Berkshire Retirement Home Inc., which operates Berkshire Place in Pittsfield, will build a nursing facility in Pittsfield with funds from a $12 million MassDevelopment tax-exempt bond.

The organization plans to build a 40,000-square-foot facility that will have 54 Medicare-certified skilled nursing beds.

"Our residents and staff are very excited about building a new facility to replace our existing 125-year-old home," Edward Forfa, Berkshire Place executive director, said in a statement. "We are pleased to find a site one half mile from our existing location and to be able to expand our care and services for enhanced community access."

Berkshire Place expects to create 18 jobs as a result of the project, along with 75 construction jobs according to MassDevelopment calculations. NBT Bank, Adams Community Bank and Glens Falls National Bank purchased the bond, which was enhanced by a MassDevelopment guarantee.

Berkshire Place, first known as the Berkshire County Home for Aged Women, was established in 1888; the home adopted the name Berkshire Place in 1960.