NORWOOD PARK, CHICAGO, IL: The Danish Home of Chicago and The Danish Home Foundation are proud to announce the groundbreaking for a new addition to their senior living community, according to Scott L. Swanson, President/CEO. 

The groundbreaking, which took place on Saturday, September 16, 2023, was attended by over 100 donors, residents, and dignitaries, including Ambassador Stig Paolo Piras, the Deputy Chief of Mission for the Embassy of Denmark in Washington D.C., and Consul General Jesper Koks Andersen from the Consulate General of Denmark in Chicago.  

“This new addition means a tremendous amount to many, many people: our current residents, our many Danish supporters here and across the country, our neighbors, and those who will benefit from our new spaces once we open our new addition,” said Peter Orum, Capital Campaign and The Danish Home Foundation Chairman. 

Ambassador Stig Piras from the Embassy of Denmark in Washington D.C. commented, “Today we are not only laying the foundation for bricks and mortar. We’re also strengthening the ties that have bound Denmark and Chicago for many decades.  

He continued, “Denmark has long been at the forefront of elder care. Advocating for policies and practices that put the person first. No matter the age. Our philosophy has always been to give our elders the dignity, respect, and quality of life they obviously deserve. Let’s remember that we’re not just constructing a building. We’re creating a place where culture and care unite, where generations can connect, and where our elders can find a home away from home.”  

The $13.5 million addition comprises five independent living one-bedroom apartments and nine additional private healthcare suites.  The dining room will be expanded and will showcase floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking magnificent gardens. The kitchen will be upgraded with modern appliances, additional preparation areas, and storage as we fundraise towards our next phase. A new bistro space will be created to encourage casual gathering and entertainment. Also, new gardens and walking paths will be added for residents to enjoy the outdoors. The community has also spruced up the living room, gathering room, and hallways.   

“One of the outstanding features of the new addition is that we have configured the building in a way that independent living apartments and healthcare rooms can be converted into catered living apartments.  This allows us to accommodate our residents as their needs change so they can stay in The Danish Home for the remainder of their lives,” Swanson shared.  

This expansion is the fourth since the community was founded in 1891 by 12 Danish women who wanted to ensure that no one from the homeland who was living in the Chicago area would ever have to worry about growing old and being alone. The first expansion was in 1914, the second was in 1925, and the third was in 1963. This addition is made possible by the generosity of many groups and people who have generously donated over $8.7 million in cash, pledges, and an additional $3.3 million in bequests. While many private donors have stepped up, we also have several Danish groups to thank, including: The Boards of The Danish Association and The Danish Home Foundation; The Women’s Auxiliary of The Danish Home; The Danish American Athletic Club; Dania Society of Chicago; Bjornson Male Chorus; Royal Danish Guards Society; Danish Sisterhood Dagmar Lodge #4; Danish Brotherhood Denmark Lodge #35; Danish National Committee of Chicago; and The Danish Home in Croton-on-Hudson, New York. 

Companies who are contributing to the construction of the expansion include: Berglund Construction as General Contractor; HED, Architect and Structural Engineer; ECT, Civil Engineer; IMEG Corp, MEP/FP Engineer; Olson Landscape Architecture; Clevenger Associates, Food Service, and Old National Bank, bank financing.  Construction is expected to be completed in the Spring of 2025.  

The Danish Home Foundation is continuing to raise funds for this exciting project. Donations and pledges of every size help, and pledges are very welcome. This is the most money The Danish Home Foundation has ever raised. For more information about The Danish Home Foundation, please visit our website at www.DanishHomeofChicago.org. 

Dignitaries and guest speakers break ground on The Danish Home of Chicago’s Building Expansion on September 16, 2023. Pictured, left to right: The Danish Home of Chicago and Danish Home Foundation President/CEO Scott Swanson; Danish Association Secretary Chris Haxager; Danish Home Foundation Chair Peter Orum; Deputy Chief of Mission and Ambassador Stig Paolo Piras; HED Architect Susan King; Danish Association Chair Paul Pedersen; Consul General of Denmark in Chicago Jesper Koks Andersen; Danish Association Board Member Stan Heidemann; Women’s Auxiliary President Karen Peterson; and Berglund Construction President Fred Berglund.

The dignitaries and speakers turn the first shovels of dirt at the Groundbreaking Ceremony.

The proposed New Building Expansion and New View from the Dining Room at The Danish Home of Chicago.

 

The Danish Home’s Recent Healthcare Suites Renovation and New Living Room Furniture

Donors Barb Anderson and Bob Kapicka look at the Architectural Drawings on display at the Groundbreaking Ceremony.

Danish Home of Chicago residents and their families helped turn the dirt at the Groundbreaking Ceremony.