A rendering of the proposed exterior updates at the nursing facility at 263 Skokie Blvd. in Northbrook. (Handout, Village of Northbrook / July 23, 2013)
The new owners of a nursing home in Northbrook are seeking permission to add a gym for physical and occupational therapies as part of a plan to change the facility into a rehabilitation center.
Legacy Healthcare Financial Services LLC, which is managing the former Lake Cook Terrace Nursing Center at 263 Skokie Blvd., wants to spend several million dollars on upgrades to what now is called The Grove of Northbrook Living and Rehab Center. Planned changes to the exterior and interior were discussed recently by the Plan Commission, which is scheduled to vote on requested zoning variances on Aug. 6, said David Schoon, Northbrook's economic development coordinator.
"The village always appreciates when someone comes in and makes a significant improvement to a part of town," Schoon said.
Legacy Healthcare Financial Services LLC, . based in Lincolnwood, manages 13 nursing, rehabilitation and transitional care facilities in the Chicago area and in Ohio, according to its website.
The Northbrook facility, which was constructed in the 1960s, would continue to accommodate up to 134 patients. But the new owners want to add a 1,563-square-foot, one-story gym in the courtyard, said Yair Zuckerman, executive vice president of The Grove.
"Our approach is to make the substantial financial commitment needed to update this building in all ways," said Zuckerman in an email, adding that the facility hasn't been significantly updated in several decades. "This community deserves the highest level of care, comfort and amenities made possible with these improvements."
The renovations would be done in phases to minimize disruptions for current patients, he said.
"The management team at The Grove of Northbrook is eager to become active participants in our new community and looks forward to growing together with the village," Zuckerman said.
achachkevitch@tribune.com