FORT SCOTT - Kansas Renewal Institute confirmed Friday that it has changed ownership, a day after the Monitor reported that documents recorded at the Bourbon County Register of Deeds showed New York developer David E. Marx signing as the company's manager.
In an unsigned statement on company letterhead sent to the Monitor, KRI said "the recent ownership transition represents a continued investment in KRI's future" and that the company "is fully capitalized to continue its operations." The statement does not name the new owner or say when the transition occurred.
KRI also said its ownership intends to pursue "additional mental health and hospital service lines" at the 401 Woodland Hills Blvd. building, where Freeman Health System operates Freeman Fort Scott Hospital. Freeman and KRI announced a nonbinding letter of intent Sept. 21 to explore KRI taking over the hospital.
The statement says any expansion "will follow the necessary planning and regulatory approval processes."
The statement was sent in response to Monitor questions about documents recorded Oct. 13 showing the hospital building was sold Aug. 26 to 401 Woodland Hills KS Realty LLC and that Marx, of Marx Development Group in Flushing, N.Y., signed a $17.5 million mortgage as manager of both that company and KRI.
Freeman and Marx Development Group have until 10:30 p.m. Friday to respond to the Monitor's questions. The Monitor will follow up this story with their responses.
KRI's full statement is attached below.
