King Bruwaert House – CCRC and Independent Living Building Burr Ridge, Illinois
This French Georgian community has been a beacon for care for seniors in Burr Ridge since it’s opening in 1933. Committed to a state of the art community the King Bruwaert team embarked on a multi-phase development to update and enhance current skilled nursing offerings as well as provide a new apartment style Independent Living option not previously available.
The multi-phased project includes a new Independent Living building with a below grade parking garage, a skilled nursing and memory care addition attached to the existing health center, a renovation of the existing skilled nursing wing, and significant site work improvements to create new gardens and outdoor spaces.
The Gardens of King Bruwaert House
The new Independent Living 3-story, 43 apartment residence is the second and largest phase of the project. With views to the gardens the residential wings wrap the commons areas and engage them with patios and balconies.
To ensure the new did not overwhelm the original the rolling grades of the landscape were used to their advantage, and the parking garage was set into the existing hill. Maintaining the continued importance of connecting the health and wellness of residents to the natural beauty surrounding the entire campus was paramount to both the client and the scale of the project.
The height of the roof, width of wings, and exterior finishes further compliment the aesthetic of the original building. German schmere on the exterior masonry mimics the eroding white wash of the original building. Incorporating the French Georgian brick moulding, columns, pilasters, and the mix of masonry with siding further seamlessly integrate new and existing.
Protection of old growth trees, new luscious landscaping, formal and informal courtyards, continuous walking paths, space for a putting green, croquet and bocce ball, and a grand curved staircase further enhance the aesthetic of the existing site for a fully wholesome living experience, in a “garden of care” and exemplifies the “KB Way.”
By incorporating woodwork trim detailing, built in millwork, a large gas burning fireplace, and custom cased archways evoking the original architecture; the central 2-story lounge harmoniously connects the existing first floor, courtyard, and new first floor areas with the new garden level. Overlooking landscaped courtyards and walking paths, the natural light through large windows emphasizes the exterior garden on all levels.
The lower level multi-purpose room adjacent to the 2-story lounge includes operable partition walls to allow the two spaces to create a large gathering space for events up to 200 people or small group fitness classes and activities. A state of the art fitness center with relaxation spa includes natural day lighting and views to the exterior.
At the center of activity a restaurant style dining room on the first floor features a show kitchen where residents may observe final meal prep and socialize. Additional adjacent common areas, with exterior views directly around the existing courtyard, feature a custom wood built bar with “Chicago rail”, informal lounge with gas fireplace, and relaxing living room enhance the feel of home and sense of community.
The sitting rooms and exterior balconies on the second floor overlook the formal courtyard and bring movement and excitement to the exterior façade of the building.