Oak Trace Senior Living Community, Illinois
A five-story independent living expansion at Oak Trace Senior Living Community in Downers Grove, Ill., is the culmination of a multiphase master plan slated for completion in early 2024. Oak Trace is owned and operated by Lifespace Communities.
Two of the three phases of the project have been completed. Phase 1 of the project, which wrapped up in 2019, was the creation of the new Health & Wellness Center, which offers rehabilitation, assisted living, memory care, and skilled nursing.
In summer 2023, the senior living community completed Phase 2, which features enhanced shared spaces in the independent living building. This project included the Oak Room, the community’s formal restaurant-style dining room; the Lounge, a casual gathering space; and updated lobby, library, and program spaces.
Independent living addition
The final step will add a new five-story building with luxury independent living apartments and a shared clubhouse. The third phase was paused during the COVID-19 pandemic, allowing ownership, leadership, and project partners to reimagine the final project, taking into consideration ideas and input shared by prospective and current residents.
The result is a refreshed design that features enhanced green space, increased continuity between all levels of care, a centrally located shared space, new dining venues, state-of-the-art fitness and aquatic center, spa, and performing arts center.
The project initially planned for 144 new independent living apartments, but some floorplans were combined to create 140 apartments.
Maximizing outdoor features for seniors
Phase 3 is slated for completion in 2024. Overall, the building is designed to maximize natural light and views and increase access to nature.
Additionally, landscaping and outdoor features took on greater importance during the redesign, with ownership challenging the teams to create designs to “surprise and delight.”
Exterior features include firepits, continuous walking paths, and a variety of distinctive gardens.
Oak Trace Senior Living Community Expansion project details
Facility: Oak Trace Senior Living Community
Location: Downers Grove, Illinois
Expected completion date: 2024
Owner: Lifespace Communities
Developer: Greenbrier Development, Inc.
Total building area: 325,000 sq. ft.
Total construction cost: $112 million
Cost/sq. ft. $344
Architect: SAS Architects & Planners LLC
Interior designer: Interior Design Associates, Inc.
General contractor: Walsh Construction Group LLC
Engineer: Steen Engineering Inc. (MEP/FP), McClure (structural), GeWalt Hamilton Associates Inc. (civil), Direct Supply Aptura (low-voltage engineer)
Landscape architect: Teska Associates
Food service: SCOPOS Hospitality Group
Pool designer: WT Group
Builder: Walsh Construction Group, LLC
Project details are provided by the design team and not vetted by Environments for Aging.
For more, see Oak Trace Refreshes Its Amenities, Landscape Design To Support Active Seniors.
