground oil tanks.

Eagle Hill first opened its doors in Newtown 25 years ago. It was taken over by Cornerstone seven or eight years ago. When it was operating at full capacity, the 56-bed facility provided medically monitored detoxification and intensive patient rehabilitation treatment for alcohol and other chemical dependencies. It also provided outpatient services, continuing care, comprehensive family recovery programs, and community education.