The five-story Independent Living expansion at Oak Trace Senior Living, a Lifespace Community, in Downers Grove, Illinois, was the culmination of a multi-phase master plan that opened earlier this year. The three-phase project started with the creation of a new Health & Wellness Center offering Short-Term Rehabilitation, Assisted Living, Memory Care and Skilled Nursing. Phase One was completed in 2019. Oak Trace’s Health & Wellness Center has been named among the Best Nursing Homes by U.S. News and World Report. Phase Two featured enhanced amenity spaces in the existing Independent Living building. This included extensive renovation in the Oak Room, the community’s formal restaurant-style dining room. It is adjacent to the Oasis Lounge, a casual gathering space offering small-plate items and cocktails. Additional shared spaces that were updated include a living room, library and game room. Phase Three was the expansion of the community’s five-story luxury Independent Living apartment building. This part of the project was paused during COVID, allowing ownership, leadership, and the design team to reimagine and redesign the plans, taking into consideration the ideas and desires of depositors, prospective residents, and current residents.
The new plans included the design which maximizes natural light and views and increases access to nature. This was key as the landscaping and outdoor features took on greater importance, with ownership challenging the teams to create designs to ‘surprise and delight.’ The exterior features include firepits, continuous walking paths and a variety of distinctive gardens. The revised plan also featured enhanced green space and continuity between all levels of care.
The refreshed design also featured the centrally located clubhouse with a salon and spa, fitness center, pool, dining venues and a performing arts center. The dining venues include an open-style kitchen, café, market and multiple shared gathering spaces. This dynamic hub boasting the energy and life of the community is positioned centrally. The state-of-the-art fitness and aquatic center, as well as access to the outdoors/nature, provide wellness opportunities to the residents.
In order to eliminate dark corridors and improve walkability, each wing was positioned to have a central break that included large curtain walls, offering daylight into the corridors and providing a centrally located elevator lobby and lounge to enjoy views from each side of the building. This building break dramatically increased the number of corner balconies, which are more marketable with the two sides of window coverage. This strategy also helped to reduce the scale of the building from the exterior by creating the visual impact of four separate building wings connected in the center by a daylit lounge.
Initially planned for 144 new Independent Living apartments, some floorplans were combined, resulting in 140 which were larger, as a response to preferences of residents and prospects. All apartments have patios or balconies. Underground parking accommodations were also increased to provide each apartment with a covered parking space.
Oak Trace Senior Living Community is a ‘jewel’ in the area, boasting sophisticated and refined apartments, wonderful amenities, and an engaging and vibrant lifestyle.