A small group of masked representatives from the community came together for an event to sign the center steel column on the top floor of the addition to the Johanson Wing at Smith Village, 2320 W. 113th Pl. The event marked the progress of the first phase of construction of the 10,024 square-foot, 3-story addition, which houses skilled nursing care rooms and short-term rehab suites. Installing the roof and fully enclosing the exterior space of the new tower is scheduled for completion by the end of September.
The $22.3 million construction project will convert many double-occupancy rooms to private suites. It also adds three floors of common areas, which include state-of-the–art therapy rooms on the first floor as well as dining rooms on the second and third floors with stunning treetop views.
Infrastructure improvements include a new roof, all new electrical and HVAC systems and new windows for the entire wing.
Construction has continued throughout the pandemic, with Weis Builders observing all protocols for
the safety of Smith Village residents and employees as well as construction workers.
“Completion the exterior work for this addition is a significant milestone,” said Chris August, corporate environmental services and safety director for Smith Senior Living which sponsors Smith Village. “To mark this moment, we asked key stakeholders to literally sign the steel structure on the top floor. By doing so, they honor everyone in the community who has come together to take Smith Village to the next level.”
First opened in 1924, Smith Village completed a $68 million construction project that transformed the campus to a continuing care retirement community in 2008.
“Smith Village continues to evolve to meet the needs of today’s residents,” said Marti Jatis, Smith Village executive director.
“Beginning in 2017, our leadership teams for Smith Senior Living and Smith Village and our Board of Trustees embarked on a strategic planning process,” added Kevin McGee, president and CEO of Smith Senior Living. “Our research included focus groups, discussions with residents, as well as surveys of resident and family members to document the need for changing the initial design of the wing. Three key findings affirmed the need to convert double occupancy rooms to private suites; to improve common areas and infrastructure systems; and to dedicate one floor to short-term stay rehabilitation.”
Today, Smith Village is home to 255 adults, 62 years and older, who are independent and assisted living, memory care, short-term stay and skilled nursing care residents benefiting from a variety of engaging lifestyle and healthcare programs. For more information, call 773-474-7300 or visit SmithVillage.org.
