Proposed senior center gets chilly reception

A proposal to build a 240-unit senior living facility in Northbrook may have a tough time getting off the ground, with the village board expresssing concerns about the scope, mission and viability of the project.

Tuesday’s preliminary review, designed to provide guidance to the developer going forward, offered little encouragement.

“It’s just too big, it’s too much, it’s too dense,” said Trustee James Karagianis. “It would have to change significantly to get my support.”

The proposal by local developer North Shore Grand envisioned a four-story, three-winged complex on a 7.2 acre site on Sunset Ridge Road. The rental project would include 40 independent living units, 84 assisted living units, 40 skilled nursing rooms and 76 memory support units for dementia and Alzheimer’s patients.

Last year, another developer abandoned plans to build a 180-unit senior facility at the site near Skokie Boulevard, where several office buildings and warehouses once stood.

“These are two entirely different models,” said Trustee Michael Scolaro, citing the density and the shift away from independent senior living toward assisted care.

Other concerns included potential flooding, the drain on emergency services and the rental approach to senior living.

The property would need to be rezoned to a Residential Specialty (RS), a classification created last year to accommodate senior living facilities, including the previous proposal and the Lodge of Northbrook, which was approved in December. Developed by Nebraska-based Essex Corporation, that 140-unit facility is set to be built on Founders Drive, near the Willow Festival shopping center.

Karagianis issued some parting advice to Russell Stone, a principal with North Shore Grand.

“No one is saying absolutely not, but I don‘t think you’re getting a real warm reception with the way it stands right now,” Karagianis said. “It‘s up to you to decide whether you want to take it forward or not.”

Stone, who abruptly exited the meeting with his advisors, declined to comment on his plans.