The Franciscan Health Community announced Oct. 20 that it is closing St. Mary’s Home in the Highland Park neighborhood of St. Paul by Dec. 31, according to a press release from FHC. It also will eliminate its Adult Day Services and Southwest Area Meals programs on Nov. 30.

FHC is in the process of finding alternative placement for residents of its 100-bed nursing home facility and will assist its 150 employees, whose positions will be eliminated, with job counseling services.

The nonprofit organization cited a federal fire code mandate that takes effect at the end of the year, and other necessary updates for the 75-year-old building, as making it financially prohibitive to remain open. Reduced state and federal funding were also cited as factors affecting St. Mary’s and other nursing homes nationwide.

Franciscan Health Community will continue to offer hospice services at Our Lady of Good Counsel Home and provide home health care and manage its senior living residences in St. Paul.