An expansion project consisting of five independent living one-bedroom apartments and nine additional private healthcare suites is the culmination of a multi-million dollar renovation and expansion project at The Danish Home of Chicago, a continuing care retirement community in the Norwood Park neighborhood of Chicago.
Expected to be completed in the Spring of 2025, The Danish Home of Chicago, a boutique senior community, is eager to enhance an exceptional personalized care experience for seniors through their construction project.
The project, which broke ground in September of 2023, will include a new addition and many renovations to the community. The dining room will be expanded and showcase floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking magnificent gardens, in addition to a new bistro space. The community is sprucing up the living room, gathering room and hallways. New gardens and walking paths will be added for residents to enjoy the outdoors.
Berglund Construction, known for its expertise in both restoration and general contracting with over 100 years of experience, was brought in as the general contractor. The project manager, Cameron Frossard, is excited to work with the senior living community and contribute to the personalized care experience The Danish Home of Chicago’s construction project will provide.
“This project is a wonderful opportunity for The Danish Home to make a lasting impact and provide a unique and fulfilling experience for current and future seniors. I am excited to help create a positive environment for the residents of the community for years to come,” says Frossard.
Frossard expressed how the team faces unique challenges, including matching the new addition’s design structure with the original parts of the building. Since the historic building was first built in 1914, matching new systems with old systems has been an obstacle the company is working to overcome.
“The nature of the design for the new addition is an extension of the existing building, which has an older design structure. Maintaining the existing structure while building the new addition is slightly challenging, including navigating electrical systems, mechanical systems, and plumbing. Our virtual design department works to match the old structures with the new structures, to make sure everything runs smoothly,” says Frossard.
Frossard is especially interested in one of the project’s striking characteristics, which he believes will be a popular hit among the community and surrounding areas.
“One of the standout features of the project is the northwest corner of the new addition, which will be visible from the street. The addition will consist of large open sliding doors and a decorative brick exterior, adding both functionality and aesthetic appeal to the building,” says Frossard.
As the project progresses, The Danish Home of Chicago is eager for the expansion and renovation project to reflect the evolving needs and desires of residents and their families. President and CEO Scott Swanson highlights the impact the construction project will have on the residents while also aligning with The Danish Home of Chicago’s mission.
“This project enables us to personalize each resident’s experience and meet their individual needs, all while honoring the Danish tradition of caring for our elders. The new independent living rooms and healthcare suites will include the perfect balance of both serene comfort and community,” says Swanson.
Through the new addition, residents can experience social settings in a peaceful, outdoor environment surrounded by beautiful gardens and walkways, while also enjoying their own private, personal space. Each new independent apartment can be converted into catered living apartments, allowing residents to experience a lifestyle designed to fit their specific preferences and needs.
The Danish Home of Chicago and Berglund Construction are proud to be part of this transformative journey, anticipating the optimistic impact it will have on the community and future residents.
