Lifespace Communities Leadership Pictured in Photo:
L-R: Curt Gielow, Brian Robbins, Nick Harshfield, Dan Harrington, Venita Fields, Ann Beran Jones, Jesse Jantzen, Russell Mauk, and Andy Kazmierczak.
“The most common word I hear when people walk into the community is ‘wow,’” said Dan Harrington.
THE ‘WOW’ FACTOR
That word was heard countless times last week when Oak Trace in Downers Grove held its ribbon-cutting ceremony. The event celebrated the culmination of the senior living community’s $112 million multi-phase expansion and renovation project. Over two days, Oak Trace welcomed residents, prospective residents, area dignitaries, referral sources, corporate leadership, and other local professionals to tour the completion of the final phase of the project, a new, five-story, independent living apartment building.
“This is among the largest projects in the Downers Grove area and an unprecedented jewel in the community,” said Harrington. The Executive Director of Oak Trace added, “In addition to ‘wow,’ additional exclamations heard by visitors last week included ‘five-star hotel’ and ‘upscale cruise.’ The architecture, design, stunning artwork, and amenities are truly incomparable.”
NEW LUXURY INDEPENDENT LIVING APARTMENTS
The new building features 140 new luxury independent living apartments, a state-of-the-art fitness and aquatic center, a performing arts center, multiple restaurant-style dining venues, a salon and spa, an upscale style coffee shop, and more. The final touch will be integrating landscaping that reflects the beauty and character of the interiors. It will include picturesque entryways, treelined boulevards, tree orchards with different colors and textures, firepits, courtyards, distinctive gardens and more.
FIRST PHASE OF THE PROJECT
The first phase of the renovation and expansion project, completed in 2019, was the creation of Oak Trace’s new Health and Wellness Center, offering assisted living, memory care, rehabilitation and skilled nursing. It has been named among the Best Nursing Homes by U.S. News & World Report for 2022-2023.
SECOND PHASE OF THE PROJECT
The second phase, completed in 2022, features enhanced shared spaces in the existing independent living building. This includes the Oak Room, a formal restaurant-style dining room with floor-to-ceiling glassed-in wine racks; the Lounge, a casual gathering space offering cocktails and small-plate items; the beautiful, newly furnished library; the outfitted art studio, a bright and welcoming lobby, and more.
“As a Life Plan community (formerly known as a continuing care retirement community or CCRC) we offer all levels of care. Ideally, people move into independent living, and make great friends, stay engaged and active, and enjoy the wonderful amenities. If their health needs change, they can receive support and care, without leaving Oak Trace, their beautiful home that they love,” said Harrington.
He concluded, “We are so excited about this entire project and looking towards the beautiful future with our elegant, vibrant senior living community.”
