New Leaf on Life: Residents move into The Oaks at Oak Crest

Dick Sjolund is looking forward to not shoveling snow for the rest of his life.

After a storm, Sjolund used to grab a shovel and snowblower and clear his driveway, the neighbor’s sidewalks and his entire block. Now Sjolund can sit back, relax and enjoy watching snow fall without worrying about shoveling.

Sjolund resides with his wife Karen at Oak Crest DeKalb Area Retirement Center, 2944 Greenwood Acres Drive in DeKalb. The couple, both retired educators from Waterman, moved into their apartment, part of the new, approximately 70,000-square-foot expansion at Oak Crest called “The Oaks,” less than two weeks ago.

“After many years of living in a large house, we just found it too much to take care of,” Dick Sjolund said. “Our unit is very comfortable, and I love all of the entertainment and fitness options. Everyone here is so friendly and willing to help. We anticipate and look forward to being here the rest of our lives.”

The Oaks has two main parts: a wing for residential units and offices and a wellness corridor for the center’s fitness programs. Construction on the $15 million project started in May 2015 and was completed in October.

The first floor of the expansion’s three-story wing has offices, a common welcoming area, a conference room, a bistro, an elevator bay and indoor heated parking stalls.

The one-story wellness corridor connects the new wing to the original building. The corridor features a conference room, swimming pool and Jacuzzi, a shower area with lockers and an exercise area. Soon, local artwork, including art made by students at Northern Illinois University, and artwork donated by community members, will be on display in the corridor.

Oak Crest’s 30-acre campus first opened in 1980. The nonprofit single site now has about 300 residents and offers four types of senior living arrangements: independent living duplexes, independent apartments, assisted living and a licensed nursing home.

The new pool and Jacuzzi are both handicap-accessible. NIU physical education and kineseology students will teach water aerobics and swimming classes and students from Kishwaukee College will offer massage therapy.

“We expanded our fitness program, and it is now in a much larger and more aesthetically appealing space,” said Liz Hoppenworth, Oak Crest’s resident services administrator. “We are looking into further developing and expanding our aquatics programming. We hope to offer wellness, health and fitness opportunities not only for our residents, but also our employees.”

The expansion also added a bistro, giving residents another option for snacks and meals. The bistro has its own liquor license and will serve mixed drinks, wine and beer as an entertainment and socialization destination.

The new 23 residential units range in size from 900 to 2,200 square feet. Oak Crest was able to expand one of its water retention ponds to increase the number of units with water views. In the spring, additional gardening and landscaping will be added.

Joan Stanley moved into The Oaks in early December. Her mother resided at Oak Crest, and when Stanley learned a new wing was being built, she decided to purchase her own unit in August 2015.

“I’ve really been able to make the unit my own,” Stanley said. “I turned the second bedroom into a den, added closets, an eyebrow archway in the kitchen and turned all of my doors into pocket doors. I was able to pick out the paint, the flooring and the countertops. With all my furniture and decorating, it looks very similar to my home in Waterman. I also love that when I need help with healthcare in the future, I don’t even have to leave the building and can even bring some of my furniture with me.”

Future plans at Oak Crest include updating the original building and evaluating how space is used and organized.