While some people may be bundling up for the winter weather, residents of St. Barnabas Retirement Community will be getting into their swimsuits.

A new conservatory, featuring an indoor, heated swimming pool, is set to open on St. Barnabas' Richland campus in January.

The pool will be located in four connected structures that are being built on land St. Barnabas already owns. The building will be able to hold as many as 300 people at a time.

"This is a very unique building," said Kathleen Brenneman, a spokeswoman for St. Barnabas. "There aren't many like it in Pennsylvania."

The four buildings are connected and are being constructed of glass. Blue Diamond Conservancies of Fombell is building the complex.

The four buildings include:

• A two-story tower that will be used for meetings and various functions for the St. Barnabas community.

• A main conservatory, measuring 36 feet wide and 69 feet long, that will include the covered swimming pool.

• A cabana that will include showers, changing areas and therapy rooms.

• An engineering building that will house the heating, ventilation and air-conditioning units and other mechanical operations for the building.

The swimming pool was already on the property, which St. Barnabas purchased several years ago, said Ms. Brenneman.

"We wanted to preserve the pool, and the design does that perfectly," she said.

The water in the pool will be kept warmer than is customary for swimming pools, Ms. Brenneman said.

"We've found that the warmer water is better for joints and arthritis and various other problems that many of our residents have," she said.

Water aerobics will be offered among the many classes at the new conservatory that will be open to residents and staff.

"We've hired an instructor who is certified in water aerobics and various types of therapy," Ms. Brenneman said. "Studies have shown that these activities are very beneficial for senior citizens."

The $4.2 million complex is being partially funded with a nearly $2 million donation that was made to St. Barnabas Charities. Ms. Brenneman said the remaining $2.2 million is being raised through the Crystal Conservatories Capital Campaign.

"We've got pledges extended over five years," she said. "We've been blessed with support, especially from longtime donors."

The building originally was expected to open this month, but was delayed due to some features that are being added.

"The humidity control is pretty complicated and is one of the things that has delayed completion," Ms. Brenneman said.

While the facility will officially be open to residents and staff in January, campus officials want to give it a few months to make sure everything is operating as planned before holding a grand opening for the public, probably in the spring.

"I think it's going to be known as a landmark on the campus," said Ms. Brenneman. "It's going to be very unique."

First Published: December 14, 2008, 10:00 a.m.