After more than a year of planning, movers arrived today at the Viatorian Province Center in Arlington Heights to begin packing up furniture in the residence wing. Let the renovation begin!
While the footprint of the wing will not change, the six-months of construction will result in an improved environment, with better functionality of the suites and reduced energy consumption.
Some of its highlights include a new HVAC system, with separate controls in each suite, as well as a newly designed community room, with more open — and brighter — space, with a center wall featuring a double fireplace underneath and a large screen TV on top. A station will also be added for the certified nursing assistants who staff the wing.
The wing was added to the Province Center 40 years ago as a place for Viatorians to live in community during their retirement years. This is its first renovation.
Fr. Mark Francis
“It was long overdue,” says Fr. Mark Francis, CSV, who serves on the renovation committee. “While work has been done on certain parts of the main building — including its dining room and outdoor patio, as well as flood control — nothing had been done to the retirement wing. The whole goal is to improve the quality of life of the confreres through improvements to comfort and safety.”
In the meantime, residents have relocated to other rooms within the Province Center while the work takes place. Construction is slated to begin July 6 and last through mid-December.