Outdoor Concert with Swing Set
The Oak Park Arms’ conversion from a luxury hotel to a retirement community took place 45 years ago. A free outdoor concert and celebration to mark the four and half decades of service to seniors will take place at 5 p.m. Saturday, August 12, at the Oak Park Arms, 408 S. Oak Park Avenue.
Live music will be provided by Swing Set, an 18-piece orchestra that plays music from 1940s through the 1960s with selections from The Beatles, Steely Dan, and other contemporary groups.
“We’re marking our anniversary with an unprecedented special on rent,” said Renee Steingard, director of leasing and resident engagement. “New 13-month leases signed before the end of the year will receive $4,500 off rent.“
Celebrating Oak Park Arms’ 45th Anniversary in Senior Housing
The hotel was purchased in the mid-1970s by two friends who wanted to create active retirement living in a community that would be full of life, service, and spirit.
The partners recognized the value of The Arms and were on the forefront of a positive trend. The building had always featured full apartments with kitchens and dining rooms. It was a natural step to refocus and serve the people who were permanent residents and build a community around their needs rather than serving visitors.
The owners hired a full-time activity director to bring events and activities to the community. In 1978, a “full lifestyle” was offered which included maid service, three meals a day, and a busy schedule of social activities.
The vision and experience of the two men created The Arms of today. For 45 years, the Oak Park Arms has been a leader of senior living and the model in the development of other senior communities.
The Oak Park Arms is still owned and operated by the same two men who created it. Each remains involved and committed to excellence. Together, they offer strong support to the management and staff, ensuring that The Arms continues as an industry leader with a legacy of prominence and distinction.
The Oak Park Arms Hotel Years
In 1920, Oak Park was a young suburb. The budding community would swell to almost twice its size by the end of the decade. In 1921, city planners gave the go ahead to build an elegant hotel/apartment building in Oak Park at the corner of Washington Blvd. and Oak Pak Ave.
The hotel was named the Oak Park Arms, and it became the epitome of style, grace, and sophistication. It quickly became recognized as a key social center in Oak Park. Galas, wedding receptions, card parties, luncheons, and meetings of all kinds were held routinely.
“Perhaps the most famous guest was First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt who, in 1936, stayed at The Arms while in town for speaking engagements at Rosary College and Oak Park River Forest High School,” said Renee Steingard, director of leasing and resident engagement.
Oak Park Arms Senior Living Today
The Oak Park Arms Senior Living is a rental retirement community which provides senior housing in the form of independent living and assisted living apartments. Additional services include respite care and an award-winning adult day care program. Furnished apartments are also available for a short-term stay.
The anniversary concert is free and open to the public. For more information call 708-386-4040.
