Groundbreaking Planned for First Free-Standing Memory Care Community in Gurnee
In response to a growing need for memory care, a company with a specialized concept designed for residents living with Alzheimer's and dementia will begin construction on a new 30,000 square foot, $11.3 million memory care community in the Village of Gurnee. The LaSalle Group, a national leader in memory care with more than 15 years of experience, will break ground on its tenth community in Chicago - Autumn Leaves of Gurnee (505 North Hunt Club Rd., Gurnee, IL 60031), on Wednesday, July 30, at 10:00 a.m. A ceremonial shovel dig will commence at 10:30 a.m. Kristina Kovarik, Mayor of the Village of Gurnee, will speak at the ceremony. John Barbee, Executive Vice President of Real Estate for The LaSalle Group, and Jessica Akaah, Vice President of Management - Culture & Training for The LaSalle Group, will be joined by a representative from the Lake County Chamber of Commerce at the event. The public is invited to attend the free groundbreaking celebration. The event will include a light brunch. The announcement was made by Mitchell Warren, CEO and Co-Owner of The LaSalle Group, Inc. and Autumn Leaves, based in Irving, Texas.
"We are excited to build the first free-standing memory care community in Gurnee, and we look forward to helping families who live in the area," said Warren. "We know that there is a tremendous need for expert Alzheimer's and dementia care in Chicago, and we are proud to expand by bringing our services to a tenth village."
Utilizing current scientific research, Autumn Leaves of Gurnee will feature an innovative building design and cutting-edge technology to create a calm, safe, and engaging environment. A life engagement program will fulfill residents' needs for artistic expression, physical activity, spiritual support, community connections, continuing education, and lifestyle and leisure. The community also offers a full service beauty and barber salon, on-site memory care nurses, and meals prepared by a chef and dietician. The staff undergoes rigorous training to help them understand behavioral, communicative, and cognitive changes residents will experience.
"We have made a difference in the lives of hundreds of families throughout Chicago, and I am thrilled that we will soon be able to provide specialized care in Gurnee," said Kay Adkins, Director of Development for The LaSalle Group. "This will be our northernmost Autumn Leaves community in Chicago, and we hope to be a resource for families throughout the area."
The community will also feature the state-of-the-art Vigil System, a motion sensor program in each resident's private room that allows for safer independent living. The system subtly alerts staff members, if needed, and gathers information that serves to improve the resident's comfort level.
"It's such a gratifying feeling when we break ground on a new community," said John Barbee, Executive Vice President - Real Estate for The LaSalle Group. "As a lifelong builder, I take great pride in knowing that our community will impact families in the local area. Villages throughout Chicago have been supportive of us, and I feel a sense of personal satisfaction to know that we are truly helping Chicagoans and their families."
Autumn Leaves of Gurnee is the result of a partnership between The LaSalle Group, MedProperties and TCF National Bank. The community is expected to open second quarter of 2015. Once open, the community will provide free services for families in the area including educational seminars, speakers, and Alzheimer's support groups. The community will also offer respite care.
Autumn Leaves of Gurnee will be located approximately 46 miles from downtown Chicago on Hunt Club Road between the Tri-State Tollway (Interstate 94) and Highway 45. The community is located 2 miles from Gurnee Mills Mall and Six Flags Great America and about 3 miles from the United Hospital System Gurnee Physician Clinic.
The groundbreaking is free and open to the public. Members of the public are asked to RSVP by contacting Sarah Chidalek at schidalek@lasallegroup.com or by calling 214-845-4429.
ABOUT AUTUMN LEAVES
Family owned and operated memory care assisted living communities, Autumn Leaves® is dedicated to serving those living with Alzheimer's and dementia. Autumn Leaves communities are committed to providing exceptionally high-quality care and research-based programs that allow for safe, secure, and active environments for its residents. An acknowledged leader in memory care, Autumn Leaves combines clinical expertise, knowledge of dementia, and heartfelt compassion to create the best possible care environment. Autumn Leaves currently operates 36 communities in 4 states with the ability to serve more than 1,800 residents. For more information, visit AutumnLeaves.com or call 888-662-8886.
ABOUT THE LASALLE GROUP
Family owned and operated since 1990, The LaSalle Group, Inc. designs, develops, builds, manages, and owns 36 Autumn Leaves® memory care assisted living communities designed specifically for people with Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia, as well as other specialized real estate and businesses throughout the United States. For more information about our business lines, services, current projects, and investment opportunities, please visit LaSalleGroup.com or call Kristin Dupont, Director of Marketing, at 800-452-7255.