City Officials: New Senior Living Community a "Jewel" and Provides Boost for City of Elmhurst

June 13, 2012 - PRLog -- ELMHURST, Ill. – Park Place of Elmhurst, a new senior living community in Chicagoland, will hold its grand opening celebration and ribbon-cutting ceremony on Wednesday, June 27. The $82 million community is drawing widespread praise, including from top city officials.

“Park Place is a wonderful addition to the City of Elmhurst,” says Elmhurst Mayor Peter DiCianni. “It represents a significant investment in senior living, provides a positive impact, and adds another jewel to our community.”

Park Place is situated on 12.5 acres and includes 173 maintenance-free independent living apartment homes, 46 assisted living apartments, 20 memory support and 37 skilled nursing suites. Media is welcome to join invited guests for tours of the community from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. on June 27. The ceremony with speakers and acknowledgments will begin at 5 p.m.

“It’s been amazing to see the number of people step forward and say, ‘This is what the city needed, and Park Place is exactly the lifestyle I want for my retirement,’” says Don Engelsman, executive director at Park Place.

The community offers an array of lifestyle options and levels of care that’s unmatched within the confines of the city. The development has already created nearly 100 jobs and also enabled many longtime Elmhurst residents to stay in the city instead of moving away from the place they call home. Many of the residents, who have chosen to live at Park Place, will also be at the grand opening ceremony.

“It’s a milestone day for our organization,” says Rich Schutt, CEO of Providence Life Services, the community’s nonprofit sponsor. “The energy and enthusiasm for this community has exceeded our expectations. And I think the people who are most excited are the ones who are moving into their brand-new homes.”

“Older adults in the area have been wanting something different, something fulfilling, a community with flexibility and lifestyle options they can’t find anywhere else,” Engelsman says. “And given the changing times, we’ve made it a top priority to provide seniors with a sense of security — they want to know that everything they’ve worked hard to attain in life is protected.”

The majority of new residents consider the lifestyle at Park Place to be the biggest appeal. Residents have easy access to a variety of nearby shopping, dining and entertainment options. But the activities, social life and lifelong learning opportunities on campus are also a big draw for residents.

Park Place of Elmhurst offers restaurant-style dining options, a fitness center with an indoor pool, creative studio, media room, club room and ample underground parking. A variety of continuing education programs are available through nearby colleges. The community also offers intergenerational programs through a partnership with neighboring Timothy Christian School.

Residents value the health services and support designed for their specific needs and interests. The Life Care component at Park Place is a benefit that provides for predictable health care expenses through on-site care at discounted costs to residents. The continuum of care on campus includes assisted living, memory support and skilled nursing, if needed in the future.

Photo/video opportunities are available at the grand opening celebrations, as well as interviews with residents and community staff. Park Place of Elmhurst is located at 1050 South Euclid Ave., Elmhurst, Ill. For more information, visit www.ParkPlaceElmhurst.com or call (630) 333-4343.

Media Contact
Dave Dunn, GlynnDevins, Public Relations, ddunn@glynndevins.com, Direct: 913-754-2318.

About Providence Life Services
Founded and supported by local Reformed and Christian Reformed churches, Providence Life Services has served thousands of retirees for more than 90 years. Providence Life Services offers the complete spectrum of senor services, including Independent Town Homes, Retirement Living, Assisted Living, Sheltered Care, Alzheimer’s Support programs, Intermediate Care, Home Health Services, Hospice Care, Respite Stays, Rehabilitation Services, and Skilled Nursing Care. Providence Life Services is committed to enhancing life and preserving independence. More information is available online at www.ProvidenceLifeServices.com.