ORLAND PARK, IL — Citing increased demand for senior housing options, Smith Senior Living will expand a final time in Orland Park with construction of a $43.75 million, four-story building at Smith Crossing, officials announced Thursday.
The nearly 100,000-square-foot Woodman Landing will be built on the campus at 10501 Emilie Lane and will feature 36 apartments and common areas, Smith Senior Living officials said. Construction is projected to begin in summer 2027, with completion in late-2028. The project brings the organization's total investment in the Orland Park campus to $163 million, officials said, and total number of independent living residences to 209.
Smith Senior Living commissioned a feasibility study to provide a realistic analysis of the need for more options for active seniors in its primary market area, which in addition to Orland Park, includes Flossmoor, Frankfort, Homewood, Homer Glen, Mokena, New Lenox, Oak Forest, Olympia Fields, Palos Heights and Tinley Park. Findings confirm that growth in households with adults 75 years and older—a reliable indicator for senior living communities—show steady growth that outpaces most regions in Illinois and national levels.
By 2029, 34.1 percent of households in its market area headed by someone 75 or older are projected to have a net worth of $500,000 or more, up from 31.7 percent in 2024, officials said.
Smith Crossing is a life plan community that provides a continuum of care including independent living, assisted living, memory care, skilled nursing care and short-term stay rehab for residents and neighbors. Smith Senior Living sponsors Smith Crossing, and both are not-for-profit organizations.
Smith Crossing first opened in Orland Park in 2004, bringing a continuing care retirement community to the area's growing population of older adults. Built on a 32-acre campus, it was envisioned "to provide an engaging lifestyle, exceptional services and the peace of mind that comes with knowing additional care would be available to meet changing needs of independent living residents," the organization said.
With community growth and increasing demand, Smith Crossing underwent two expansions previously, with one for independent living residents in 2012; the other, for short-term rehab in 2020. The former added a theater, art studio, gallery, pub, meeting rooms, two formal gardens and a state-of-the-art fitness center. Greenleaf Rehab features 46 private suites, a modern therapy gym and treatment rooms as well as a café, living rooms for visiting and a courtyard garden.
Smith Crossing is currently home to more than 330 residents and offers independent living, assisted living, memory care and skilled nursing for residents, as well as short-term stay rehabilitation for both residents and neighbors.
The newly announced addition will complete the campus, officials said Thursday.
"We are pleased to report strong demand from 62-plus active adults for more residency options," Smith Senior Living president and CEO Kevin McGee. "They value being part of our thriving senior living community that not only provides the lifestyle they want now, but also offers future care if it is needed."
The addition is named in honor of Susie Woodman, who officals touted as a pioneer in senior living.
"We are honoring the vision and accomplishments of Susie Woodman," said McGee, "who in 1915 mobilized a group of prominent Chicagoans to support her idea to build a gracious group home for older adults on Chicago's southwest side. Her vision for a better, more satisfying way of life for older adults continues to inspire the development of our two campuses—Smith Crossing and Smith Village, which is the site of our original campus that opened in 1924 in Chicago's Beverly/Morgan Park neighborhood."
McGee said pre-construction sales started Thursday for the apartments that will range from 1,200 to 1,700 square feet. With Smith Crossing a life plan community, independent living residents pay an entrance fee that is 90 percent refundable, plus a monthly fee for services.
"With 37 people on our waitlist, and high occupancy in our current 163 independent living residences," said Ray Marneris, CFO for Smith Senior Living, "we are confident in making this commitment at this time."
Marneris said Smith Crossing has "a strong financial position" and, in late spring 2027, the organization will determine the better option—bonds or construction loan—for financing.
According to Marneris, pre-construction sales and interest rates will guide the decision-making process for financing the addition. AG Architecture of Wauwatosa, Wisconsin has designed all buildings on Smith Crossing's campus and will lead this project, as well.
Amenities are set to include a clubroom for informal gatherings and hosting guests; fitness room, golf simulator, bocce ball court, outdoor grilling stations; lifelong learning programs and on-campus cultural and social events.
Other features will include housekeeping, linen service, utilities (except phone), onsite convenience shop and salon, group transportation to shopping, entertainment and cultural destinations.
"I'm very proud that Smith Crossing has been part of Orland Park for more than 20 years, it's a great organization," said Orland Park Mayor Jim Dodge. "This $43.75 million investment shows its confidence in our community. The future is bright. Woodman Landing will give more of our residents the chance to stay in the town they love, close to family, friends and the places they know.
"Orland Park is a community where people can put down roots at every stage of life. We are very grateful to Smith Senior Living for its continued commitment to our seniors and look forward to seeing the campus completed."
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