Evanston, IL. (November 3, 2009) – Following six years of planning and development, The Mather opened its doors today in Evanston at a grand opening ceremony attended by Mather LifeWays and City of Evanston officials as well as a gathering of individuals who helped make the senior living residence a reality.
Speaking to the community gathering at The Mather, 425 Davis Street, Mary Leary, President and CEO said, “Not only are we excited about the opening of The Mather, but we are equally pleased that the second phase of the community is moving forward as planned.”
Construction of the second building will begin early next year and is scheduled to open in late 2011. Located at 450 Davis Street, the building will include 101 apartment homes as well as a 10,000-square-foot fitness center complete with a 20-meter indoor lap pool, whirlpool, sauna, steam showers and day spa. The two buildings will be connected by a convenient, climate-controlled underground corridor.
“The Mather is a welcome addition to the downtown neighborhood as well as the entire City of Evanston,” said Elizabeth Tisdahl, Mayor of Evanston. “The fact that it has succeeded in the face of a tough economy is a great example of good planning and following through on their commitments.”
Residents of The Mather began moving into the recently completed north building in early October, bringing excitement, vitality and growth to the downtown Evanston neighborhood.
“We have already received deposits for almost 50 percent of the apartment homes in the second building,” continued Leary. “The response to The Mather has been tremendous — from the new residents, the City of Evanston, and the neighborhood.”
Mather LifeWays is pursuing Gold Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) status for the second building. “Mather LifeWays is committed to implementing sustainable environmental programs and practices throughout The Mather,” explained Leary.
In support of The Mather, Mather LifeWays is adding more than 100 full and part-time employees to its Evanston workforce over the next six to nine months. These positions will include both salaried and hourly jobs ranging from building and dining service, to human resources and accounting staff.
The Mather was recently named the 2009 Masonry Construction Project of the Year by Masonry Construction Magazine, representing the “best of the best” in masonry construction across the country. Last year, The Mather was named the nation’s “Best Proposed Continuing Care Retirement Community” by the National Active Retirement Association.
Prospective residents of The Mather South have the opportunity to select residences from 101 apartment homes and more than 18 floor plans. The Mather sales team is now accepting 10 percent fully-refundable deposits for the south building.
In addition to the extensive fitness center, The Mather will feature seven dining venues and lounges, including rooftop dining with views of downtown Evanston, Lake Michigan and Chicago’s skyline; 24-hour concierge service; and “plant-your-own” garden plots as part of nearly two acres of lush gardens. As a Continuing Care Retirement Community, The Mather will also offer onsite health care, should residents ever need it.
The Mather is the latest addition to a family of senior living residences created by Mather LifeWays that strive to offer older adults the opportunity to pursue engaged and active lifestyles. The Mather is one of the Chicago-area’s newest and most comprehensive retirement communities, offering a full continuum of care from independent living through skilled nursing care.
“Connections,” The Mather sales office, is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and weekends from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. For more information, call (847) 492.7400 or visit www.thematherevanston.com.
Those interested in learning about employment opportunities at Mather LifeWays can call the job hotline: (847) 492-7600 or review current opening on the Mather LifeWays website: https://www.matherlifeways.com/root_currentjobs.asp.
About Mather LifeWays
Based in Evanston, Illinois, Mather LifeWays enhances the lives of older adults by creating Ways to Age Well.SM Founded in 1941 by entrepreneur and humanitarian Alonzo Mather, Mather LifeWays is a unique not-for-profit organization dedicated to providing a continuum of living and care; making neighborhoods better places for older adults to live, work, learn, contribute, and play; and identifying, implementing, and sharing best practices for wellness, workforce issues, memory care support, and empowering caregivers. To learn more about our senior residences, community initiatives and Institute on Aging, please call (847) 492.7500 or find your way to www.matherlifeways.com.