CHICAGO—Ryan Cos. and Life Care Services, An LCS® Co., have just completed Clarendale of Mokena, a $31.7-million, 156-unit, rental community for seniors, one of several similar projects, which offers independent, assisted and memory care living, that Ryan plans to soon complete in the Chicago metropolitan area.

“Seniors in the independent living units want to be close to where their families and friends live,” David Erickson, director of development, Ryan Cos., tells GlobeSt.com. And for those in assisted living and in memory care, “it has to be convenient for families and close friends.”

And that means avoiding the stigma of stuffy senior homes in favor of developments with convenient access to main thoroughfares, highways, retail, restaurants and more. Suburban Mokena fits the bill because it is in a developing area of Will County convenient access to other parts of the Chicago metropolitan area.

Ryan also recently broke ground on a $40-million, 186-unit Clarendale community in northwest suburban Algonquin and just finalized plans for a $40 million, 177-unit Clarendale community in Schererville, IN, and southeast of the city. Those communities are expected to be completed in 2016 and 2017, respectively.

“There are a lot of investors and developers that are looking to build more senior housing,” Erickson adds, not just because of the need that currently exists, but due to the aging of the massive baby-boom generation, now approaching retirement. “We're building for today, but we're also keeping that future wave in mind.”

The three-story Clarendale of Mokena is comprised of three lifestyle neighborhoods under one roof. There are 60 independent living residences, 56 assisted living residences and 40 memory care residences, as well as common areas for dining and activities. Resident spaces, available in a variety of studio, one- and two-bedroom configurations, range in size from approximately 300 to 1,300 square feet, depending on the type of residence and the level of assistance involved. Monthly rents are based upon the size and location of the residence.

Clarendale of Mokena includes a bistro, a pub and billiards room, a club room and library, living rooms with fireplaces, a vaulted multipurpose room, a full-service wellness center with salon, a fitness room, private courtyards and patios. Housekeeping, maintenance and transportation as well as restaurant-style and private dining with chef's specialties are among the services provided.

Life Care Services will manage the Mokena community. Founded in 1971, the Des Moines, IA-based firm manages 125 communities and is the third largest manager of senior living properties in the US.

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Brian J. Rogal

Brian J. Rogal is a Chicago-based freelance writer with years of experience as an investigative reporter and editor, most notably at The Chicago Reporter, where he concentrated on housing issues. He also has written extensively on alternative energy and the payments card industry for national trade publications.