Smith Crossing, a continuing care retirement community (CCRC) in Orland Park, Illinois, announced plans to build a $35 million addition that will add 200,000 square-feet and convert 16 existing memory care suites that will be converted to skilled nursing care rooms. Currently Smith Crossing has 175 residences with 87 apartments and 10 free- standing villas for independent living, 32 assisted living apartments, 16 suites for Alzheimer’s and memory care, and 30 accommodations for skilled nursing care and was opened in 2004. The original retirement community was a $60 million investment by the not-for-profit Smith Senior Living and consisted of 260,639 square feet of residences and common areas.
“This major expansion makes it possible for us to extend our mission by enriching the lives of many more senior adults through the highest quality of services and the finest residences in all levels of care,” says Michael A. Flynn, chief executive officer of Smith Senior Living. “Crossing’s significant waiting list for independent living apartments prompted us to take a closer look at this opportunity to extend our services.”
This second phase of development adds three new wings to the existing main building. Two new wings to the east will house 76 new independent living apartments and common areas. The new west wing will contain 14 assisted living apartments and residences for 16 more seniors in Alzheimer’s and memory support. The latter will replace 16 suites that are being converted into skilled nursing care accommodations.
The new independent living apartments will be available in one-bedroom and two-bedroom combinations, as well as a one-bedroom plus den. New common areas will include a theater, arts studio, gallery, a pub and an additional meeting room, as well as two formal gardens.
Smith Crossing will be working with AG Architects, the original architect for Smith Crossing and the redevelopment of Smith Village, and Weis Builders, Inc., the general contractor for Smith Village’s construction, to be certain that the project is completed to Smith Crossing’s exacting standards. The Lakota Group will complete the landscape architecture for all exterior spaces. Sawgrass Partners, a development advisory firm that specializes in senior living, will assist with strategic planning, market research, financial planning, marketing and sales, and development throughout the expansion phase.