Seniors Displaced As $150 Million Oak Trace Project Moves Forward

DOWNERS GROVE, IL — Construction crews will break ground Wednesday on a controversial renovation project at Oak Trace Senior Living that caused a heated legal battle after residents were told they would have to move from their homes. After raising opposition and getting a lawyer, the seniors reportedly reached a confidential settlement with Oak Trace, though some residents decided to leave the senior living center.

In April, village officials approved the project despite pleading letters and public opposition from residents in Downers Grove and even outside of Illinois. According to Daily Herald, 20 homes will be demolished as part of the construction. Some residents have been relocated to other units inside the 39-acre community. Still others have moved out altogether. The revamped senior living center will include a state-of-the-art health center, a library, an auditorium, and additional housing.

The initial phase of renovations to Oak Trace should be wrapped up in 2019, according to Daily Herald. A representative from Life Space Communities, Inc., the parent company of Oak Trace in April to talk about how the construction would impact the 36 displaced residents. A representative said, "We regret that there will be residents who will be affected by the planned health care center at Oak Trace retirement community, "adding that the new health center would be "crucial to the ongoing commitment of care to [their] residents."

Oak Trace did not immediately respond to a request for comment Tuesday.

Related: Oak Trace Project Approved By Downers Grove, To Displace Dozens Of Seniors

Related: Eviction Looms For Downers Grove Seniors If Building Proposal Approved

>>Image via Pixabay