Work progressing to refresh, expand Naperville Elderly Homes

Construction has begun to renovate and expand a low-income apartment building for seniors in Naperville.

Naperville Elderly Homes is undergoing a roughly $29 million transformation expected to be complete in August 2020 to add 68 more units and renovate all 120 existing units.

Work on both the new construction and renovations began July 18 after designs were completed by Worn Jerabek Wiltse architects.

So far, the foundation of the new wing is complete and crews are working on elevator and stair shafts, underground plumbing and electrical infrastructure and first-floor walls.

Renovations are finished at 19 units and are under way at 27 more, giving new kitchen counter tops, sinks and faucets; new doors and closet doors; LED lighting; new showers, toilets, sinks, cabinets and fans in the bathrooms; and fresh paint. Renovations are expected to be completed first, with a target date of the end of this year.

"It has been exciting and gratifying to see our residents' reactions returning to their apartments after three weeks of renovations," Dave Weeks, president of the Elderly Homes' board of directors, said in a written statement. "They are extremely appreciative of the completely new bathrooms, including easy-access showers with built-in seats."

Crews are donating old refrigerators from each unit to Habitat for Humanity.

The renovation and expansion project is being funded by a variety of sources, including $24 million in low-income housing tax credits and other grant funds from the Illinois Housing Development Authority and DuPage County, as well as support from Wintrust Bank and the city of Naperville.

"Working at the site allows me to see the progress every day," Tony Hacker, property manager, said in a written statement. "The renovations to the existing building are really impressive, with many of the units already completed, and every day the expansion seems to be further along."