New Facility Designed to Help Disabled Live Independently

Construction is expected to start this spring on a 128-bed living facility for physically disabled adults and seniors, a population that is currently under-served within McHenry County, in Regency Square.

“The market analysis shows an enormous unmet need for quality housing for this group,” said Zach Leonard of Bravo Properties LLC. “There are other types of housing around but not nearly enough to meet the needs of this population. This particular facility creates a sense of independence while providing supportive services so they don’t feel institutionalized. It will be more like living in an upscale apartment.”

Bravo Properties recently gained the village board’s approval for the project. The 117,870 square foot Deer Path Supported Living facility will be built on 5.4 acres directly next door to Heritage Woods Assisted Living Facility. It will create 45 new jobs.

Deer Path’s residents will be those with physical disabilities between the ages of 22 to 64, Leonard said. Residents will have nursing and direct care staff on-site 24 hours a day. Bravo Properties obtained a license through the Illinois Department of Health Care and Family Service last year to provide the services at Deer Path.

Each room will be handicap accessible with charging stations and docking stations for wheelchairs, Leonard said. The facility will also have a country shop, a beauty and a barber shop, a convenience store, a library and a computer lab as well as handicap accessible gardening activities. There will also be an outdoor patio, gazebo and nature paths.

Residents must have an initial assessment completed then will be evaluated quarterly.

Leonard feels the location will be good for residents who will be close to health care, drug stores, grocery stores and doctor’s offices.

Senior Planner Charles Nordman said Deer Patch is going to fit in with the character of the surrounding developments. The Regency Square area required a special use permit but that status was granted.

Regency Square’s growth has been consistent in the last few years with the opening of Heritage Woods in 2004 and a day care down the block.

Construction of the facility will extend Regency Parkway about 440 feet north of its current location along the northern property line of Heritage Woods. Future extensions of the road will depend on the type of development that comes to Regency Square.

Eventually, there will be a need for a dedicated right-of-way on Kreutzer Road.

Leonard hopes the construction will be completed within a year to 16 months.