Connelly Electric in Addison partnered with Walsh Construction on this $84M, 325,000 SF independent living expansion, which is the culmination of a seven-year multiphase master plan. Oak Trace Senior Living Community is located in Downers Grove, IL.
Phase 1 included a new healthcare center with assisted living, memory care, and skilled nursing units to replace an outdated health center at the community. The second phase includes expanding the existing independent living offerings on campus and ensures long-term growth within the community.
The expansion includes 140 independent living units located in two distinct building wings connected by a one-story commons building. The centrally located commons building features a new dining venue, market, café, fitness center, pool, multipurpose room, spa/salon, and living room.
The commons building is designed in an “upscale casual” style, mixing some contemporary details with modern and clean design elements.
The new Oak Trace Senior Living Community building also features an underground parking garage with a 1:1 ratio for parking spaces to units and some back-of-house spaces. This phase of work also includes the renovation of the common spaces in the existing independent building in a similar design style as the commons.
The master plan concept was to maximize opportunities for green space surrounding the new apartment wings and the commons building, providing continuity between all levels of care. The exterior amenities include ornamental tree orchards, a dry creek, butterfly and shade gardens, prairie garden, wind and sensory garden, dining venues, and areas for event spaces.
The commons building’s position between the existing healthcare center and independent living building and the new five-story apartment wings made this centrally located area the common ground between all levels of care.
Project name: Oak Trace Senior Living Facility
Location: Downers Grove, IL
Owner: Lifespace Communities
Architecture firm: SAS Architects & Planners LLC
General contractor: Walsh Construction Group LLC
Expected completion date: Spring 2024
