Burr Ridge Senior Complex To See Big Expansion

BURR RIDGE, IL — King-Bruwaert House, a senior living community in Burr Ridge, got the initial go-ahead this week for a major project to include 49 "independent living" apartments. The 144,000-square-foot expansion is set to start next year.

The project will include a new building as well as additions to two existing structures. The new building is slated to feature a fitness center, a grill-style dining room, a bar and lounge, a game room and event space to accommodate up to 200 people.

One of the additions will include an employee lounge, 14 memory care rooms and 14 skilled nursing rooms.

Founded in 1933, King-Bruwaert House operates a three-story Georgian-style retirement home with 78 residential suites, providing assisted living, memory care and skilled care services. The house also includes a geriatric clinic, fitness areas, a main dining room and a bistro. South of the King-Bruwaert House are 24 acres with 58 cottages.

The Plan Commission recommended the project, with some adjustments, including reducing the number of parking spaces and installing shields on light poles.

At Monday's Village Board meeting, staffers informed the trustees that a resident on Woodgate Drive requested a delay in approval earlier in the day. She contended she did not get enough notice.

But Evan Walter, the assistant village administrator, said Burr Ridge had sent notifications to residents within 1,000 feet of the King-Bruwaert property before two previous meetings. The state, he said, only requires residents within 250 feet be notified.

"We feel on the staff side that we went above and beyond on what we had to do. We did that because it was such a large project," Walter said.

Officials asked King-Bruwaert representatives whether a delay would be detrimental.

Jim Moyer of SAS Architects said the organization needed zoning approval by the beginning of May to meet the state's schedule for approving the project's certificate of need. King-Bruwaert, he said, wanted to start the construction schedule at the beginning of next year.

"We have already been a bit delayed because of the COVID-19 issue," Moyer said. "We would appreciate if we would take a vote on that tonight.

Village Administrator Doug Pollock noted the board was voting on directing staff to draft an ordinance allowing the project. Trustees, he said, would vote on that document at the board's next meeting, which is May 11.

Trustee Guy Franzese called King-Bruwaert House "an excellent neighbor."

"They are making a multimillion-dollar investment in our community," he said. "I support this proposal of theirs 100 percent."

Mayor Gary Grasso said residents had another two weeks to comment on the project. He suggested staff reach out to the Woodgate resident.

The board voted 6-0 to go ahead with drafting an ordinance.

After the board's vote, Grasso said, "This will be a great addition to what is one of the jewels of Burr Ridge."