Nursing home addition takes shape in Des Plaines

Construction should be complete by the end of the year on a two-story, 24,000-square-foot nursing home addition at the Asbury Court Retirement Community in Des Plaines, officials said Thursday.

When complete, it will have 71 beds for long-term nursing care and rehabilitation, adding onto the retirement home's existing 370 independent and supportive living units at 1750 S. Elmhurst Road on the city's southwest side.

And next month, Asbury Court is planning to introduce assisted living into its current building after renovations are completed, said John Coglianese, executive director of operations.

Officials proposed the addition so residents of the retirement community wouldn't have to leave if they eventually needed advanced care.

"A senior can come here and retire here and stay here the rest of their life," Coglianese said.

The Illinois Health Facilities and Services Review Board approved the project in August 2014, and recently awarded it a permit extension while construction continues.

In June, Asbury Court told state officials in a letter the project was 65 percent complete, with the building substantially enclosed. But it faced construction delays, due to design changes, delays in gas utility service and window delivery and installation.

Asbury Court is now asking for the state board to sign off on an increase in project costs, from $7.2 million to $7.7 million, which the company is funding through cash, securities and a mortgage.